Kevin Nolan expressed his grief over not being able to continue with West Ham. Nolan took charge as first team coach in 2020 for The Hammers. However, the Englishman has left alongside David Moyes.
West Ham barely managed to finish in the top half of the table this season. The Hammers finished 9th with 52 points just 3 ahead of Crystal Palace. An unimpressive season saw the departure of David Moyes. Moyes guided The Hammers to their first ever European trophy with a UEFA Europa Conference League win in 2023.
Following Moyes’ departure, Julen Lopetegui will be taking charge of The Hammers.
Who is Kevin Nolan?
Kevin Nolan started his player career as a midfielder and began his youth career at Bolton Wanderers in 1997. Two years later, he played for Bolton’s first team. He was part of the team that qualified for the UEFA Cup for the first time in the club’s history. Additionally, Nolan was made the club captain in 2006.
In 2009, after more than a decade with Bolton, Nolan made a move to The Magpies in 2009 for £4 million. He scored his first career hattrick with Newcastle United. Moreover, he was crucial in helping the Magpies secure promotion back to the Premier League.
Followingly, he moved to West Ham in 2011. Nolan reunited with Sam Allardyce, his former coach at Bolton. Also, the midfielder was instrumental in West Ham’s promotion to the Premier League.
Towards the end of his career, Nolan took a role of player-manager for a year at Leyton Orient and a couple more with Notts County.
Nolan ended his 19-year senior player career with 607 appearances and scoring 111 goals.
West Ham fans wanted Nolan to stay!
West Ham fans wanted the beloved coach to stay. Nolan was a fan-favorite given his time as a player to the Hammers. However, staff reshuffling took place as Lopetegui’s arrival beckoned.
Nolan was one of the 8 staff members that had to leave The Hammers. Fans wanted Nolan to stay. Nolan would work as a mediator between fans’ expectations and management’s plan executions.
Regardless, Lopetegui only retained goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero. Moreover, Mark Robinson could be dropping down to the academy. As is the case with managers, Lopetegui brought his own familiar faces at West Ham.
Kevin Nolan speaks out on unfortunate West Ham exit!
Nolan revealed that he wanted to stay with The Hammers regardless of the managerial change.
However, keeping Nolan on-board wasn’t a part of the Spaniard’s plans.
“For me receiving the news on Monday was a bitter blow. It was disappointing on my behalf because I wanted to stay. But as we all know, it’s football and that’s it. That’s done now and we look forward and start thinking about the future…“
Additionally, he stated that he had a different contract than the other coaches.
“My contract was a bit different. My contract would have just rolled on with the new manager if he would have wanted me. But obviously he wants his new team which you get and you know, unfortunately I got the news on Monday.“
Nolan was disappointed as he had really hoped on staying with The Hammers. Nolan’s return to West Ham didn’t end the way he might have wanted. However, he is lauded by the West Ham fans and the respect is mutual.
Kevin Nolan holds no hard feelings towards the Hammers. Moreover, Nolan will be looking to offer his services elsewhere and succeed. Meanwhile The Hammers will be looking forward to playing under Julen Lopetegui.
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