Kevin Nolan…the club’s marquee summer signing has proved an enigmatic capture to say the least. Brought to the club to replace the talismanic Scotty Parker and to help the club achieve its sole goal of the season: promotion back to the land of milk, honey and match of the day; just as he had done at Newcastle in an almost identical situation.
During that season for the Toon Nolan resembled his fellow Scouser Steven Gerrard in his pomp, coming up with equalisers, winners and long range screamers. Leading by example he skippered Newcastle as they swept all before them to reclaim their place in the Premier League with relative ease; scooping the Championship player of the year award in the process.
This is the Kevin Nolan that Hammers fans were expecting to see grace the pitch at Boleyn…but after 20 games it’s fair to say that the Nolan who was so inspirational for Newcastle in their hour of need has yet to materialise. I feel so far Nolan has done alright; he’s got six goals from midfield so far this season and is our 2nd top scorer behind Carlton Cole.
There have been moments this campaign where Nolan has shown his undoubted quality; one only has to think back to the Brighton game, a contest in which we were simply under cosh all night…who capitalised on an error and immediately punished it with a lovely finish which turned out to be the winner? Or even more recently against Derby with the score locked at 1-1 Nolan produced a magnificent volley to finally swing the contest in our favour.
When Nolan was signed it was portrayed that he was going to be a direct replacement for Parker; which I felt placed an unfair expectation on him as he’s a different type of player; whilst Scotty was an all action midfielder who excelled as a tireless box to box type who could do a bit of everything: tackle, score and create. Nolan is simply an attacking midfield player; he’s at his best when he’s getting on the end of chances that others create.
Whilst I would say it’s unlikely Nolan will reach the level he did at Newcastle in this league for us I still believe he can prove his worth; the wonder-goal against Derby was proof indeed of the quality he possess. I’d also say that in terms of the captaincy he’s a massive step-up from Matthew Upson…just what did it say about Upson’s tenure as captain that during his entire reign the media constantly referred to Parker as the skipper?
With six goals to his name Nolan is well on his way to double figures for the season and I predict many a late winner at home and on the road as we push for promotion back to the promised land.
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Nolan has already proved his worth, with goals and even the mere threat of goals which drags defenders towards him. But I reckon it is his leadership from the middle of the park that is his biggest contribution: We’ve looked much more disciplined since he and Sam took the lead.
The same Kevin Nolan who lumbered into the 6 yard box for what should have been a simple tap-in and put it wide; then scored an excellent goal, but ruined it by not bothering to jump with Sam Vokes for their winner?
The jury is MASSIVELY out on him still for me
nice to have a proper captain on the pitch this season, always talking to other players. I think we will win more than we lose with this guy.
I am sorry, Nolan was no Gerrard when he was at Newcastle. Once Carroll left he didn’t score, when he doesn’t score he brings nothing to the table whatsoever. He wanted another 5 years at Newcastle, can you imagine how immobile he will be then. You’ve had your eyes taken out chaps!
Have you ever actually been to a game because as usual, you have no idea.
We hadn’t had a scoring midfielder that had got into double figures for years. Nolan did that and took the pressure off the strikers. Looking at your records, you haven’t had a scoring midfielder that has got into double figures for years. Nolan is on his way to achieving that. More than that, the man is a motivator and a leader.
Memphis is right, I liked Nolan and he will score you goals and be a leader on the pitch but when he’s not scoring he’ll offer little else I’m afraid. That said if his goals help get you up then job done. Good luck and see you next season.
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