I feel like I need to write this and excuse myself for comments earlier this season – Kevin Nolan has completely changed my opinion of him. Regular readers of my articles will know that I was far from being a fan of Nolan when he first came to the club, criticising him for not pulling his weight in the team.
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But in the past few matches – I’m thinking his return from his ban was the catalyst that changed my opinion – I think Nolan has been superb, and has truly deserved his captaincy. He seems to chase every ball now and really put a shift in – something I couldn’t imagine saying earlier on in the campaign.
The whole team seems to have really been boosted since he came back from his suspension, with the style of play being great to watch. Nolan’s work rate has massively increased and he doesn’t seem to get so aggravated, although he still sticks up for his team mates when they’re having an issue with the ref!
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Tony Cottee recently said of Nolan: “Kevin has had his fair share of criticism this season but I don’t think you can argue with what has been a strong season from him. He has scored some crucial goals over the course of the season – and his work off the pitch is just as important. I think he has been a tremendous leader for the side this season and it hasn’t been easy for him.”
And I must say I agree. So Kev, I’m sorry I doubted you – you came good in the end when it mattered the most!
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Totally agree with your post. Shame we didn’t have Nolan before instead of that waste of a shirt Upson. 3-1 for the Hammers on Saturday, Captain Nolan 1st scorer.
In Sam we Trust
COYI X
Sorry Kevin for criticising you for only putting in 80% for most of the season.
I must congratulate you. Once automatic promotion was no longer on the cards you pulled your finger out and played like you should have all season.
Thank you.
Disagree. Nolan has NOT put a season long shift in like Noble. No good playing well now when the bloody seasons finished ??? There have been too many games to mention when West Ham have been one light in the midfield where Nolan has just been on the fringes of the game. If he had lived up to his big money reputation, then may be we would have made the automatic slot. His goal tally cant be faulted however, so credit where its due on that front.
Agree
Simple logic should apply here – at the start of the season a wise commentator suggested that Nolan would score 12-15 goals that would be the difference between us going up or not. All going well on Saturday that will be spot on. I think for a lad of his age he has paced himself perfectly….a testimony to the wisdom of the successful veteran. A more difficult call would be whether he will be up to a starting position next year if we get promoted?
I agree with you – he has definitely upped his game since the ban, and over the course of the season has been a valuable addition to the side, not least his goal scoring contribution. I do agree with the comment about Noble – he fully deserved our Hammer of the Year trophy – but that should detract that, as one commenter said, Nolan is the captain that Upson should have been.
COYI!
x
Nolan has had to make a new life down south, and i think he has a done a very good job considering. New team, new life, new captain. He was unfit at the start of the season, now he is fit we are seeing the rewards. Unlike some hammers i am so happy with how this season has gone, and hopefully saturday will top of great season. In Sam AND NOLAN we trust. COYI!!