When West Ham signed Kevin Nolan on 16th June 2011 in all honesty I didn’t really know what to make of it. He had three good seasons at Newcastle United and showed commitment to them when they were relegated in 2009. During the two following seasons he showed great form and something he hadn’t really shown at his time at Bolton Wanderers, a keen eye for a goal which insured Newcastle’s instant return to the Premier league with 17 goals in 44 games. His following season at Newcastle in the Premier League resulted in 12 goals in 30 games which made him Newcastle’s top goal scorer that season.
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So when he signed for West Ham in 2011 my initial thought was Newcastle have seen his best 2 seasons now but I also did think he could be a great addition to a squad in the Npower Championship.
In his first season at West Ham he was instantly made club captain and guided West Ham straight back to the Premier league playing 43 games and scored 12 goals. Aside from his goals he added that bit of steadiness and bite and a cool head in the middle of the park and this seems to have rubbed off on Mark Noble who I feel has blossomed playing with him. Nolan has became a firm fan favourite at the club making losing Scott Parker that bit easier. Gaining promotion at the end of the season showed he still has a lot to offer and what he did at Newcastle wasn’t just a coincidence!
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Now back in the Premier League and with West Ham having made a excellent start to the season he is still proving me wrong and continuing to play a vital role in the team and proving he is really the Captain Marvel and vital to the club! Linking up with Andy Carroll may prove to be excellent business by Big Sam and I hope they can capture the form and communication they showed at Newcastle!!
Why Do I feel he is the Captain Marvel?
Well he is just excellent and he adds the bite and heart that every midfield needs. He is a great role model for younger players in the team with both his attitude and dedication. The fact he works so well with Big Sam is also a bonus!!!
I hope to see the Chicken Dance down the Chicken Run for a good few seasons to come!!
Carl Bateson
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Captain MArvel is doing a good job, he is scoring goals and keeping the dressing room together, he kept Andy Carroll in line when they were at Newcastle & it sounds like he is his motavartor at Upton Park.
It will be great if we win tomorrow, I will be one prouds Hammers supporter along with my cat Bubbles.