The man who splits opinions at Upton Park; West Ham captain Kevin Nolan seems to have hit a bit of a brick wall this season, especially in the goals department (he hasn’t scored since January).
He performed to a reasonably high standard last year and captained the side that saw West Ham promoted at the first chance, but has been off the pace this season.
I must say, I’ve never been a fan of Nolan. The former Newcastle United midfielder does pop up with important goals but other than that he does not contribute enough for me. His fitness levels are extremely questionable, as is his passing ability, especially in the last couple of games has been somewhat shameful for a Premier League footballer.
With Sam Allardyce, you get Nolan, as seen at Bolton, Newcastle and now West Ham. They seem to enjoy each other’s company. Maybe if Nolan were to be dropped when underperforming his attitude may be different, but when fit he’s guaranteed a place in the starting 11 ahead of players with more talent than him such as a favourite of mine, number 10, Jack Collison.
Although, for his flaws he does have undoubted leadership qualities both on and off the pitch, but is that enough? I don’t think so. The number 4 is a passenger most games, something we can’t afford at this level and whenever I see him on pitch, he’s either laughing or talking to the ref.
It all depends on Big Sam’s future, if he leaves come the end of the season then I do think Nolan’s chances will be limited as players like Collison will be preferred by a manager with a different outlook on the game. However if he stays then I can only see Nolan captaining us again next season and played the majority of the games.
I for one wouldn’t mind seeing him on the coaching staff or as the half time team talk specialist, but on the pitch, at this current time, he just isn’t performing.
Amazing how all of the players mentioned in this Blog have one thing in common …Nolan ,Collison ,Cole… They are all NOT GOOD ENOUGH !!Add Noble and Tomkins to the list and get rid off them . Bring in new blood with an appetite and ability . Loyalty is to be praised but not without talent .
Mr Bubbles have a look at the players u have mentioned , One player u have mentioned Tomkins will be a future captain of England dont even think about selling him only at his early 20s there is plenty of upside on him, Noble is a fighter yes he makes mistakes but he to only mid 20s Collision maybe but he early 20s , Nolan hes more than ok , Carroll would buy and keep him for ever have an experienced forward beside him he will learn more, but thats if Allerdice changes his formation , we have a great future now even more we have the Olympic ground , Hammers for ever
Nolan,I believe,has served his purpose,he was brought in,at great expense,to get us up,and then help to keep us up,which he has helped to do by guiding the younger players and grabbing the odd goal,so pretty much job done. I think next year he will be phased out by being substituted or on the bench,and hopefully get a more dynamic player in behind Carroll,if we can keep him. I think we have to go 442 at home and 451 away,we’ve been too negative this year away from home and if we keep Diame and Carroll,which I don’t think we will,and add 3 or 4 decent players,we’ll be a force next year!! COYI!!!
we do need to get rid of a few to bring new blood in ie oneil carlton cole collison and i think nolan is past his best if we could get andy carroll that would be amazing not another player in the prem like him but we need a poacher to play up top with him id like to see charlie austin come here scores with both feet and his head im a swindon man and ive seen him in action plenty of times
Morrison behind the striker.