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.
Totally agree with you I think h is great or team motivation and morale but on the pitch not premiership standard.
Great character and a good captain, his recent performances have been woeful and he seems to be carrying a bit of weight at the moment!!! I think he’s big Sam’s voice on the pitch hence he won’t be dropped unfortunately!
couldnt agree more we play with 10 men every week ..please tell me wat he brings to the team …?
As well as we have done in the last 4 or 5 games i cant help but think we would have picked up a few more wins if we had a fit joe cole or jack collison playing instead of the captain. To me with Nolan playing playing the team seem so devoid of any pace,if big sam is determined to play with one striker surely the support to Andy carroll has got to carry a bit more pace than Nolan.I think this is a area that has to addressed next season.
Who is our top scorer this season?
Andy carroll and if c.cole m.maigia, j.cole, or j.collison had have had the same game time as nolan maybe they would have 6 goals too.
he is our joint top scorer, captain and voice on and off the pitch, his influance on the game is more than goals, infact check out his actual stats, he does a lot of running…oh and he is playing with a broken bone in his foot, he came back early and is having pain killing injections
yes he lacks pace and his fitness looks like its at an all time low but he still has a season or two left in him at the top level if he gets fit (and if big sam stays)
Totally disagree. The first proper captain we have had since bondsy. What he lacks, he makes up for in bundles cause he is a fighter, organiser and leader. He stops us being bullied. so many of our teams have lacked that.
The most influential and underestimated player in getting us back to the PL last season.
The leader we have often lacked – cut him a bit of slack guys.
I am glad that other people can see Nolan for what he is. When you are scoring goals your loved, but no goals from the captain and is more or less been a passenger. Granted he maybe good more moral etc, but look how we performed undre the of Mark Noble who I believe should have the arm band. With 10 men he put in a shift and rallied the troops, what more do you want??.
As long as Sam is at the reigns Nolan will always chosen over our ex Academy players, who will eventually go else where and bite us in the arse. We need foxes in the box not ex Bolton,Blackburn beasts. If Stoke go down Sam will be doing a dance.
Lets nick 3 points tomorrow and chillout……….
Good point Repka. Nolan’s best days are behind him and as we have done so many times over the years, another player that we have signed too late in his career. But the fact is this, he is one goal away from 100 goals and that is a great effort from midfield
Its no coincidence that Carroll is scoring. Watch Nolan in the opposition area as two men mark him thereby giving Carroll and others more space. Nolan’s role is vastly under-rated. Shall we scrap the pacemen from athletics? after all they don’t do anything do they? See the whole picture. The weak link in midfield has been Noble. How have we been doing while he’s been injured?
I agree his a fighter and builds team spirit, but sam cannot keep playing him in such a pivitol position in the side especially if his playing with a broken toe as daz says.
nolan got to go
You are seriously deluded about our captain, we would have less points without him in the team! I like collision however he looked awful when brought on against the mancs!
Yes, he has scored a few goals, but he takes up the place of a 2nd striker who could definitely contribute more than Nolan. Get rid.
I wouldnt go that far but i think we have to rethink his position in the team,and why is sam so determined to play him week in week out even whilst injured.
I think we need a new attacking mid altogether, nolans past his best and collision is injury prone Mabye someone from Spain or Germany on the cheap.
bring back cole up front give him a chance or sell him
I trust Big Sam to asses and make the right decisions at the right time. Many of us supporters try to micro manage and are possibly ultra critical on a game by game basis via fans forums etc.
Being a little older I realise that building a team takes time and NOBODY can be as critical or aware of a player than the manager, and I have every confidence Big Sam will get it right!
COYI
It never ceases to amaze me at some of the comments made from those who pretend to be supporters. Those who continue to protest about playing the West Ham Way. Just get a life we are looking at finishing mid table with minimum spending and you are still moaning. Until some billionaire arrives on the scene and buys the club what we have is the best we can hope for.
Well said mate
You want to know the real reasons why our “captain” is under performing? Because hes out on the piss all the time, seen it for myself and so have others i know!! A couple sundays ago he was in out in a bar in leyton, not going to name it! He was absolutely smashed not just having a casual drink ..he was wrecked!!! Ive also herd from a close source that its not just every sunday either its sometimes a few nights early on in the week!! Thats why his fitness is not up to scratch, booze ruins fitness ..fact and thats his problem!! I like nolan but when you under performing on 60 k a week a piss up should be the last thing on your mind..end of!!!
First Collison cannot play more than 25 games a season at the moment because he carries a knee problem. second I reckon BS knows more about football than the army of armchair managers on this site. Fair enough we all have the right to an opinion and a moan but get real we were in line to be portsmouth mark 2 in serious money trouble and relegated. BS has done what he was brought in to do and given time will make us stronger. I for one like to hear Red Nose Fergie saying that we took a pound of flesh when they came down on wednesday and would like to whole EPL to know that when you come to UP you will not get an easy ride. The football will also improve as it did at Bolton… No brainer….
Armchair manager? Er no mate. Just a fan with an opinion.
Wat aloud of rubbish u idiot this just a insult to our intelligence that what u have said is to get people like me to right on ur website , if u want to rite stuff then write stuff that makes sence , doh
Ausie,
There’s more than a hint of irony that you’re commenting on the intelligence of others when when your command of the English language is nothing short of pathetic. Anyway, Nolan’s a passenger and has been for a considerable time, you really don’t need to be a Premier League Manager to realise that.
COYI
Wat did he do tonight smiff, we r txt my friend get a life hammer for ever
Your writing makes no sense so this doesn’t really warrant a reply.
Listen to me you Illiterate prick ,the kid that writes this is a Passionate season ticket holder and me thinks you need to get out more. wanker