‘Players and staff love him’ – Afolayan hails West Ham coach Kevin Nolan
Oladapo Afolayan has credited West Ham first-team coach Kevin Nolan for nurturing his development as he embarks on a crucial loan spell away from the east-end.
The 22-year-old hit the headlines in January when he scored on his Irons debut in the 4-0 thrashing of Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup fourth-round.
He has since joined League Two side strugglers Bolton Wanderers on loan for the rest of the current campaign and could make his second debut in a matter of weeks when the Trotters host Morecambe on Tuesday.
In an interview with The Bolton News, Afolayan hailed Nolan’s impact on the West Ham squad, saying: “Kev has been great. Ever since he came to the club he took a keen eye on the younger lads who were pushing for the first team and he helps make that transition smoother, giving advice and tips.
“The first team players and staff love him and the players who are pushing through really look up to him as well. He has really helped me.”
Nolan spent ten successful years at Bolton in his playing days and likely had a key role in advising a Bolton move, showing the key role of a youthful first-team coach who still has his ear to the ground.
Time to shine
The stage is set for Afolayan to rip up League Two and usher Bolton away from any threats of an unthinkable relegation to the National League.
Bolton are 10 points above Grimsby Town who occupy the final relegation spot but they have a couple of games in hand and are only 11 points away from the play-off places so there is certainly scope to improve.
Afolayan’s last loan spell was at Mansfield Town in 2019/20 where six appearances yielded a single goal but he has certainly been in the thick of it for the West Ham u-23s this season with five goals in 11 Premier League 2 outings.
His brief cameo against Doncaster showed his threat and why the Irons took a plunge on him from Solihull Moors in 2018.
He was a late bloomer by most standards and he will be hoping that his belated West Ham debut was not his last in a Claret and Blue shirt.
At the age of 22 time looks to be running out on his Hammers career but with the guidance of Nolan behind him he has the backing of an important figure at the London Stadium and will be looking to showcase his abilities in League Two.
In other West Ham news, our three big takes from the draw at Fulham.