WHZ View: Kevin Nolan is deserving of more credit at West Ham
This week marks a year since former captain Kevin Nolan returned to West Ham to become a first-team coach.
Nolan came back with the club staring down the barrel of another relegation scrap. He’s become a vital component of David Moyes’ coaching staff, helping turn things around in east London as we push up the table.
Despite his long and loyal service, Nolan was a player who really divided opinion in east London. To be honest, I’ve never understood why.
Initially, he joined the Hammers in June of 2011. The club were in a shambolic state, having been relegated under the leadership of Avram Grant.
Nolan joined us in the Championship having just led Newcastle United back up as champions, which says a lot about his character.
The draw was most likely to work under Sam Allardyce again, but it didn’t matter. This was a big coup for us in a desperate time.
If we didn’t get that transfer window correct, who knows where the club would be today.
Under the guidance of Allardyce and captain Nolan, the Hammers won promotion back to the top-flight at the first time of asking.
He would have been under immense pressure to perform that year, but led us through with such ease.
Ask any West Ham fan what their most enjoyable season has been previously (apart from the last at the Boleyn) and they’ll tell you the Championship.
Nolan was incredible that season, possibly the player of the year in the division. He scored twelve times and assisted eight, although, it felt like he was scoring every game.
Most memorably was his volley at home to Derby in a 3-1 victory, under the lights of Upton Park. His first goal at home.
That’s the moment that reminds me of Nolan best.
We won 24 games, and then three times more in the play-offs. He was also outstanding in the 2-1 victory over Blackpool. Quite possibly the best day I’ve ever had as a West Ham fan, seeing my club win at Wembley.
People tend to forget how much trouble we were in after being relegated.
He came back to the club again to join Moyes’ coaching staff a year ago, and look at the change at the club in that time.
It’s not solely down to him, of course. But a big character such as his, with fantastic leadership skills, has definitely helped the dressing room.
He’s now directly been involved in two of my favourite seasons supporting the Hammers.
Long may it continue.
In other West Ham news, Frank McAvennie thinks we should have done more to sign Josh King.