Kevin Nolan

Kevin Nolan
Kevin Nolan.png
Personal information
Full name Kevin Anthony Jance Nolan[1]
Date of birth 24 June 1982 (1982-06-24) (age 28)[2]
Place of birth Liverpool, England
Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)[2]
Playing position Midfielder
Club information
Current club Newcastle United
Number 4
Youth career
1997–1999 Bolton Wanderers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
1999–2009 Bolton Wanderers 296 (40)
2009– Newcastle United 58 (19)
National team‡
2002–2004 England U21 2 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 15:00, 28 August 2010 (UTC).

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 16:59, 17 April 2010 (UTC)

Kevin Anthony Jance Nolan (born 24 June 1982) is an English professional footballer who plays for and captains Newcastle United in the Premier League. An attacking midfielder, he has represented England at under-21 level.

After growing up in Toxteth, Liverpool, Nolan signed for Bolton Wanderers at the age of 16. Part of the team that beat Preston North End in the 2001 Football League Championship play-offs to gain promotion to the Premier League, he soon became a regular first-team player for the club. He scored as Bolton beat Manchester United at Old Trafford in both of his first two seasons in the top tier of English football, as well as important goals that helped Bolton regularly finish in the top half of the Premier League table. Nolan was also a first team regular as Bolton qualified for the UEFA Cup for the first time in the club's history—where they reached the knockout stages. Following the departure of Jay-Jay Okocha in 2006, Nolan was appointed as the team captain, and he led the team once again to UEFA Cup qualification and, once again, eventual progression to the knockout round of the competition.

Following the arrival of Gary Megson as Bolton manager, the team's and Nolan's performances were criticised by a section of the club's fans. This resulted in the midfielder completing a £4 million transfer to Newcastle United in the January 2009 transfer window. He formed part of the team who were relegated to the Football League Championship at the end of the season, making ten appearances as the team finished in 18th position. Nolan's performances the following season were widely praised, as he scored 18 goals—including the first hat-trick of his career—to help the club gain promotion back to the Premier League as the division's champions. Following promotion, Nolan was promoted to club captain.

Contents

Biography

Born on 24 June 1982 in Liverpool, Merseyside,[2] Nolan was brought up by a football playing family in Toxteth,[3] and wanted to be a footballer from a young age. He attended Liverpool Blue Coat School and by the age of 14, he was playing for the City of Liverpool's schoolboys team.[4] As a child, he supported Liverpool,[5] although, conversely, his favourite players were Eric Cantona and Lee Sharpe of Manchester United.[5] Nolan became engaged in 2005, and married his fiancée Hayley in the summer of 2008. The couple had their first child, a daughter, in November 2006. Their second child, a son, was born in January 2010.[6][7]

Club career

Bolton Wanderers

Nolan was invited to a Bolton youth team training session by a friend, and was soon signed up to the club's books. At the age of 16 he was handed a year-to-year contract, coinciding with the opening of Bolton's academy. A year later he signed professional terms and made his first team debut.[8] He played the whole match as Bolton beat Preston North End in the First Division play-off, winning promotion to the FA Premier League.[9]

In the 2001–02 season, his first in the Premier League, Nolan scored eight league goals, including two at Leicester City on the opening day of the season.[2] He also scored Bolton's first goal as they beat Manchester United 2–1 at Old Trafford.[10] The following season he scored at Old Trafford again; Nolan's only goal of the season was the winner at Old Trafford in the game which saw Bolton record their second shock win at the ground in as many seasons, this time winning 1–0.[11] Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was reported to have been seen scouting Nolan.[12] Despite that win early in the season, the club were only saved from relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the season with a win against Middlesbrough.[13]

In the 2003–04 season, Nolan's goals against Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur helped Bolton finish eighth in the league. He also scored as the club beat Villa 5–2 in the semi-finals of the League Cup,[14] and was part of the team that was defeated 2–1 by Middlesbrough in the final.[2][15][16] Despite this defeat, Nolan's goals—a career-best 12 in all competitions—helped Bolton to their highest Premier League finishing position in over forty years.[2][13]

The following season, Nolan was part of the team who reached the FA Cup semi-final, before being defeated by Arsenal at the Reebok Stadium. Bolton also progressed in the league, with a 1–1 draw with Portsmouth in the final game of the season, and Nolan's four league goals helping to secure UEFA Cup qualification for the first time in their history.[2][17] The club reached the last 32 of the UEFA Cup the following season, with Kevin Nolan's goal in the first round defeat of Lokomotiv Plovdiv helping the club reach the group stages. He scored the winner as the club overcame FC Zenit Saint Petersburg 1–0 in the group stages,[18] and a further nine in the league to help Bolton finish eighth, missing out on European qualification.[2]

The 2006–07 season saw Nolan take over from the departed Jay-Jay Okocha as club captain.[8] His three league goals helped Bolton to once again qualify for the UEFA Cup. Nolan's long throw-in set up a goal which helped Bolton achieve a 2–2 draw away against German champions Bayern Munich, who dominated the match.[19] Despite reaching the first knockout round, Bolton's league form suffered as they were pulled into a relegation fight,[20] eventually finishing the season one point above the relegation zone in 16th. Nolan scored in the 2–0 win over Sunderland in May that virtually secured the club's Premier League status.[21]

Having made 323 league appearances for the club, in January 2009 the Bolton captain began talks with representatives of Newcastle United over a move to the north-east club, following perceived criticism of his performances by some of the club's supporters.[22]

Newcastle United

Nolan (top) and Nicky Butt, during a Newcastle match.

On 29 January 2009 it was revealed that Newcastle had agreed a £4 million fee with Bolton,[23] which was confirmed the next day with Nolan travelling to Tyneside to discuss terms and undergo a medical.[24] Nolan completed his move on the same day, signing a four and a half year contract.[25] On 22 February, Nolan received his first red card playing for Newcastle United in a home match against Everton for a two-footed foul on Victor Anichebe.[26] At the end of the season, Newcastle were relegated. Nolan was be one of the more vocal Newcastle players over the summer, demanding an end to the off the field distractions at the club, and suggesting the club should be looking to acquire players for an immediate return to the Premier League.[27]

Nolan played a key role in Newcastle's push for promotion the following season;[28] he scored his first league goal for Newcastle on 22 August against Crystal Palace,[29][30] and the first hat-trick of his career as part of a 4–0 away win against Ipswich Town on 26 September.[31][32] Nolan captained Newcastle for the first time in a 5–1 win against Cardiff City taking over for the absent Nicky Butt and Alan Smith.[33] After an 11 game goal drought, Nolan picked up his 11th league goal of the season on 20 February against Preston North End in a 3–0 win. He followed this up with the final goal in Newcastle's 6–1 drubbing of Barnsley two games later. He was voted as the Championship Player of the Year at the Football League Awards on 16 March.[34] On 5 April 2010, Newcastle United secured automatic promotion to the Premier League, after fellow contenders Nottingham Forest failed to beat Cardiff.[35] Newcastle took to the field hours later in front of 48,750 fans and Nolan scored the winner with a scissor-kick in the 2–1 win over Sheffield United.[36]

Nolan was named as the new Newcastle United club captain for the 2010-11 season, succeeding the retired Nicky Butt. Nolan scored a double in Newcastle's first home game in the new season in a 6 - 0 win against Aston Villa

International career

Nolan has previously been called-up to the England Under-18s[37] and Under-21s and some commentators acknowledged that he could be a future candidate for the England squad.[38] Reports have claimed that Nolan could be called up to the Republic of Ireland[37] or Netherlands squads due to his ancestry.[39]

Career statistics

As of 28 August 2010[8][40]
Club Season League Cup League Cup Continental Other[41] Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Bolton Wanderers 1999–00 4 0 0 0 0 0 – 0 0 4 0
2000–01 31 1 4 2 0 0 – 2 0 37 3
2001–02 35 8 2 0 2 0 – 0 0 39 8
2002–03 33 1 2 0 1 0 – 0 0 36 1
2003–04 37 9 2 1 5 2 – 0 0 44 12
2004–05 36 4 4 0 2 0 – 0 0 42 4
2005–06 36 9 3 0 2 0 7 2 0 0 48 11
2006–07 31 3 2 1 1 1 – 0 0 34 5
2007–08 33 5 0 0 1 0 5 0 0 0 39 5
2008–09 20 0 1 0 1 1 – 0 0 22 1
Total 296 40 20 4 15 4 12 2 2 0 345 50
Newcastle United 2008–09 11 0 0 0 0 0 – – 11 0
2009–10 44 17 2 0 2 1 – – 48 18
2010–11 3 2 0 0 1 0 – – 4 2
Total 58 19 2 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 63 20
Career total 354 59 22 4 18 5 12 2 2 0 408 70

Honours

Club

Bolton Wanderers
Newcastle United

Individual

References

  1. ↑ Hugman, Barry J. (2005). The PFA Premier & Football League Players' Records 1946-2005. Queen Anne Press. p. 460. ISBN 1852916656. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 "Kevin Nolan Profile". Newcastle United F.C.. http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/kevin-nolan-newcastle_2241082_8217. Retrieved 5 April 2010. 
  3. ↑ Rich, Tim (22 February 2009). "Moyes admits Everton are 'close to breaking point' as injuries mount". London: The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/feb/22/newcastle-everton-st-james-park-premier-league. Retrieved 7 April 2009. 
  4. ↑ O'Keeffe, Greg (24 May 2007). "When you walk through a storm...". Liverpool Echo. http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/05/24/when-you-walk-through-a-storm-100252-19181179/. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Kevin Nolan column". BBC Sport. 23 August 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/5271162.stm. Retrieved 24 November 2009. 
  6. ↑ "Kevin Nolan column". BBC Sport. 23 November 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6174098.stm. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  7. ↑ Lee Ryder (22 January 2010). "Kevin Nolan: We can win no matter who plays". Evening Chronicle. http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2010/01/22/kevin-nolan-we-can-win-no-matter-who-plays-72703-25661227/. Retrieved 30 April 2010. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Kevin Nolan Profile". Bolton Wanderers F.C.. http://www.bwfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,1004~8217,00.html. Retrieved 5 April 2010. 
  9. ↑ "Championship Play-Off - Final - KO 15:00". Soccerbase. http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=308258. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  10. ↑ "Ricketts snatches Bolton win". BBC Sport. 20 October 2001. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/1607614.stm. Retrieved 23 October 2009. 
  11. ↑ "Bolton haunt Man Utd". BBC Sport. 11 September 2002. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2245927.stm. Retrieved 23 October 2009. 
  12. ↑ "Fergie watches Nolan". Manchester Evening News. 16 February 2006. http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/sport/football/manchesterunited/s/204/204718_fergie_watches_nolan.html. Retrieved 6 May 2007. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Club History 2000 - 2005". Bolton Wanderers F.C.. http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/History/0,,1004~535733,00.html. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  14. ↑ "Bolton 5-2 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. 21 January 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/3412549.stm. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  15. ↑ "Season 2003/04". Premier League. http://www.premierleague.com/page/2003/04Season. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  16. ↑ McCarra, Kevin (1 March 2004). "Zenden's slip ends anguish for Boro". London: The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2004/mar/01/match.boltonwanderers. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  17. ↑ Taylor, Daniel (14 March 2005). "Allardyce wallows in sour grapes". London: The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2005/mar/14/match.sport1. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  18. ↑ "Bolton 1-0 Z St Petersburg". BBC Sport. 3 November 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4399156.stm. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  19. ↑ "Bayern Munich 2-2 Bolton". BBC Sport. 8 November 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7076603.stm. 
  20. ↑ "Aston Villa 4-0 Bolton". BBC Sport. 5 April 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7320179.stm. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  21. ↑ "Bolton 2-0 Sunderland". BBC Sport. 3 May 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7368642.stm. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  22. ↑ Roughley, Gregg (29 January 2009). "Nolan set for switch as Newcastle agree fee with Bolton". London: The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jan/29/kevin-nolan-premierleague-newcastle-united-bolton-wanderers. Retrieved 7 April 2009. 
  23. ↑ "Magpies set for Nolan swoop". Sky Sports. 29 January 2009. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_4871669,00.html. Retrieved 30 January 2009. 
  24. ↑ "Megson confirms Nolan deal". Sky Sports. 30 January 2009. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_4873351,00.html. Retrieved 30 January 2009. 
  25. ↑ "Nolan seals Magpies switch". Sky Sports. 30 January 2009. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_4873795,00.html. Retrieved 30 January 2009. 
  26. ↑ "Anichebe feared the worse after Kevin Nolan's horror tackle". London: The Daily Telegraph. 23 February 2009. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/everton/4787064/Evertons-Victor-Anichebe-feared-the-worst-after-Kevin-Nolans-horror-tackle.html. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  27. ↑ "Nolan calls for fresh faces". Sky Sports. 2009-08-05. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_5474078,00.html. Retrieved 2009-08-05. 
  28. ↑ Stewart, Rob (2 Apr 2010). "Kevin Nolan hails Chris Hughton's Newcastle 'revolution' as promotion beckons". London: The Daily Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/championship/newcastleunited/7547824/Kevin-Nolan-hails-Chris-Hughtons-Newcastle-revolution-as-promotion-beckons.html. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  29. ↑ "Crystal Palace 0 - 2 Newcastle". BBC Sport. 22 August 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8202191.stm. Retrieved 24 August 2009. 
  30. ↑ Mellor, Jason (6 April 2010). "Nolan kick-starts promotion party". London: The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/nolan-kickstarts-promotion-party-1936787.html. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  31. ↑ "Ipswich 0 - 4 Newcastle". BBC Sport. 26 September 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8263393.stm. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  32. ↑ Ryder, Lee (September 29, 2009). "Chris Hughton hails goal hero Kevin Nolan". icNewcastle. http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/newcastleunited/sundaysun/tm_headline=chris-hughton-hails-goal-hero-kevin-nolan&method=full&objectid=24806900&siteid=72703-name_page.html. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  33. ↑ "Match Report Newcastle 5 - 1 Cardiff". Newcastle United F.C.. 5 February 2010. http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20100205/newcastle-5-cardiff-1_2241069_47944. Retrieved 9 February 2010. 
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Nolan Named Player of the Year". ESPN Star Sports. 16 March 2010. http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item413413/Nolan-named-player-of-the-year/. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  35. ↑ "Newcastle United back in top flight!". ESPN Star Sports. 6 April 2010. http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item423208/Newcastle-United-back-in-the-top-flight!/. Retrieved 10 April 2010. 
  36. ↑ Taylor, Louise (5 April 2010). "Newcastle celebrate with Kevin Nolan classic against Sheffield United". London: The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/05/newcastle-united-sheffield-united-championship. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 Nixon, Alan (2002-01-17). "Republic lose out on Nolan". London: The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/republic-lose-out-on-nolan-663574.html. Retrieved 2008-09-19. 
  38. ↑ "Alan Hansen's column". BBC Sport. 27 February 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4755020.stm. Retrieved 6 May 2007. 
  39. ↑ Nelson, Guy (26 July 2006). "Dutch doors open to Nolan". Manchester Evening News. http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/bolton_wanderers/s/218/218964_dutch_doors_open_to_nolan_.html. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  40. ↑ "Kevin Nolan Career Stats". Soccerbase. 28 December 2009. http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=19389. Retrieved 28 December 2009. 
  41. ↑ Includes other competitive competitions, including the FA Community Shield and the Football League Championship play-offs
  42. ↑ "Nolan picks up Player of the Month award". ESPNsoccernet. 10 March 2010. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=361306&cc=5739. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 
  43. ↑ "Nolan pleased with form". Sky Sports. 3 November 2009. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5671978,00.html. Retrieved 7 April 2010. 

External links

Sporting positions
Preceded by
Jay-Jay Okocha		 Bolton Wanderers F.C. captain
2005–2009		 Succeeded by
Kevin Davies
Preceded by
Nicky Butt		 Newcastle United F.C. captain
2010–		 Succeeded by
Incumbent
2009–10 Football League Championship Team of the Year
GK: Lee Camp  · RB: Chris Gunter  · CB: Fabricio Coloccini  · CB: Ashley Williams  · LB: José Enrique  · RM: Graham Dorrans  · CM: Peter Whittingham  · CM: Kevin Nolan  · LM: Charlie Adam  · ST: Andy Carroll  · ST: Michael Chopra
Newcastle United F.C. – current squad

1 Harper · 2 Coloccini · 3 Enrique · 4 Nolan (c) · 5 Campbell · 6 Williamson · 7 Barton · 8 Guthrie · 9 Carroll · 10 Routledge · 11 Løvenkrands · 12 Simpson · 14 Perch · 15 Gosling · 16 R. Taylor · 17 Smith · 18 Gutiérrez · 19 Xisco · 20 Best · 23 Ameobi · 24 Tioté · 26 Krul · 27 S. Taylor · 28 Kádár · 29 Vučkić · 30 Ranger · 31 Ferguson · 32 Donaldson · 33 Söderberg · 34 Tavernier · 36 McDermott · 37 Ben Arfa · 39 Edmundsson · 47 Inman · Manager: Pardew