Off-the-pitch matters are invariably important, but the most underlying aspects are surely on the pitch. Of course, on-the-pitch matters can themselves be helped by good financial management, but the money received for their former captain will not often get you much, certainly in terms of acquiring someone who will be equal to one that has regularly been the focal point of Newcastle’s successes in the past two season’s.
It would have to be the shrewdest piece of transfer business in the history of football to fund something in the region of £4million towards a player or a bunch of player’s who is or who are going to be more beneficial and have as much influence on his or their team like Nolan has, a footballer who has been the main driving force of the Magpies in his time with the club.
Usually, when players of his ilk leave for a club lower on the football scale as West Ham are to Newcastle at the moment, the media often express their surprise in the only way they know how. They would state something along the lines of, ‘‘KEVIN NOLAN IN SHOCK MOVE TO HAMMERS,’’ but concerned with Nolan, there has not been much of that type of headline. It seems that numerous people consider him to be just one of many an average player who is switching clubs in the summer, whereas I feel that he is a top game winner and one that doesn’t need to be forced to drop down a division.
I am sure most fans of Newcastle United were and are still dismayed by the sale of Nolan especially for the price he was adjudged to be worth, but again, there didn’t appear to be an abundant of eyebrows sufficiently raised at the prospect of losing the man who was an integral captain to his side and who has been their top marksmen for the previous two campaign’s not to mention being the top-scoring midfielder in the whole of the Premiership last season with twelve league goals. I had to retrieve my eyebrows from above my head upon hearing the news of his departure to the east end of London.
It was most likely his own decision to do so what with the chance of working with Sam Allardyce again who highly rates him as he is already looking to make him captain of his new Hammers side should Scott Parker expectantly move on. But to me, he is under appreciated from both sides. Most of my friend’s are West Ham supporters and there doesn’t seem to be much excitement at his transfer. They think it’s a good one, but not quite up there with Marco Boogers! Well, judging by most people’s reactions to the deal, that’s the impression I get. I personally believe that it is a fantastic signing, a real coup for the Hammers. This is a man who I feel should have been called up to the England squad (Nolan, not Boogers; the latter is Dutch) for his steely determination, creativity and free-scoring ways. It could have been just what England needed in their lacklustre displays of late.
Given what I’ve said thus far, I have perhaps painted a picture of a footballer with a somewhat undernourished ego. I am not saying we should shower him with every compliment under the sun, moon and sky and I am sure he knows how good he is, but a little appreciation from football fans and writers alike would not go amiss.
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All this “five years from now” talk is bollox. You don’t sell your captain and top scorer for a pittance when he’s only 29 if you have half a brain!
And besides, i can’t see Fat Mike keeping ANY player for 5 years if a decent offer comes in. He is running the club like he runs sports direct — buy on the cheap and get a quick profit. The fact he has scouts actively seeking out free transfers with “SELL-ON VALUE” is proof of that.
I suggest you don’t get too attached to the new signings. If they have a decent season they will be sold, simple as that.
We didn’t “let” him leave – he got a better contract from WHU and WANTED to leave. No point in keeping a player who’s heart is not in it.
Hope he does well at West Ham, but not the man I thought he was, as he had half his contract left to go (on a not insubstantial amount of money) and should have honoured the agreement he signed.
Ah well, onward and upward.
Well done Rick. youve managed to read message boards and taken a couple of weeks to formulate an opinion. dont give up your day job
I thought the same thing as soon as I heard about his departure, but it was still bugging me so I wrote about it. My formulated opinion is somewhat proved right going by all the comments here supporting his sale, but I was also referring to the big media points of view such as The Guardian, The Sun, Daily mail etc…who didn’t appear to profess any shock or reservations about his exit.
I would not offer a 5 year deal to a 29 year old either, especially one with no pace already. By the way I am sure the transfer record between two British clubs goes to chelsea and Liverpool for torres.
Yep, you’re right. I should have added ‘…a transfer record between two British teams for a British player.’
Nolan shone in the championship but struggled in the Premier league although his goals record from midfield spoke for itself..However, when Carroll left Nolans goals dried up (not Nolans fault) and he dissapeared in a season he should have relished. I can honestly count the number of great games he had both home and away on one hand, main critism of him is he was just too slow. I also believe Kevin rushed out the door far too quickly (two years left on contract and club captain) I wish Kevin all the best at West Ham Utd and believe the deal made sense for all parties. Word of warning for West Ham though, a five year deal was over generous to a player i dont see playing in three seasons time..Keiron Dyer anyone!