Kevin Nolan

Kevin Anthony Jance Nolan is an English professional footballer who is the current club captain of West Ham United in the Premier League. He plays as an attacking midfielder and has represented England at under-21 level. Nolan signed for Bolton Wanderers at the age of 16. A year later, he made his professional debut, playing in the whole match, as Bolton Wanderers beat Preston North End in the First Division play-off, winning promotion to the FA Premier League. He has made 323 league appearance for the club and a total of 40 goals. On 30 January 2009, Nolan transferred to Newcastle United on four and a half year contract for a £4 million fee. Nolan played a key role in Newcastle\'s push for promotion the following season. He scored his first league goal for Newcastle on 22 August against Crystal Palace, and the first hat-trick of his career, as part of a 4–0 away win against Ipswich Town on 26 September. He was voted as the Championship Player of the Year at the Football League Awards on 16 March. Nolan was named as the new Newcastle United club captain for the 2010–11 season; he scored his first Premier League hat-trick on 31 October 2010. On 26 February 2011, Nolan scored his 50th Premier League goal, against his former club, Bolton Wanderers. On 16 June 2011, he signed with West Ham United on a five-year contract. He was appointed captain soon after his arrival and led the team to an instant return to the Premier League.