Premier League legend takes over as Northampton Town boss as he returns to management after six years out
KEVIN NOLAN has been named the new manager of Northampton Town – six years after his last managerial role.
The Premier League legend has been out of work since leaving West Ham at the end of last season.
Nolan, 42, was working as a coach at the Hammers under David Moyes but was surplus to requirements following the arrival of Julen Lopetegui.
During his time at West Ham, where he also played, he helped the side win the European Conference League in 2023.
He will now return to the dugout as the manager of Northampton Town – who are 20th in the table – having replaced Jon Brady.
He has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the League One strugglers.
He said: “I am delighted to be appointed the new manager of Northampton Town and I cannot wait to get going.
“We have a busy schedule over the Christmas and New Year period so the challenge is to hit the ground running as best we can.
“The club has a fine reputation in the game as being a well run club and it is clear it has moved forward on and off the pitch over the last few seasons.
“I am proud and honoured to be given the chance to try and continue and develop that work.
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“I believe the squad can make progress up the table and I am determined to repay the faith that the board of directors have shown in me.
“We don’t have any time to lose, it might be Christmas but we have a lot of work to do in a short space of time and I hope the supporters will come with us as we start our journey.
Chairman's view on Nolan appointment
Northampton chairman Kelvin Thomas shared his views on Nolan's appointment...
He said: “Kevin was very impressive through the process and showed a real desire for the job.
“He has done well in difficult circumstances in both of his previous managerial jobs and he impressed us with his knowledge, his energy, his experience and his passion. He showed a real desire and enthusiasm for the role, he couldn’t wait to get started and he has already taken charge of training for the first time.
“He has been a leader throughout his career. Whether that be as a player where he was a Premier League captain of some distinction, to his managerial career where he enjoyed success at both of his previous clubs in difficult circumstances, to being a successful coach back in the Premier League, he has a hugely impressive CV.
“He is also very well connected and respected throughout the game. He has a fine record of working with players at all levels and of all ages and we are excited to welcome Kevin to the club.
“Kevin has been held in high esteem by both players and supporters of his previous clubs and we are delighted to have been able to secure his services for Northampton Town.
“Our immediate target is to try and move up the table and while we understand we have challenges to overcome, we believe Kevin is well placed to lead us forward on that.”
“We will need their backing and I can promise them we will be doing all we can to turn the results around.”
Nolan does bring managerial experience with him to the Sixfields Stadium.
He started his managerial career with Leyton Orient as a player-manager, in which he won seven of 15 matches.
He was named the manager of Notts County in January 2017.
The former midfielder lifted the club away from the threat of relegation in his first season before a play-off finish in his second.
During his playing days, he turned out for the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle, West Ham and Leyton Orient.
He made 401 appearances in the Premier League and scored 69 goals.
Nolan's playing career
Here is a look at Kevion Nolan's playign career...
Bolton Wanderers – 1999-2009
- Appearances: 342
- Goals: 50
Newcastle United – 2006-2011
- Appearances: 91
- Goals: 30
West Ham United – 2011-2015
- Appearances: 157
- Goals: 31
Leyton Orient – 2016
- Appearances: 14
- Goals: 0