Kevin Nolan, the former West Ham captain and first-team coach, has spoken for the first time since his departure from the club, revealing that new manager Julen Lopetegui declined the opportunity to retain him as part of the coaching setup.
West Ham announced at the end of the season that David Moyes would be leaving after his four-and-a-half-year second spell in East London. Speculation about Moyes’ future had been rife in the media for months, debating whether he would receive a new deal or part ways with the club.
Prior to Julen Lopetegui’s official appointment as the club’s new manager earlier this week, it was also announced that eight members of the first-team staff would be leaving. This included fan favourite and former Hammers skipper Kevin Nolan.
Nolan, who remains highly regarded among the club’s supporters, was a hopeful candidate to be retained in some capacity. Speaking on BBC 5 Live Sport’s Friday Football Social, Nolan broke his silence, revealing his desire to stay under Lopetegui. However, the 57-year-old new manager opted against keeping him.
Nolan said: “To be back at West Ham meant an awful lot to me. I think it’s about nine years now I spent playing and coaching.” He added: “For me, receiving the news on Monday was a bitter blow. It was disappointing on my behalf because I wanted to stay. But as we all know, it’s football and that’s it. That’s done now, and we look forward and start thinking about the future,” as reported by West Ham Zone.
Nolan, who made over 150 appearances for the club as a player, expressed his aspirations to become a head coach but is also open to remaining part of a Premier League coaching setup if an opportunity arises. Despite his disappointment at leaving West Ham, Nolan harbours no bitterness towards the club and is ‘excited’ about the future prospects.
While fans hoped Nolan would stay, his departure marks a new chapter. His tenure as both player and coach has left a significant impact, and his next steps will be eagerly watched by those who admired his dedication and contributions to West Ham.