Nolan shocked by move

03 February 2009 14:24
Kevin Nolan has admitted he was sad to leave Bolton after spending a decade at the Reebok Stadium, although he is looking forward to life at Newcastle.[LNB] The 26-year-old, who has been a talismanic performer for Bolton in recent seasons, secured a move to St James' Park late last week.[LNB]He made his Magpies debut in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Sunday but has now revealed that he had no idea a transfer was imminent until he received a call from his agent.[LNB]"He told me Newcastle were on and did I fancy it," Nolan told The Bolton News.[LNB]"I asked him what the club had said about it and he said they were negotiating. [LNB]"It was a bit of a shock. There had been rumours in the past but they were always quashed, so I must admit I was disappointed that the club were prepared to sell me.[LNB]"I saw myself being at Bolton for many more years, but I've had time to think about it and it might be something I needed and something Bolton needed. [LNB]"It's a very sad time for me in many ways because I've left Bolton after so many years but I'm delighted with the move and excited about starting another chapter." [LNB]PotentialNewcastle are currently just one point above the relegation zone and Nolan accepts his focus must be on helping the club avoid relegation.[LNB]But he believes the Magpies can also improve and establish themselves as a major force again over the next two or three years. [LNB]He explained: "Newcastle is massively supported and, if they can get things right in the next couple of years, they can definitely be back up there challenging the top four. [LNB]"The potential and the quality of the squad is incredible." [LNB]Looking ahead to Newcastle's game at Bolton on 1st March, Nolan added: "I just hope we both pick up enough points in the meantime to be clear of the safety mark. I don't want it to be a crunch clash. [LNB]"At the moment we're in a scrap with Bolton but I'm sure we'll both be safe. [LNB]"It's going to be mad coming to the Reebok as an opponent but I really hope I can get a good reception from the Bolton fans. [LNB]"I hope they see me as someone who grew with the team when we got into the Premier League and into Europe. I'm very proud of that."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports