Source: Daily_Mail
Kevin Nolan in line for West Ham captaincy
ShareWest Ham manager Sam Allardyce will hand Kevin Nolan the captain's armband if Scott Parker leaves this summer. [LNB]But Allardyce, presented as new Hammers boss on Wednesday, has warned Parker's top-flight suitors that he has not given up hope of persuading the midfielder to stay. [LNB] Wearing the armband: Nolan will skipper West Ham should Parker leave [LNB] West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold have shown their commitment to Allardyce by bank-rolling a move for Nolan. [LNB]In addition to the ?4million transfer fee paid to Newcastle, Nolan will earn ?55,000 per week and Allardyce is ready to reward the 28-year-old further by making him club captain. [LNB]Matthew Upson's departure means the armband is up for grabs and Allardyce said: 'I see Kevin as a great player and a great captain off the pitch. If Parker leaves, then yes, I think Kevin would be captain - he's got the skills to do that. [LNB] The new man in charge: Allardyce was unveiled at West Ham on Wednesday [LNB] 'When you get someone like Joey Barton almost crying on the TV because Kevin left Newcastle, it shows you the respect he's gained. It's not just because of what he does on the field but because of what he's like off it. [LNB]'He looks after the players when they have problems and drives them on. He creates a team spirit from within himself. [LNB] Kissing goodbye? Parker is keen to leave West Ham [LNB]'It's not that he comes telling tales to me, he just sorts out the stuff I don't need to know about.'[LNB] Nolan landing the armband will depend largely on whether Parker leaves. Allardyce will hold talks with the England midfielder when he returns to pre-season training at the start of July. [LNB]Tottenham lead the chase to sign Parker - but Allardyce has warned rival clubs that his exit is not a formality.[LNB] 'I don't want to talk to Scott Parker, Robert Green, Carlton Cole on the phone,' said Allardyce. 'I want them to look me in the eye and be honest with me and I'll be honest with them.[LNB] 'They might walk out of the office and say, "I don't really fancy him, so I'm off". [LNB]'If that's the case, we'll sell. If Scott likes what he hears, he wants to stay, he wants to be successful, then I speak to David (Sullivan).'[LNB] Big Sam has big plans for West Ham: Allardyce targets immediate promotion to Premier LeagueDa Costa to depart West Ham after fee is agreed with Lokomotiv MoscowZola could favour Italian job at Inter despite talks over vacant Birmingham post Explore more:People: Carlton Cole, Kevin Nolan, Matthew Upson, Sam Allardyce, Robert Green, Joey Barton, David Gold, David Sullivan Places: Newcastle, United Kingdom
