Source: Northern_Echo
Nolan happy with new boss
KEVIN NOLAN was happy to lead the dressing room inquest into the sacking of Chris Hughton seven days ago, but he admits first impressions of Newcastle United's new manager have been impressive.[LNB] Alan Pardew had an extremely difficult task on Saturday, when his first match in charge of the Magpies was accompanied by supporters protesting against owner Mike Ashley's treatment of his predecessor.[LNB] But Pardew, extremely polished in his appearances in front of the media so far, slept easier on Saturday night after the nerves he endured in the build-up.[LNB] The 49-year-old may not have shown his worries, but he was concerned that fans' demonstrations would carry on through the 90 minutes and affect Newcastle's performance. Instead the backing from the stands was superb and he was able to celebrate a 3-1 win.[LNB] Nolan, the only player Pardew contacted before taking his first training session on Friday morning, said: Alan is trying to learn about us as quickly as possible. Any talk of any revolt towards Alan is nonsense.[LNB] He is our gaffer and we have to work under him. It is a difficult situation for him to come in. He wants to make sure we don't resent him and we don't. It has nothing to do with him. We don't resent anybody.[LNB] We wanted the answers when we spoke to Derek Llambias (managing director) the other day. It was a private meeting and nothing was over boiled. It was straight talking in the dressing room and Derek was good enough to come down and explain the decision. Now we have to get on with it.[LNB] What we have to do is make sure this club does not go back to where we were two years ago, falling out of the Premier League. That is our main focus. You have a lot of lads who care. Alan cares as well.[LNB] Nolan, the first player to speak about the feelings running through a squad that holds huge respect for Hughton, was saddened by the departure of his boss.[LNB] But while feeling the decision to sack Hughton was outrageous, he sees little point in focusing on that and he was keen to stress life has to go on particularly in football.[LNB] After what happened to Chris on Monday, all our focus was on getting the points and getting back to winning ways, said Nolan, after his goal helped Newcastle end a five-match run without a win.[LNB] It was very disappointing what happened. We had a few days to get over it and the show must go on.[LNB] What we have built with Chris is a massive changing room and that should not be allowed to change. The staff, the players, the fans all care.[LNB] I spoke to Chris the day after. He was a very disappointed man.[LNB] He just said thank-you very much and I thanked him.[LNB] He gave me the captaincy so there is a lot of affection there for him. But he is a big boy, he knows the game, what happens.[LNB] We all have our own opinions about what happened. The owners have the final say and we have to respect that. We wanted to make sure we put on a performance and we showed what this club means to us.[LNB] Nolan's goal inside quarter of an hour put Newcastle on their way, even if it took goals from Joey Barton and Andy Carroll to seal the win after Dirk Kuyt's equaliser.[LNB] It was a victory which lifted Newcastle up to eighth, six points off a relegation place, and that is what the skipper wants to concentrate on following the managerial change.[LNB] Eyebrows were raised about Pardew's ability to negotiate a five-and-a-half year deal and Nolan hopes his new boss can see that through.[LNB] If he is successful he will be here for a long time and that is all we want, said Nolan. We can't say he will be here for five-and-a-half years but we have to do the best we can to make sure he is here for that length of time.[LNB] If he is then that means we are doing well and doing things right.[LNB] The goalposts have not changed. If we finish 17th then we are safe. We have to get there as quickly as possible to make sure we are in this league next year.[LNB] That can help us bring a higher calibre of player in.[LNB] This club does not just belong in the Premier League, it belongs in European Cups.[LNB] We believe we will get there, even if it is just step by step.[LNB]
