Source: SKY_Sports
Nolan shocked by move
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. 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.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."He told me Newcastle were on and did I fancy it," Nolan told The Bolton News."I asked him what the club had said about it and he said they were negotiating. "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."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. "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." PotentialNewcastle are currently just one point above the relegation zone and Nolan accepts his focus must be on helping the club avoid relegation.But he believes the Magpies can also improve and establish themselves as a major force again over the next two or three years. 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. "The potential and the quality of the squad is incredible." 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. "At the moment we're in a scrap with Bolton but I'm sure we'll both be safe. "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. "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."