Former Premier League midfielder Kevin Nolan has been appointed as Northampton Town’s new manager, the club have confirmed.
Nolan, now 42, played more than 400 Premier League games and scored 69 goals, including for Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle and West Ham.
After spells as manager at Leyton Orient and Notts County, Nolan was most recently part of the Hammers’ coaching staff, but left following the sacking of David Moyes in May.
Nolan has now signed a two-and-a-half year contract with Northampton, who currently sit 20th in League One. He replaces Jon Brady, who resigned three weeks ago.
✍️ We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Kevin Nolan as manager of Northampton Town.
Welcome to the Cobblers, Kevin! 👋 #ShoeArmy 👞 https://t.co/iOi0NYIg7t
— Northampton Town (@ntfc) December 23, 2024
Kelvin Thomas, Northampton’s chief executive, said in a statement: “Kevin made a huge impression on the process and showed he really enjoyed the job.”
“In his two previous leadership roles, he has performed well under difficult circumstances and impressed us with his knowledge, energy, experience and passion. He showed great desire and enthusiasm for the role, couldn’t wait to get started and has already taken over the management of the training for the first time.
“Our immediate aim is to move up the table and whilst we know we have challenges to overcome, we believe Kevin is well placed to help us achieve this.”
Nolan himself added: “I’m delighted to be appointed as Northampton Town’s new manager and can’t wait to get started. “We have a busy schedule over the Christmas and New Year period, so the challenge is to be as good as possible to get started.
“The club has a good reputation in football as a well-run club and it is clear that they have made progress on and off the pitch in recent seasons. I am proud and honored to have the opportunity to continue and develop this work.
“I believe the team can move further up the table and I am determined to repay the trust the board has placed in me.
“We have no time to waste, it may be Christmas but we have a lot of work to do in a short space of time and I hope supporters will join us as we begin our journey. We will need their support and I can promise them that we will do everything we can to improve results.”
Nolan begins his Northampton tenure with a trip to Reading on Boxing Day.
