When Newcastle United face West Ham United on Sunday, it will bring together two clubs with a shared history of player transfers. Among those who have represented both sides is Kevin Nolan, whose move from Newcastle to West Ham in 2011 was met with mixed reactions from those closest to him.
Nolan's Transfer Decision
Nolan had just finished the 2010/11 season as Newcastle's top scorer with 12 goals, helping the club secure its Premier League status after promotion. While on a family holiday in Dubai, West Ham made contact after appointing former Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce. The Hammers had finished bottom of the Premier League and were preparing for a Championship campaign, but Allardyce's arrival signaled a clear ambition for an immediate return to the top flight.
Reflecting on the move in 2025, Nolan admitted it was far from straightforward. His wife Hayley was unconvinced about relocating south, especially as transfer discussions interrupted their holiday. "There was no hesitation from me. I wanted to get it done and the rest, as they say, is history," Nolan said. "My wife probably saw it a bit different though as I was then on the phone for most of that holiday, trying to sort the move out. It was the right choice for us and our family in the end, and we've got some great friends in London."
Teammate Reactions
Former Newcastle teammate Joey Barton was far from pleased with the transfer. He posted on social media: "Just on my way to Ascot, feel sick. Great player, leader, captain, person, trainer and mostly a friend for life. Devastated to see him SOLD! #mejoseandjonasnext," hinting that he, Jose Enrique, and Jonas Gutierrez might follow Nolan out of the door.
Nolan was not the only ex-Newcastle player to join West Ham that summer. Abdoulaye Faye, who had played under Allardyce at St James' Park, arrived days earlier after leaving Stoke City.
Reunion with Allardyce
Nolan spoke about the challenge of reuniting with Allardyce: "It was a massive thing to be brought in by a manager I've already played for, someone you have a really good understanding with, so the other players are looking at you like you're his spy or his man. They don't really know how to take to you and if they can trust you. It was difficult in a way; another challenge, but I know that once they got to know me and I had settled in they would know that I wasn't there to be Sam's spy."
He added: "I was there to be there for them and help to regroup a dressing room that was struggling after the relegation. That was my job, as the captain, and I think the lads saw that. I made some really good friends at West Ham, many of who I still speak to now, which is fantastic."
West Ham's Promotion Campaign
Several other players with Premier League experience joined Allardyce that summer, including Matt Taylor and Papa Bouba Diop. West Ham missed out on automatic promotion but secured a return to the top flight by defeating Blackpool in the play-off final. Nolan scored in the play-off semi-final, contributing to the club's successful campaign.
Reflecting on the move, Nolan said: "People may ask why as the team are in the Championship but I am excited at the challenge to help get the team back to the Premier League, where I think the club belongs. Sam is a very good manager and I am very pleased to be playing for him again – he gave me a chance here in England and he is someone who gives you confidence."
The transfer ultimately proved successful for both Nolan and West Ham, as the club regained its Premier League status and Nolan became a key figure in the dressing room.
