Midfielder was fed up on the bench
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed that the club released Kevin Nolan because he was fed up with life on the bench.
It emerged this morning that the veteran midfielder had left Upton Park by mutual consent, ending his four-year association with the club.
Nolan captained the side during their promotion season back to the Premier League, and was then the club’s top goalscorer for the following two seasons.
However, with changes in management over the summer and new faces coming in, the 33-year-old’s status in the first-team diminished, and he had to settle for life on the bench.
The midfielder wasn’t happy with being back-up and held conversations with Bilic before they both decided a mutual termination would be the best option.
After the news broke, Bilic confirmed that it was the best decision for both parties and it was down to the midfielder wanting regular game-time.
Manager Statement
Bilic said: “That is basically the only reason, yes. In the end it is good for both parties.
“I had a few chats with Kevin and now he is leaving and I can always say thanks to Kevin from me and club because he was a great captain and professional.
“Even in the short period that I worked with him he was a brilliant professional and hard worker.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
