|
Kevin Nolan: West Ham boo boys bother my father more than me
KEN DYER
Kevin Nolan has hit back at a section of West Ham fans after he was jeered during their home game against Queens Park Rangers.
Club captain Nolan came on as a second-half substitute and wasted a glorious opportunity to score in the 2-0 victory.
Nolan claims he did not hear any boos from supporters and that his father was more concerned than he was about what happened.
“When I went on I had instructions from the gaffer and I needed to organise things. My dad and brother heard it, though, and they told me afterwards,” said Nolan, who is likely to start on the bench again tomorrow for the game at Burnley following his return from a fractured shoulder.
“At the end of the day, if people want to boo men, that’s up to them. I don’t look at websites so I don’t read any of it but people have told me that many fans were not happy with the negative reaction and I do appreciate that.
“I’ve had a great playing career and, I know, if you ask most Bolton fans now who they would like to come back and lead them, I would be up there near the top. The same for Newcastle fans.
I’m part of a fantastic squad, I’m trying to do my best, I always will. I will know when it’s time for me to go, or the gaffer or the chairman will. Until then, I will continue to give one hundred per cent.
“They [the boo boys] won’t get a reaction out of me — they might do out of my dad, though, because he wasn’t happy. To me, though, it was nothing because I know it wasn’t deserved.
“I know the negative supporter always shouts louder than the masses who are there to support their team.”
Nolan should, by rights, still be gently nursing his way back to fitness after the shoulder injury he sustained during training in August. Instead, he is putting pressure on manager Sam Allardyce to put him back in the first team following his cameo roles in the matches against Manchester United and QPR.
“I’m just delighted to be back [from injury], especially as I’m three weeks ahead of schedule,” said Nolan.
“It’s all about waiting for my chance now and it’s great because, for more than three weeks of the five I was out, I couldn’t do anything because of the shoulder. I’ve had knocks and things but it’s the longest time I’ve been out of action in my career.”
The Hammers will be looking to build on a promising start to the season when they face Burnley at Turf Moor. They are seventh in the Premier League, just a point off the top four, after struggling last season.
Nolan (left) said: “The difference between last season and this one is now we have forwards. Last year, because of injuries, it was difficult but the two lads we’ve brought in — Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho — have adapted so well to the pace and power of the Premier League.
“Their work ethic is brilliant, they’re both good lads to have here — plus Carlton Cole, who is much fitter than this time last year, and Andy Carroll also coming back in the not too distant future.
“I don’t need a target man to play off. I’ve played in a variety of positions and last year, although it was a difficult season, I still scored seven important goals, which helped ensure we were safe.
“I know that, when I do get back, I will get chances because I have players to work off. I’m really looking forward to playing behind those two lads up front. I’m really confident I can contribute.”
|
