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dicanioisgod 1:42 Thu Jul 16
Nolan
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Looks like he is starting and captaining the side tonight then!
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/July/16-July/Video-Birkirkara-clash-excites-Nolan
Kevin Nolan is looking forward to leading West Ham United out into a packed Boleyn Ground for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League visit of Birkirkara.
With Slaven Bilic naming a strong squad, the midfielder is set to captain the Hammers in their second qualifying round first leg clash with the Maltese FA Trophy winners.
With experience of European football from his time at Bolton Wanderers, Nolan is relishing a return to continental competition in Claret and Blue.
“I’m thoroughly looking forward to playing against what is going to be a very good Maltese side who have done very well in the first qualifying round to get through,” Nolan told West Ham TV.
“They aren’t going to be pushovers and we’re going to be playing in front of a big crowd, so fair play to the fans for turning out in their numbers again. We thank them for that and hopefully we can give them a good spectacle.
“These games are coming around thick and fast. Pre-season has been very different to how it was in previous seasons – last year we were in New Zealand and everywhere, but this year it is about being at home and trying to qualify for the Europa League.”
We need to control and dictate the game from start to finish and that’s what we’re planning on doing, but we’ve got to be respectful of the opposition
Kevin Nolan
Nolan led Bolton into European competition in 2005 and 2008, reaching the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup on both occasions.
The 33-year-old knows just how a run in Europe can galvanise a club and says a long and successful UEFA Europa League challenge will only enhance the feelgood factor permeating through east London and beyond.
“It’s going to be different on Thursday but we’ve got our heads around it and done two weeks of training now and played 60 minutes at Peterborough last weekend. The majority of us will play 90 minutes because we can’t make loads of substitutions, so I’m thoroughly looking forward to it.
“It’s a great honour to be playing in Europe for this Club and to be leading them out is a fantastic honour for me, so I’m going to thoroughly enjoy it for the 90 minutes.
“If I can add a goal, a good team performance and a good win, all the better.”
That win will not come easy, though, against a Birkirkara side managed by former Italian midfielder Giovanni Tedesco and led by former Azzurri striker Fabrizio Miccoli.
“This is where you want to pit your wits against the best, in Europe, and that’s why you go through these qualifying rounds,” Nolan added. “It’s not going to be easy, because we know they are going to be really good technically, as a lot of European teams are no matter what level you play.
“We need to control and dictate the game from start to finish and that’s what we’re planning on doing, but we’ve got to be respectful of the opposition.”
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Replies - In Chronological Order ( Show Newest Messages First)
Tony_Gale
1:43 Thu Jul 16
Re: Nolan
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Nolan and Noble CM? Can't wait, haven't seen enough of that!
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Eggbert Nobacon
1:43 Thu Jul 16
Re: Nolan
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lets hope for no embarrassing booing when his name is read out
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Mr Kenzo
1:43 Thu Jul 16
Re: Nolan
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Nice words from the Skipper
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Gavros
1:44 Thu Jul 16
Re: Nolan
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in the shop window, innit
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dicanioisgod
1:46 Thu Jul 16
Re: Nolan
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To be honest I am not overly worried about him playing in these games, we need strength in depth this season and Nolan can still do a job in cup games etc...although I wouldn't really want him starting too many of those
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Kenny Powers
1:47 Thu Jul 16
Re: Nolan
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I know he is staying in London
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Mr Anon
1:48 Thu Jul 16
Re: Nolan
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Clean slate
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Buster
1:48 Thu Jul 16
Re: Nolan
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If he starts, he'll score tonight.
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ironsofcanada
1:52 Thu Jul 16
Re: Nolan
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I think it would be best if he moved on but if the manager thinks he should be playing I will defer to that and give him all the support I can.
As said we are playing a lot of games and need semi competent bodies.
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Ronald_antly
1:52 Thu Jul 16
Re: Nolan
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When Kevin Nolan lifts the Europa League trophy, I shall be NAMING and SHAMING all those that have disrespected him.
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whufcroe
1:57 Thu Jul 16
Re: Nolan
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In Europe I was under the impression the captain gave the press conference.......
It's a massive shame if Nolan starts ahead of Poyet and Cullen.
and no different from what BFS got slagged down for.
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Keep dreaming
1:59 Thu Jul 16
Re: Nolan
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The only way to get him sold is by playing him.
Putting him in the shopping window. Let's just hope no one really take a proper look at him.
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Bill W
2:01 Thu Jul 16
Re: Nolan
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Eggbert Nobacon 1:43 Thu Jul 16
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Eddie B
2:01 Thu Jul 16
Re: Nolan
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I'd honestly thought and hoped we'd seen the last of this waster.
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joey5000
2:05 Thu Jul 16
Re: Nolan
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This has put a bit of a dampener on what is otherwise a fantastic pre-season. Fuck knows what Billic sees in him.
Also, should we sell him to another club who are in Europe, would this mean he would be cup-tied for them?
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Trevor B
2:08 Thu Jul 16
Re: Nolan
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joey
perhaps the manager wants to give all the players a chance under his system before he passes judgement? personally i think he's doing the right thing if that's the case.
also its harder to flog a player that hasnt had any minutes under his belt in pre-season.
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