Kevin Nolan has been appointed as Northampton Town’s new manager on a two-and-a-half-year deal. The former West Ham man returns to the number one role for the first time since becoming first team coach Sacked by Notts County in August 2018. Nolan’s first taste of management came as player-manager at Leyton Orient two years ago.
The 42-year-old former Bolton and Newcastle midfielder was part of David Moyes’ staff at West Ham for four years before he left. Scott has left the club in May this year and keen to return to frontline management. Nolan succeeds John Brady, who resigned this month after three and a half years in the role. Brady’s assistant, former manager Ian Sampson, is in caretaker charge. Northampton are 20th in League One, one place above the relegation zone, after a 5-0 defeat at Charlton at the weekend. They travel to Reading on Boxing Day.
“I am delighted to be appointed its new manager Northampton City and I can’t wait to get going,” said Nolan, also linked with the managerial vacancy at Bristol Rovers, who sacked Matt Taylor this month. “We have a busy schedule over the Christmas and New Year period so the challenge is to get on the field as best we can.
“The club has a good reputation in the game as a well-run club and it is clear that it has progressed on and off the pitch over the last few seasons. I’m proud and honored that I’ve had the opportunity to try and continue and develop that work. I believe the squad can move up the table and I am determined to repay the faith the board has shown in me.”
Northampton’s chairman, Kelvin Thomas, said: “Kevin has been very impressive through the process and has shown a real passion for the job. “He has done well in difficult circumstances in his two previous management jobs and he has impressed us with his knowledge, his energy, his experience and his passion. He showed a real desire and enthusiasm for the role, he couldn’t wait to get started and he has already taken charge of training for the first time.”
In August, Nolan was appointed England Under-20s interim assistant head coach, supporting Paul Nevin, with whom he worked at West Ham.
