Kevin Nolan confirmed as new Northampton Town manager | Northampton

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Kevin Nolan has been appointed as Northampton Town’s new manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract. The former West Ham first team coach has returned to a no. 1 role for the first time since being sacked by Notts County in August 2018. Nolan’s first taste of management came as player-manager at Leyton Orient two years earlier.

The 42-year-old former Bolton and Newcastle midfielder was part of David Moyes’ staff at West Ham for four years but left the club when the Scot left the club in May this year and has been keen to return to the front line. Nolan replaces Jon Brady, who resigned this month after three and a half years at the helm. Brady’s assistant, former manager Ian Sampson, has been caretaker. Northampton are 20th in League One, one place above the relegation zone, after a 5-0 defeat at home to Charlton at the weekend. They travel to Reading on Boxing Day.

“I’m delighted to be appointed as the new manager of Northampton Town and I can’t wait to get started,” said Nolan, who was also linked with the vacancy at Bristol Rovers, who sacked Matt Taylor this month . “We have a busy everyday life during the Christmas and New Year period, so the challenge is to get started as best we can.

“The club has a good reputation in the game as being a well-run club and it’s clear that it has progressed on and off the pitch over the last few seasons. I’m proud and honored to be given the chance to try to continue and develop that work. I believe the squad can progress up the table and I am determined to repay the trust the board have placed in me.”

Northampton chairman Kelvin Thomas said: “Kevin was very impressive throughout the process and showed a real desire for the job. “He has done well under difficult circumstances in both of his previous managerial jobs and he 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 interim assistant head coach of England Under-20s, supporting Paul Nevin, with whom he worked at West Ham.