West Ham United have officially announced the return of former midfielder Kevin Nolan to the club.
The 37-year-old has joined David Moyes’ coaching staff in a bid to help the club stave off the threat of relegation.
Nolan made 157 appearances for the Hammers over four years, leaving in 2015 to become player-manager at Leyton Orient.
His role at West Ham will be his first since he was fired as Notts County manager in August 2018.
Also arriving with Nolan is Pat Nevin, with the pair joining Alan Irvine and Xavi Valero assistants to Moyes.
West Ham officials will be hoping former player Nolan will be able to help provide a bounce for a crop of players who are currently playing without much confidence due to poor results.
One man who seems a shadow of his former self is Manuel Lanzini, who is without a goal all season for the Irons.
TBR’s view – Nolan influence could help Lanzini
Lanzini has seriously struggled this term.
As well as no goals, he’s only provided three assists, and according to WhoScored, he’s averaged just 1.0 shots per 90 and 1.5 key passes per 90.
As an attacking midfielder, it’s on £70,000-a-week star Lanzini (Spotrac) to make things happen for West Ham in the final third.
Nolan was particularly good at that for the Hammers during his playing days as an attacking midfielder himself.
He was more of a goal threat that Lanzini is, and perhaps he can aid the struggling Argentine and improve his goalscoring prowess.
That would be most welcome for Moyes, especially with record signing Sebastien Haller having underwhelmed.