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Kevin Nolan was pleased for “unbelieveable” Newcastle United last weekend - despite being a boyhood Liverpool supporter.
The former Toon captain was in attendance as Eddie Howe’s men ended 70 years of hurt at St James’ Park. Nolan helped the Magpies secure an instant Premier League return in 2009-10 so is aware of exactly how much silverware meant to fans.
He became a Tyneside legend himself with a famous hat-trick against Sunderland in October 2010. Less than a year later, however, the dressing room of core English players was broken up by Alan Pardew.
Nolan enjoyed his twilight years West Ham United and Leyton Orient before embarking on a fledgling managerial career. Now in the Northampton Town dugout, the 42-year-old still keeps an eye on Newcastle’s results.
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His loyalties were split inside Wembley but, like many Liverpool fans, Nolan was happy to see the Magpies get over the line. The ex-midfielder also opened up about how he “loved” playing in black and white.
“It was unbelievable,” Nolan told talkSPORT. “I was there last weekend, I took my boy. Whatever way it went on Sunday, I was going to be happy, obviously with my Liverpool ties, but for Newcastle it meant that little bit more.
“Liverpool want the league but, for Newcastle, I was so pleased for them. There was a fella there, who’s a really good friend, who said ‘For 60 years, I’ve blown my candles out’. He always wanted to see Newcastle win a trophy.
“That’s how much it means. I loved playing there. For them fans, I mean, you saw how they reacted. Watching all the Geordies go mental was brilliant. A couple of years ago (against Manchester United) it didn’t happen - you could see this was a different Newcastle.”
Nolan now believes Howe could kick on and deliver further success at Newcastle after ending the trophy drought. He added: “Eddie Howe put a game plan together and they executed that perfectly. They will be hungrier for me, I think that’s what Eddie will have now.
“I’m hoping he can start taking them forward with more titles and cups. Hopefully, this is the start of something more.”
Kevin Nolan revealed ‘broken promises’ is why he left Newcastle United
Nolan opened up about his turbulent Newcastle exit in 2020, revealing how Derek Llambias, Mike Ashley’s former right-hand man, reneged on a contract extension. He said five years ago: “I was due to go in for an ankle operation and I discussed with Derek Llambias to have a two-year contract extension.
“I already had two years left so I was going to go on a four-year deal. I was going to my operation and on the day of my operation, I got a phone call from my agent - he was supposed to be meeting him (Llambias) to sort all the little nitty-gritty bits that go on in a contract.
"He rang up and said, ‘The offer is off the table, they're just happy to keep you for your two-year deal’. So obviously, I was going into the operation a very angry man because I had shaken hands with Derek on a four-year deal.”
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