When the opportunity arose to make good use of those West Ham United connections and bring Kamarai Swyer to Northampton Town, former Premier League stalwart coach Kevin Nolan did not need much of an invitation.
A one-time West Ham United captain and previously the assistant coach to David Moyes at the London Stadium, Nolan is going solo these days.
After brief spells in the dugouts of Leyton Orient and Notts County, Kevin Nolan took over League One outfit Northampton Town towards the back end of 2024.
And, after guiding The Cobblers clear of the relegation zone, one of his first acts during the summer window was to reunite with a bright young talent he knows well from his time on the Hammers coaching staff.
Only weeks after West Ham’s official website singled out Kamarai Swyer as the club’s ‘one to watch’ at Under-21 level, the Redbridge-born 22-year-old put pen to paper on a permanent deal with Northampton.
Photo by Kevin Hodgson | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Kevin Hodgson | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
West Ham United gave Kevin Nolan ‘very good feedback’ before Kamarai Swyer switch
Kamarai Swyer felt the time was right to leave West Ham in pursuit of regular first-team football. He also highlighted the role Nolan played in luring him to Sixfields.
The presence of a familiar face in the Cobblers dugout, the versatile attacker said, ‘was one of the main reasons why I decided to come here’.
Nolan describes Swyer as a player with ‘huge potential’, meanwhile. He is ‘hungry, technically gifted’ and brings with him an ‘excellent attitude’ to England’s third tier.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
✍️ Northampton Town are thrilled to announce the signing of winger Kamarai Swyer from West Ham United on an initial two year deal! 🤩
Welcome to Sixfields, Kamarai! 👋
Transfer news is brought to you by @TempeoRecruit. 🤝 #ShoeArmy 👞
— Northampton Town (@ntfc) May 30, 2025
View Tweet
Nolan entrusted assistant Colin Calderwood with speaking to the West Ham staff in order to gauge the extent of Swyer’s progress over the last 12 months or so. And, clearly, those in charge at Northampton liked what they heard.
“Kamarai is a very good talent. We have had very good feedback on him from West Ham,” former Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United midfielder Nolan tells the Northampton Chronicle.
“Col [Calderwood] spoke to the staff there and they were very positive and only had good things to say.
“I obviously know a lot of the staff at West Ham as well, and they helped us get this deal over the line. I have to thank Robbo [Mark Robson], the Under-21s coach at West Ham, because he spoke with Kamarai at the end of the season to say that I was interested in him.
“He then spoke with his agent and his agent said he wants to come and play for us and play for Northampton.”
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Northampton Town boss thinks he’s landed ‘a gem’ in Swyer
No West Ham youngster provided more goals or assists than Kamarai Swyer’s combined tally of 18 during the 2024/25 campaign.
“He’s one I’ve kept tabs on since leaving West Ham,” adds Nolan. “So I know him well anyway. We know he is a gem of a player and we have got to work to get his good attributes into our team.
“He can play a number of positions; a 10, a seven and he can even play the nine, so he can play all along the top line and I think he is one who will excite the fans. He’s strong, powerful and a quick runner and he scores goals.
“He has had a good season last year and I’m delighted we’ve got him in. I’ve known him since he was a young boy and I know that having someone who backs him will bring the best out of him. I’m excited to work with him again and I’m sure he will excite the fans.”