Kevin Nolan Interview: Wissa, Hall, Everton's Season and the Best Transfer Window Deal

Nolan explained why he believes that Yoane Wissa is looking as good as he did at Brentford and that Youri Tielemans signing for Manchester United was the best move of the transfer window.

The former midfielder also spoke about the difficulties of his time in charge of Northampton Town, Alexandre Pato’s involvement with the club and the prospect of Damien Duff managing Celtic.

What was your reaction to Newcastle 2-2 Bournemouth, was it a decent point in the context of the game and what do you think Newcastle’s ambitions should be this season?

KN: “I thought Newcastle were a little fortunate in some parts of the game during their draw with Bournemouth. Bournemouth played really well in the first half and could have been 4-0 up if not for their poor finishing. But what I did like about them was that they scrapped and fought their way back into it.

“They have a new manager and new players, but they seem to know and understand what's expected of them from the crowd. Harvey Barnes' fantastic equaliser came out of the blue and in the second half, I thought if anyone was going to score, it was Newcastle. You could see Bournemouth getting a bit jittery. So, for me, I was pleased that they came away with a 2-2 draw. I thought they were quite lucky in some senses.

“I think what they should really be looking for this season is a consolidation year. Looking at finishing around the top 10, hopefully trying to get higher. But I feel that we just need to give Matthias Jaissle the opportunity to get to know the Premier League, to ensure the team isn't in trouble at any point and to make sure they don't get too carried away. It will give the new, younger players the experience and time they need in the Premier League this year.”

Given the level of upheaval at Newcastle over summer, with Eddie Howe and plenty of players leaving, many expected them to struggle. Will we see a bit of rowing back on that after their start?

KN: “In the first three games, I’ve been very surprised by the adaptation of Matthias Jaissle and the Newcastle squad. I saw something against Everton when they played in the pre-season game at Murrayfield, and I know it's only pre-season and people say not to read into it, but I just thought this could be a really tough season for Newcastle. But what I've seen in the last three games, I believe that it will stand them in good stead for the rest of the season.

“They look like a counter-attacking team. They look really good on the break with Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa. Wissa looks like he's come back this season following his injury last year – which didn't help Eddie Howe – he looks reborn again, reminiscent of his days at Brentford. You have to be optimistic. After all the doom and gloom around Eddie leaving, and nobody really wanted to see him go, they’ve made a decent start. I’d call it a decent start and one I expect them to maintain throughout the season.”

Does Matthias Jaissle look like a manager you would have liked to play under?

KN: “I like Matthias Jaissle. I like what I've seen of him, I think he’s really charismatic. He seems to have bought right into what was expected of him at Newcastle, the culture up there and the way they are. And it seems that the players really like him as well. So, I think he is someone who, when I was playing, I would have enjoyed playing under. You can see that he wants to be high energy.

“He's got a nice buzz around him and wants his team to be buzzing. I think he’s been a breath of fresh air for Newcastle.”

How important is it for a manager to buy into the culture in Newcastle as well as deliver results?

KN: “Eddie Howe bought into the culture in Newcastle brilliantly. He moved his family up there and really settled in, and it seems this manager has done exactly the same. He’s done his due diligence on everything. Speaking to people who have been at the club for a long time, they’ve been really impressed with how much he knows about Newcastle – the history, the former managers and all that kind of stuff.

“That stands you in good stead with everybody. It feels like you're really buying into what they want and their mentality, and he wants to bring success. He has said that, but it is going to take him time. They have spent a lot on youth and getting the Nico Gonzalez deal over the line late in the window is going to help them as well. I think it is important to have someone who knows the Premier League joining the current squad.”

Were you surprised to see Manchester City let Nico Gonzalez leave to go to Newcastle?

KN: “I've been surprised by a lot of the outgoings at Manchester City, but I think it was partly Enzo Maresca putting his stamp on the squad. He clearly knew he was going to be bringing in Enzo Fernandez and had already brought in Elliott Anderson. I think it was also a case of Nico Gonzalez realising he wasn't going to get the game time he wanted, especially given the last year or so he had at the club.

“I think this is a real opportunity for him to shine and show his true worth and quality in a great stadium with great fans behind him. He's now seen as the number one centre-midfielder, so it will be interesting to see if he can take all that on and become the player we all thought he was going to be under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.”

Would you read much into the player exodus that seems to have happened at Manchester City since Enzo Maresca joined?

KN: “I think Manchester City’s player exodus is largely down to Maresca wanting to put his own stamp on the squad. With many out of contract, he clearly wants to bring in more youth and energy. It’s been a changing of the guard, with the new guard coming in and he wanted to put his own stamp on it.

“He’s certainly done that with the captures of Elliott Anderson and Enzo Fernandez. You’ve got a really exciting group now with players like Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku. It’s going to be exciting for them, and you can already see a new-look Manchester City. They’re different to how they were under Pep and it will be interesting to see how they develop under Maresca.

“It’s a question of whether they can find those connections and come together quickly enough to compete on all fronts, the Champions League, Premier League and domestic cups, as they have done for the last 10 years under Pep. I’m sure the hierarchy at Manchester City knows that Maresca will need a little time to bed in as well. But it’s been a good start and they face a real test with the Manchester Derby coming up. It’s an away game and they lost both derbies last year. It’s the biggest test for Maresca as Manchester City manager so far, but up to now, they’ve passed the tests. Perhaps not with flying colours, but they’ve passed them.”

Newcastle travel to Millwall in the EFL Cup, do you have a prediction for the game?

KN: “I think there's a clear step up between the Premier League and the Championship, which we should see between Newcastle and Millwall. This match will be a great opportunity for Matthias Jaissle to play some of the younger players he’s brought in and see how they adapt to the English game. 

“Millwall have done a fantastic job under Alex Neil and were unlucky not to get promoted last year, so it will be a tough challenge for Newcastle. It’s a real test for Jaissle and I think he’ll learn a lot about his squad tomorrow. It will be a good indicator of where they are and how much time they might need to settle.

“As for the outcome, I believe if a Premier League club takes it seriously, they generally have too much quality for an EFL side. You’ve seen how much the newly promoted teams have had to spend just to compete, which shows the gap in quality. I think ultimately, the Premier League has too much for EFL clubs at the moment.”

Is the EFL Cup something that Newcastle and Matthias Jaissle should be taking seriously this season, or is it more of a distraction from the important stuff?

KN: “I really believe Newcastle and other clubs should take the EFL Cup seriously. With nine new managers in the Premier League this year, so many teams are in transition, which opens things up.

I've tipped Arsenal to win the competition – it’s the first trophy available this season. Pep always emphasised, winning the first trophy is key to getting over the line again and again.

“You used to see Guardiola’s teams go on a magnificent run to the end of the season after winning that first trophy, which is why I believe Arsenal will win it. With Mikel Arteta’s experience working alongside Pep, I’m confident he’ll take this competition seriously. He’s built a squad capable of challenging on all fronts and will want more silverware than just the Premier League this year, so I’d make them heavy favourites. But for a club of Newcastle’s stature, with the squad Jaissle has assembled, this competition offers a great opportunity to rotate the team while remaining competitive in the Premier League.”

Will the Leeds game be an acid test for where Newcastle are actually at, and do you have a prediction for that?

KN: “I think the Leeds game is going to be a tough one for Newcastle. If they come away with a draw, they’ll be reasonably happy because it’s going to be a tough game for anybody at Elland Road. I thought Leeds bought really well and added nicely to their squad. It’s another real test for Newcastle and Matthias Jaissle. Elland Road has a ferocious atmosphere, the fans get right behind the team and if you give them anything, you’ll be punished.

“It'll be a tough one. I'm hoping for a nice score draw again, but I believe they'll have to play better than they did last week if they're to go to Leeds and win.”

Given the trajectory Leeds are on, how likely do you think they are to push for Europe this season?

KN: “I was listening to an interview with Daniel Farke and he was saying the first priority for Leeds is to ensure safety as quickly as possible before looking further ahead. Leeds haven't been in the top division for this long in 30 years, so people can't get carried away.  You have to remind everyone and try to keep them grounded. I thought it was an excellent interview by him. I believe that for them, it’s about securing safety first, and then trying to build themselves up to get into the top 10.

“Can they nick a European spot and then build on the squad next summer? If not, I believe if they can get into the top 10 or thereabouts, that'll be a really strong season for them, especially after being out of the Premier League for so long. Let’s not try and run before we can walk, I think that's the message he's trying to get across. I believe that's the right message and the right track to be on.”

Given the public interest in Lewis Hall during the transfer window, how happy are you to see him remain at Newcastle?

KN: “It was a real positive thing that came out of Newcastle, with the hierarchy making it clear they weren't allowing Lewis Hall to go. The club seemingly turned down any offers for him because they wanted him to stay. They believed in him, and I think Jaissle was adamant that he didn't want him to leave, so they backed the manager as well. That was really positive.

“When you look at it, he’s not the type of player to shrink away or look like he wants to be elsewhere. He puffed his chest out, he wants to play and he seems to be really enjoying life under the manager. They seem to have hit it off, they were high-fiving after the Bournemouth game and sharing a hug. It was a massive statement from the Newcastle hierarchy to back the manager and keep Lewis at the club for another season.”

How do you rate Lewis Hall’s chances of nailing down an England spot in the next two years?

KN: “I know a lot of people backed Lewis Hall for a place in the World Cup squad for this summer. I was still on the fence, but I certainly believe that come the next European Championships and World Cup, you’ll be seeing Lewis Hall in those squads. If he keeps performing in the manner he has, he’s a great talent. Newcastle and Eddie Howe bought really well when they brought him in, which is why people are sniffing around him. You always go for top players if they’ve had a great season. What Newcastle have managed to do is convince him to give them one more season, see how he develops under this new manager, and who knows? He may stay beyond that.”

How much credit does Eddie Howe have to take for Lewis Hall’s development up to this point?

KN: “Eddie Howe has to take credit for a lot of things that went on at Newcastle and the state the club is in compared to where they were when he first arrived. By the time he left, they were in a fantastic position, financially and otherwise. We know there was money he wasn't able to spend, and I think it was a case of him not agreeing with the direction the hierarchy was taking. I think he had just become mentally fatigued. People talk about physical fatigue, but sometimes it’s just mental exhaustion because you’re expected to deliver constantly. I believe he felt that if he couldn't give 110%, he had to step away and that’s what led to his decision. 

“He takes a lot of credit for the success at Newcastle, including the development of players like Lewis Miley, who played at the weekend. He’s another lad who’s come through the ranks and we’ve known about him for years. Lewis has come on and played more under Eddie, and he played again at the weekend. I imagine he'll be a regular fixture in the Newcastle team this season. Lewis Hall is another one who I think can go to another level this year, and with him playing week in, week out for Newcastle, I think that'll only stand him in good stead for an England call-up as well.”

Moving over to Liverpool, who signed Bradley Barcola late in the window. How impressive is that signing?

KN: “Liverpool got their man in the end, didn't they? It took them a while, but Bradley Barcola is going to excite the fans. He is exactly what Liverpool fans love. I think he is going to help with what they have already got there and I believe he will be a hit in the Premier League. But it is tough. A lot of people talk about it, I said when Florian Wirtz came that he wouldn’t just hit the ground running, it takes time. We have to make sure he gets that time, and I think this move is going to suit his style as well.

“We want to play with attacking, wide players who can get at the opposition. We saw that with Antoine Semenyo at Bournemouth last year under Andoni Iraola, so I believe this signing could be a similar force for Liverpool this season. It's a great buy. It’s a lot of money, but that’s buttons these days compared to what everyone else is spending. Hopefully, it’ll be a positive move for Liverpool.”

Players like Florian Wirtz have needed time to get up to speed with the Premier League, but how likely is it that Bradley Barcola will be a plug-and-play signing rather than needing a long adjustment period?

KN: “Well, when you look at Florian Wirtz and all the new players that came to Liverpool last year, everyone was so excited. But none of them performed as an individual, let alone as a team, and it felt very fractured. I think that’s what Andoni Iraola’s had to build over the summer, trying to rebuild that. That’s what he’s doing, and I think it’s going to take time for him.

“If Bradley Barcola comes in and hits the ground running, then that's brilliant. But I believe they're looking at the situation realistically, they know they're not going to win the league this season. Their aim is to qualify for the Champions League, which has likely been the manager's remit. I think they can achieve that with this squad, but there will inevitably be a few bumps in the road.

“There are going to be moments like when they lost Alexander Isak last year. He scored the goal against Tottenham, which was a typical Isak finish, but then he ended up being out for the rest of the season after that challenge. I believed in him and backed him to be the top goalscorer this season. He’s been so close, but I think he’s going to hit it off. Once he starts getting going at Anfield, I think he could be top-class. Barcola helps, Wirtz helps, you’ve got proper quality, world-class players all around now and I believe that could help Liverpool. It certainly will in the long run, I’ve got no doubt about that. It’s just a question of how long it takes to get there.”

How do you rate Everton’s transfer window? Has David Moyes been dealt a tough hand?

KN: “I think £100m went out and only £4m came in at Everton. Having worked closely with David Moyes, I know he wouldn’t have been too happy about that. But he’ll get on with it, he’ll keep the belief that the squad he’s got can still get to where he wants. He’ll have his own targets, and I believe he’ll be pushing them as high and hard as they can to get Everton back into Europe. Have they been dealt a blow? Perhaps not a fatal one, but it’s a tough ask when you’ve only got one recognised striker in the building, just in case something happens to him.

“They signed Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who scored with a wonderful finish on debut and played at right-back, which was a problematic position for them. I think they’ll be OK, provided they avoid injuries. They lost Jack Grealish, who was playing really well for them last year, so if they can keep Jack fit and the rest of the squad healthy, I believe they can have a really good, strong, solid season, which is what you’d always expect from a David Moyes side.”

What constitutes a strong and solid season for Everton this year?

KN: “My prediction at the beginning of the season for Everton, before the transfer window ended, was that they’d reach the top eight. That hasn't changed because I know what David Moyes and his staff can produce, having been a part of it myself. I believe they have the best opportunity to achieve that. I’m going to put my neck out and say I believe they can reach the European places next season, though it’s going to be a tough ask. They’ll need to manage injuries and suspensions along the way, but if they can maintain a clean bill of health, I think they can match anybody on their day and certainly get to where David wants them to be, which is in those European places.”

With so many world-class midfielders having moved clubs in the summer transfer window in the Premier League, which is the one that excites you the most?

KN: “I think the best piece of business is Youri Tielemans moving to Manchester United from Aston Villa. Given the success he had at Leicester, his time at Villa, and his experience as Belgium captain, getting him for £35m is fantastic business for Manchester United. He’ll only make them better and once he gets settled, I think he'll be a top star for them. I'm also interested to see how Elliott Anderson does. I’ve watched him a lot as I live in Nottingham and I really liked him. It’s different now, though, the circumstances and the mentality have changed. He's no longer playing with an underdog mentality, He’s the big dog and he’s got to show if he can step up to that. I think he’s the one I’m most looking forward to seeing.

“As for Enzo Fernandez, I haven't really taken much notice of him before, but Maresca went hard for him and continued to pursue him. If a manager of his calibre wants a player that badly, he must see something I haven't quite seen yet. I'm really looking forward to seeing how that combination works out for Manchester City throughout the season.”

How much do you fear for Aston Villa having lost players like Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins among others?

KN: “I was actually with a friend of mine yesterday, and it was funny because he was saying his sons support Villa, and their favourite players were Emi Martínez, Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers. He said he doesn't know who to follow now, because he just loves those players.

“To lose six or seven players is tough, but you’ve got to think that with Unai Emery, it seems like he’s got full control of the transfer activity. He’s recruited well. There are a few question marks, I question the Alejandro Garnacho signing, but can he get the best out of him like we've seen previously?

“I believe Unai Emery will be fine, and they'll be around the top half come the end of the season. It might just take a little time for the new players to embed, especially when you lose someone like Youri Tielemans, who was a big part of the success they had in getting into the Champions League and winning that Europa final. It’s tough to lose all those players, but he’s put his weight behind the signings he’s brought in, like Nicolas Jackson. If he can get them firing like he has before, it’ll be a really interesting season to see if he can get them going again.”

Moving into the EFL, you were in charge at Northampton Town last season and they were ultimately relegated after you left the club. Do you have any lingering regrets over your time there and is there anything you would have done differently?

KN: “As a manager, you obviously have regrets given what ultimately happened with Northampton. We were sitting 10th around early January when Ethan Wheatley was recalled from his loan by Manchester United. We knew he was leaving, so we had already done our work and identified a player we wanted to sign, but the deal wasn't sanctioned by the board. They didn't want to proceed due to financial constraints, and while I understood that at the time, I always had to work within those limitations.

“I wish I had been a bit tougher on that because I knew it was going to be difficult afterwards. Then we lost Tyrese Fornah and Cam McGeehan to injury, who were largely my front three for the first half of the season. They not only scored goals but contributed to a lot of the good football we played. To lose your front three after January was tough to take, and the lads who stepped in didn’t contribute as much in that part of the pitch as we did in the first half of the season.

“So, it was gutting to see that, and losing my job off the back of it was tough. We were always up against it and I knew that beforehand. But you have expectations and I don't think we managed those expectations as well as I could, although I tried to. 

“People will point to the fact that we didn’t win in 16 games, but we were competitive in so many of those matches. As I said, losing my front three for the majority of the season made it incredibly tough for us. You even see clubs in the Premier League struggle when they lose their top goalscorers, so it's a difficult situation for any team to overcome. That’s where I stand now looking back at it.”

Have you got any plans to get back into a managerial job in the EFL anytime soon?

KN: “I’d never say no to getting back into a managerial job. If the right opportunity arises and it suits, I’d consider it. I don't want to go in and be fighting fires all the time. I want a role where I can progress and become the manager I want to be. I haven’t lost my love for it, but I’m really enjoying this side of things at the moment. I’m enjoying doing media work with Sky, podcasts, and radio. Let me tell you, it’s a lot less stressful.”

The big news coming out of Northampton recently is the investment from the consortium that includes Alexandre Pato. How exciting is that for the EFL, and is it something you wished would have happened when you were in charge?

KN: "Of course the investment at Northampton would have been nice when I was there because it allows you to bring in players. But I tend to step back once I've left a club. I wish them well, obviously, as they are good people. It's a good club with great support, and I made some good friends there. I still know people at the club, so you want them to succeed. Hopefully, this is the positive news they need to get back into League One. The remit for the manager should really be to get them out of League Two again, as that’s how it works. It’s great for the EFL, let alone Northampton, to have an ex-Brazil international getting involved with an English club in the lower leagues. It’s fantastic, good luck to them."

With investment consortiums like these, with a widely-known person as the figurehead, there are obvious comparisons with Wrexham. Where do you stand on that and how likely is it that Northampton could emulate what Wrexham have achieved?

KN: “Alexandre Pato’s gone in with a percentage share, hasn't he? So, I don't think it's a full takeover like we've seen with Wrexham. Wrexham is a unique story, a real Hollywood movie, and what those two owners have achieved is exceptional. It’s been great for Phil Parkinson, who has been heavily backed year on year, and they’ve really put the club on the map globally.

“It’s great to see that kind of Hollywood story, but they haven't stood still since that success. They’ve learned from it and pushed on, you can see the investment they've put into the squad again this year to try and go one better than last season. That’s probably a far cry from where Northampton are. What they need is to be steady, winning matches, and getting promoted, that’s their level right now, to reach that standard and then try to establish themselves as a League One club.

“That was certainly my remit and what I wanted. I truly believe that if I’d been given the opportunity to see the season out, I would have kept them in the league. I would have given it my all, and I have full belief in my own ability and that of my staff to have achieved that. It’s a shame, but as I say, I wish them the best of luck in the future.”

Is Phil Parkinson the right man to take Wrexham to the Premier League?

KN: “It's the first time we've started hearing sniffs of discontent against Phil Parkinson, isn't it? Is he the right man? People are starting to question it because he didn't get over the line last year. He didn't have a great start this season, but then they went to Millwall recently and won. So, I think that's the reality of it. What he has to do is prove it again. He's proven it before, plenty of times. He just has to go and prove it again. Because they've firmly backed him, I believe.

“But how long do they wait if they feel he isn't the man to do it? It will be interesting. I think by December or Christmas-time, I would imagine they’ll be hoping he has them in and around the top end of the Championship to ensure they have a good run and a strong chance of getting into the Premier League next year.”

Does he have the track record to achieve that in your opinion?

KN: “Phil Parkinson’s achieved promotions before, so he knows what it takes to get over the line. While I don't think he has secured a promotion to the Premier League specifically, he has earned promotions from every other league. Whenever he is given a squad that is capable of getting promoted, he has consistently delivered. I believe the club feels they have a promotion-winning squad, so the remit will be to reach the Premier League. Phil is very experienced, so he will be well aware of what is expected of him.”

What do you make of West Ham’s start to life in the Championship? Having been backed by many as big favourites for the title, do you think that’s what they still are?

KN: "West Ham have certainly got one of the strongest squads in the Championship, haven’t they? You can't take that away. They’re the big boys, the big fish in the pond. It’s a position they haven’t been in before, and a lot of teams will be looking to make it tough for them. 

“No one will make it easy for West Ham, they’ll all want to beat them. I remember it myself from when I left Newcastle to join West Ham in 2010, every team wanted the scalp of the big boys and they made it difficult for us. You have to take that on the chin, puff your chest out and be ready to scrap for every ball, while showing that individual quality when the opportunity arises.

“You’ll see a lot of that from Jarrod Bowen as he never shies away from anything. He’s the leader and he needs to bring his troops along with him. It’s been an OK start, but I knew it wouldn't be easy, everyone is going to make life difficult for them. It’s up to them to find a way to ensure they finish in the top two come the end of the season.”

Is Nuno Espirito Santo the right man to get West Ham promoted this season?

KN: “Nuno has done it before with Wolves. He certainly seems invested, he had conversations with the owners and was clearly committed to the task, which was a huge positive as it was resolved almost immediately after relegation. I believe he’s determined to ensure it happens. You have to say he is the right man for the job at this moment in time. However, I’d like to see how they perform in the next five or six games, that’s when we’ll start to get a real sense of where the league stands.”

Aside from Jarrod Bowen, who can you see being West Ham’s key players in their promotion push?

KN: “Taty is probably the one player people are looking at aside from Jarrod Bowen to push them back to the Premier League. He started off well, and I thought he was a good addition to the squad last year. I thought he did well, even though he didn't score as many goals as you’d expect, but I think this year, you can see his work rate and his endeavour to do well, it’s really good. I think they’ve all got to stand up, if I’m honest. I think when you’re playing in the Championship, you can’t have people who are going to shirk responsibility.

“It’s really important that the players like Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos, who are big personalities and experienced players in that squad, step up and help the young lads like Lewis Orford and Oli Scarles who have started the season. I think it’s a collective effort, but you need the core of your main men to be really at it and drive those standards day in, day out, to make sure they get there and get over the line come the end of the season.”

How much of a roundabout positive can relegation be in the development of younger talent at West Ham, who would not have been ready for first-team football in the Premier League?

KN: “It always seems to happen, doesn't it? You see a lot more youngsters in and around the first-team squads when they have been relegated. In the Premier League, people often talk about over-inflated squads and a lack of opportunities or pathways for young players. But this situation has allowed Nuno to clear the decks and get rid of the people who didn't really want to be there, because a lot of players, when they're in the Premier League, just sit there thinking, 'Well, I'm playing for West Ham.'

“But as soon as they get relegated, it’s like, ‘Well, I can go or I need to go elsewhere.’ So, what it does is give those younger lads an opportunity, and it’s then up to them. They get opportunities in pre-season and it’s up to them to show what they can do. That’s where I got my opportunity with Sam Allardyce when I was 17. I went away on a pre-season tour, and all of a sudden, I was part of his squad for the rest of the season.

“It’s about opportunity, and taking that opportunity when it comes. It certainly helps when clubs are in the Championship because of the financial issues they often face; they have to clear the debts and clear the decks if you like, of players who were squad members or substitutes in the Premier League but aren't quite up to standard for the Championship or aren't going to be starters. It’s a chance to move them on, and that always provides an opportunity for one of the youngsters to step in.”

How do you see Bolton’s chances of pushing for a play-off spot in the Championship this season under Steven Schumacher, or is it more about consolidation for them?

KN: “I think we have to manage expectations and keep things calm. If Bolton can stay in the Championship this season and build, I think it will be an excellent season for them. If they can get into the top eight then wow, but it won't be easy.

“It’s not easy, and Steven Schumacher and his staff will know that. He’s going to have to manage those expectations when they have those wins and highs. But he will because he’s been there, he knows it and he’s got good staff around him. I believe the expectation for Bolton this year should be to ensure that, come the end of the season, they’ve had a good, solid reintegration back into the Championship, staying well away from the drop zone and finishing in the bottom half of the table. I think that would be a good, solid season for them.”

Bolton have brought in Samuel Iling-Junior on loan from Aston Villa, who is a player with a good reputation and decent Championship experience. How much of an impact can he have for them?

KN: “I think it’s always nice when you get deals for names like Samuel Iling-Junior over the line. I know how highly he’s rated down at Villa. My boy’s in the youth system as well at Forest, so you get to learn about these lads when they’re a bit younger. Obviously, having been at Northampton last year, I knew he was always a few levels higher than what you were expecting.

“He's got Championship experience, he was at West Brom last year and is now at Bolton. It's a fantastic club for him to go to, stamp his authority and do what he does, and Steven will give him that opportunity to shine. They had a real shining light last year in Amario Cozier-Duberry and I think they're hoping Iling-Junior can be the one to light up the Reebok.”

Amario Cozier-Duberry was arguably the best player in League One last season. Having now moved to Middlesbrough on loan, what do you think his ceiling is?

KN: “I worked with Amario Cozier-Duberry during the first three international windows with the Under-20s. I saw players like Nico O’Reilly and Will Lankshear in there, there’s some real talent. They just have to keep pushing themselves. 

“I think Amario had a really good loan spell last year and it’s up to him now to go again. They all have the potential to play in the Premier League, but it's not as simple as just getting an opportunity. You have to go and prove it at those clubs first and then build on that when the opportunities come. I’m interested to see how he gets on this year, I must admit.”

Of the managers you have faced in your career so far, who would you say has the highest ceiling and potential to make it to the Premier League?

KN: “I look at Steven Schumacher, who has done a good job at Bolton when I think of managers I’ve faced with the highest ceiling. There was a lot of pressure there to get them up. In my eyes, it’s a big club that belongs in the Championship. Getting there proved difficult but they’ve achieved it, so you have to look at the job he’s doing and acknowledge he’s doing it really well. 

“Then there is Jack Wilshere, who came into Luton from Arsenal and was given his first opportunity. Winning the EFL Trophy was a nice step for him. This is a big year for him, can he go on and reach that next level? The expectation will be to try and get out of the league, from where they were. I think it’s good that we’ve got good British coaches down there, they are doing well and getting recognised.

“I’m looking forward to seeing more British and young coaches in the Premier League in the coming years. I hope they don't just reach the top level by earning promotion, as Frank Lampard had to do. I’d like to see them being directly interviewed and appointed to roles, similar to how it works in other countries like Germany and Austria, where managers are often given opportunities in their own domestic leagues. It will be interesting to see how they progress this year.”

Your former team-mate Andy Carroll is doing well at Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League South, how long do you see him carrying on as a player?

KN: “I think because of the way Andy Carroll plays, he can carry on for a couple more years as he looks after himself well. I think he wants to play for another couple of years, too. I was obviously surprised when he went to Dagenham & Redbridge, but he sort of had a vision of what they could achieve. Tony Fernandes is involved, and obviously KSI is fronting it and promoting it through YouTube, so it’s really taken off. I’m excited for him, I’ve spoken to him quite a bit about it and the takeover.

“No doubt that at some point I’ll pop down and see them and see how they’re getting on. It’s good to see them towards the top of the league, but they’ve heavily invested in the squad, so they will be expecting to get promoted this year, and rightly so. It’s a good start, but only a start; they’ve got to keep going.”

Is the project at Dagenham & Redbridge something that you could be tempted to get involved in?

KN: “I wouldn’t be tempted to get involved with Dagenham & Redbridge at this moment. If I’m honest, I’d probably want to be at a higher level. But you never say never because when you go down to those levels, you can be sold on a vision, and you can be part of something incredible like the Wrexham story and everything else. But no, we haven't had those conversations yet. I’ll let the manager who is in the job do his work, he's doing a good job at the moment, so good luck to them.”

Moving into Scotland, given the respective starts for Celtic and Rangers is the Scottish Premiership title as good as won for the former?

KN: “I just think when you've got Martin O’Neill at the helm, and given the start Celtic have had, with Rangers' start being a bit tricky, it's going to be tough to overhaul them. Rangers are going to have to win every Old Firm Derby this season, as well as hope that Celtic slip up and they manage to win every game. Obviously, that has taken a lot away from Rangers, and Hearts have also had a lot of changes and players leaving since last year. So, I think Celtic have got to be firm favourites, they’ve bought really well.

“I think they’re in a good place at the moment. Obviously, they had that shocker of a Champions League game against LASK not long ago, but they’ll be in the Europa League now. If I’m honest, that probably suits them better, even though the prize money isn’t as good.

“I think they could do something decent in the Europa League, especially with that home advantage. It makes a hell of a difference, as we saw with Aston Villa last year, so why can’t Celtic go and do the same? If they continue to perform in the league as they are, they can fully focus on those European nights and find success there too.”

Given the state of Rangers at the moment, is it fair to suggest that Celtic will be the dominant force in Scotland for a few years or is that putting the cart before the horse?

KN: “I think you’ve got to wait and see as to who will be dominant in Scotland for the next few years. There are certainly going to be changes ahead. There’s going to be a change of manager there at some point with Celtic. It’s a question of whether there’s going to be a changing of the guard again. If Derek McInnes is given time to implement his ideas, and we’ve seen that once he is given that time he can challenge, then that’s what they’ll be expecting.

“They probably didn't expect it to be this tough, or for the start to be as difficult as it has been. But expectations change and the fans will naturally want the team to be competitive. I’m sure if he can get them in and around the top by the end of the season, and perhaps put a bit of silverware in the cabinet, then they’re not too far away. I don’t think Celtic will run away with it, but I don’t think Rangers will easily claw back the gap that currently exists.”

As you mentioned, Celtic will have to look for a new manager at some point in the not-too-distant future. Do you have anyone in mind that you would like to see take over, with Damien Duff’s name having been mentioned?

KN: “I can see why Damien Duff’s name has been mentioned in relation to the Celtic job. Duffer is a good lad, very astute, and he’s doing really well. He had Joey O’Brien with him in Ireland when he was managing there and Joey then took over. I think he’s someone who could definitely step into that role. He’s with Keith Andrews at Brentford now, so he’s gaining experience as a Premier League assistant, which will be invaluable. I can certainly see that happening in the future.

“I can see that having legs if Martin O’Neill were to step away. It’s one I’d like to see, because I really like Duffer and enjoyed playing with him. Hopefully, he’d take Joey O’Brien with him as well, as they seem to work very well together.”

Is Celtic a club that you would have liked to play for if the opportunity had ever presented itself during your career?

KN: “I would have liked to play for Celtic, if the opportunity arose. I had a Celtic kit when I was younger because of Kenny Dalglish, so I was never really involved in the rivalry or aware of what it was all about. For me, it was just Rangers and Celtic. I played at Ibrox as well, which is a fantastic stadium. When you play for either of those teams, the passion you get is incredible.

“I was lucky enough to attend an Old Firm match while I was playing for Newcastle, and it was an incredible atmosphere. If I had been given the opportunity, it is certainly something I would have seriously considered in my career.”