Nolan return to lift Hammers, insists Moyes
David Moyes hopes the return of Kevin Nolan to West Ham will inspire their survival bid.
Fo r m e r Ha m m e r s captain Nolan, who led the club to promotion in 2012, has joined Moyes’ coaching staff alongside No. 2 Alan Irvine and another new face, ex-norwich and Brighton coach Paul Nevin. Moy e s’ back-room team now has a distinctly British feel to it following the departure of previous boss Manuel Pellegrini and his staff.
“I hope both the new s t a f f me m b e r s have something they can add,” said Moyes. “I want people who can add something. I want to hear what they have to say. “I wanted people different in personality to me and Alan. Kevin’s well known around these parts, he knows the club, so I’m hoping he can guide us in certain parts.
“He is young, he is not that long out of playing, and he has been a manager.
“I like that. I like my staff members to have been in management. Once you have done the job you sit back and say it’s a tough gig.
“Paul’s come in with an understanding of different clubs, a background I felt we needed. I hope both can do as well as the likes of Stuart Pearce did for me when I was here last time.”
Nolan, 37, spent five years with West Ham and played a pivotal role as they established themselves back in the top flight. No stranger to scrapping near the foot of the table, he arrives at a Hammers side currently lying in the drop zone. Nevertheless, Nolan said: “It feels incredible to be back. I’m delighted, proud and just really looking forward to the rest of the season.
“We all know what’s needed and we’re very confident we can get there.”
Pep Guardiola is at a loss to explain Manchester C i t y ’s sudden lack of potency in front of goal.
The champions have scored 102 times in all competitions this season, but the goals have dried up in the last two games, despite the team continuing to create a multitude of chances. City boss Guardiola said: “I don’t know. I would like to find the explanation. In every single game we concede less (chances) and create more.
“I d o n’t have any e n e r g y, any p ow e r or knowledge to say something wrong about my players. I know they want to score goals, score the penalties.
“Putting the ball in the net is the most difficult thing in football and we are going to try to improve.
“We scored so many goals and n ow we don’t. I don’t have an explanation.”