Kevin Nolan Prioritizes Training Over Family Dinner Following Northampton Town Appointment

Kevin Nolan, the newly appointed manager of Northampton Town, stated that he had been scheduled to attend a “big family dinner” but instead led a training session with his team. His appointment occurred on Monday, preceding the demanding festive schedule, which features an important Boxing Day match against Reading. Nolan assumed the role following Jon Brady’s resignation on 5 December, after Brady had served as manager for three and a half years. The new manager commented that his family “understand the nature of the game” given the numerous fixtures scheduled during the Christmas and New Year period. Nolan, aged 42, accumulated over 600 appearances and scored 111 goals throughout his playing career, which commenced at Bolton Wanderers and included spells at Newcastle United and West Ham, achieving promotion to the Premier League with each of these three clubs. Northampton currently occupies the 20th position in League One, following their 5-0 home loss to Charlton on Saturday. After their match against Reading, the team will play away at Shrewsbury Town on Sunday, 29 December, preceding Nolan’s inaugural home game as manager against Stevenage three days later, on New Year’s Day. Nolan informed BBC Radio Northampton, stating: “I don’t think the lads are going to be too happy with the few changes I’m going to make [to the training schedule].” He added, “It’s Christmas – you know that you’ve got plenty of games.” On Monday, following his initial training session, he mentioned that his wife was “really happy that I’ve got an opportunity and a job [but] she’s asked ‘when are you coming back [for Christmas]?'”. He further stated, “I was supposed to back in Liverpool and having a big family dinner but that’s all been put away to the side for now.”