Kevin Nolan finished the 2010-11 season with 12 Premier League goals from 30 appearances and had established himself as a fan-favourite on Tyneside. He had also been made captain, taking over from Nicky Butt and looked set to lead the team into the new season under the management of Alan Pardew. During the summer of 2011, Sam Allardyce signed Nolan for West Ham as they looked to gain promotion from the Championship in a deal that shocked many Newcastle fans. Nolan made 85 appearances for Newcastle and scored an impressive 29 goals from midfield.