After 12 seasons and over 300 games, Kevin Nolan has left Bolton Wanderers to sign for Newcastle United. He joins the north east club on a four and a half year contract after concluding a four million pound deal.

Nolan will enter the Newcastle midfield at a time when Joey Barton has just been ruled out with a broken foot. Geordie boss Joe Kinnear was impressed by Nolan’s Premiership experience and goal-scoring ability as well as his never-say-die attitude. “He's a player I think our fans will love," he said. "He's a real inspirational player and a great character. He's the sort of lad that never knows when he is beaten“.

Nolan admitted that the switch to St James’ Park was an opportunity that was “impossible to turn down”.

Reebok boss Gary Megson already has a ready-made replacement in new signing Mark Davies who joined on Monday from Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers.