Kevin Nolan column

By Kevin Nolan
Bolton captain

Read my answers to your questions

I think Sammy Lee can become a top manager.

With Gary Speed now first-team player-coach I have no escape from management!

Sammy wanted the job after Sam Allardyce's resignation on 29 April and, after two years as assistant boss, he now has the chance to show how good he is.

It will be tough because he is following a very successful manager in Allardyce.

He is taking charge at a big club with big aspirations but he handled the pressure as a player at Liverpool and I think he will be able to do so in his new role.

His man-management is second to none - and he has the ability to make his players feel like world beaters.

I do not think he will change things too radically but I'm looking forward to the new ideas and tactics that he will gradually introduce.

He is a really nice guy but I'm sure that we will start seeing the Mr Nasty in him now that he is the gaffer.

Sammy Lee might not have the build of his predecessor but once he gets going I don't think you'll be able to stop him.

He has already shown what a shrewd judge he is by appointing Gary Speed as first team player-coach.

The first-team coach is the link between the players and the manager and I think that Speedo will excel in the role.

Of course, with Gary also being my partner in midfield it means I now have no escape at all from management!

Gary called to tell me the news before we went into training for the first time under the new management structure on Tuesday.

By the time I arrived at the players' changing room Gary had already changed and headed off to the coaching staff's room for their pre-training meeting.

A few of the players did not know of Gary's new appointment and decided that they did not want a spy in the camp.

They removed all the contents of Speedo's locker and dumped them outside the dressing room - hinting that perhaps he would have to move to the coaching staff's dressing room.

Gary, who I expect to continue playing next season, took it in good spirits and argued he was still one of the lads but every time he comes into earshot now the lads all hush each other and whisper: "Sssh, the spy is coming!"

In many ways it is business as usual - we have two games left and know that if we win them both we will qualify for next season's Uefa Cup.

I was gutted when Sam Allardyce left - but want to thank him for what he has done for me

At this time of year, with no transfer deadlines, a manager can afford to be hands on and I expect Sammy Lee will continue to take the majority of the sessions.

Over time I'm sure that the other demands of the job will ensure that situation changes but life moves on and I want to be a big part of that under the new manager.

However, I must finish this week by putting on record my genuine thanks to Sam Allardyce.

It is strange without Sam Allardyce around but, to be honest, it did not really hit me until Thursday because he was rarely involved in training sessions in the early part of the week.

I was gutted when I found out he was leaving - I did not want him to - and I cannot thank him enough for what he has done for me.

He gave me my break, developed my game and gave me the captaincy. He was different class.

So Sam and family - thanks again for all your support and all the very best for the future!

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Kevin,
Great Column!
When was the first time you felt famous?
Who in your mind is the most unsung hero at Bolton football Club, in terms of a player, backroom staff, or employee?
Leigh Ford, Pontypool, Wales

I have never felt famous. I am just a normal bloke who does a job that he really loves.

In terms of the unsung heroes I would have to nominate the backroom staff at the club. They are the player liaison officers, the physios, the masseurs, the fitness and conditioning people and the coaching staff - they ensure the players are fit and raring to go.

Kev,
I've seen you modelling the new Bolton kit on the club's website. Do players have an input into the new design?
Mike Hughes, England

None whatsoever. The kitman at the club, Russell Bryne-Fraser, will meet with the manufacturer when they are designing a new strip. He knows what the players moan about and what they like. That said, the manufacturer has control over colour schemes and the pattern of design.

Hello Kevin,
Interviews with television, radio and the written press are a major part of a Premiership players' duties these days. Does the club train you for this and do you enjoy it?
Tig Shearer, England

I had some media training when I was younger. Talking to the media is something that I quite enjoy. I quite like the way Bolton handle the press. One player faces the media on a weekly basis unless there are special individual requests, which are sorted out through our press department.

What do you think of your Iranian team-mate Andranik Teymurian? Do you think he could be a first-team regular soon?
Hormoz, Iran

He is an absolutely top man who has done fantastically well since he has come to the club. It is always tough moving country and learning a new language, as well as adjusting to the Premiership. He has done well in the games he has played in and will only get better.

Have you spoken to Stelios, asking him what was he doing with that balloon as Kevin Doyle was stepping up to take a penalty against you?
Gregg, UK

I thought it was David Thompson and I think he was trying to put Doyle off.

Kevin will continue to answer a selection of your questions each week throughout the season. Send us your questions using the post form in the top right-hand corner.