KEVIN Nolan has spoken emotionally of the sadness and disappointment surrounding his shock transfer to Newcastle.

The former Wanderers captain left the Reebok for Tyneside last Friday in a £4million deal that was completed less than 48 hours after he had returned from suspension to lead the team in a 2-2 draw at Blackburn.

Speaking exclusively to The Bolton News, Nolan said he had no idea a move was on the cards until he received a call from his agent.

“He told me Newcastle were on and did I fancy it,” he said. “I asked him what the club had said about it and he said they were negotiating.

“It was a bit of a shock. There had been rumours in the past but they were always quashed, so I must admit I was disappointed that the club were prepared to sell me. I saw myself being at Bolton for many more years, but I’ve had time to think about it and it might be something I needed and something Bolton needed.

“It’s a very sad time for me in many ways because I’ve left Bolton after so many years but I’m delighted with the move and excited about starting another chapter.

“It’s a step up and has much more to offer. Newcastle is massively supported and, if they can get things right in the next couple of years, they can definitely be back up there challenging the top four. The potential and the quality of the squad is incredible.”

Nolan, who joined Wanderers at the age of 14, progressed through the academy ranks to become one of the most respected goalscoring midfield players in the country.

He was a first team regular and key figure at the Reebok throughout seven-and-half seasons in the Premiership. In November 2005, still only 23, he took over the captaincy from Jay-Jay Okocha and went on to make 345 appearances for the Whites, scoring 50 goals.

But for the remainder of this season, after signing a four-and-a-half year contract with the Magpies, he will not only be a rival in the battle to avoid relegation but will come up against his old team-mates when Newcastle come to the Reebok on March 1.

Nolan relishes the return but admits: “I just hope we both pick up enough points in the meantime to be clear of the safety mark. I don’t want it to be a crunch clash.

“At the moment we’re in a scrap with Bolton but I’m sure we’ll both be safe.

“It’s going to be mad coming to the Reebok as an opponent but I really hope I can get a good reception from the Bolton fans.

“I hope they see me as someone who grew with the team when we got into the Premier League and into Europe. I’m very proud of that. I have so much to thank Bolton for and so many great memories – and hopefully I will have a lot more to come with my new club.”

Nolan, who was staying in a North East hotel before of making his debut in Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby with Sunderland, kept up to speed with events at the Reebok on Saturday by watching Sky Sports and admits he went through the range of emotions.

“I was worried sick when Spurs got it back to 2-2, but was delighted when it came through that Davo (Kevin Davies) got the winner,” he added. “I was delighted with the result.”

Nolan applauded Gary Megson’s decision to hand the captain’s armband to Kevin Davies, who led by example on Saturday with an inspirational performance that brought him two goals.

“Davo’s always been a big influence on the lads there – he was for me,” he added. “I was absolutely delighted for him on Saturday.

“It’s not my position to be telling Gary Megson what to do, but Davo would be a great captain.

“When you are captain at a club like Boilton there’s a lot to take on board. It’s a great family club and you have to learn the ins and outs. I learned from one of the best – Gudni Bergsson – and I know Davo could do a good job as captain.

“He did a lot on Saturday to lift the gloom that people have been talking about recently and I was delighted.

“I hope people now forget all that nonsense about dressing room problems because there are none. I couldn’t have wished to work with a better bunch of lads – and you saw their character on Saturday.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that they are going to stay in the Premier League.”