Former captain and now first team coach Kevin Nolan has expressed his delight in seeing how well his club are now performing.

Nolan, who was captain during a crucial time for the club in returning and consolidating our Premier League status between 2011 and 2015, joined David Moyes staff three years ago to oversee strides forward in the clubs ambition for success.

In a reflective mood, Nolan told the clubs Official Website that while he does admit he misses his playing days, he is delighted to be involved again in the clubs recent push to challenge the elite.

“I wish I could go back,” confessed Nolan. “I must admit because I do miss playing. But it’s great to see West Ham doing so well now.

“I was at London Stadium for the game against Newcastle this season and you can see and feel the progress in the club from when I first walked in the door.

“Then, the club had just been relegated and the place was as flat as a pancake. There were struggles with the squad and other things, so to see where the team is now is great.”

The clubs recent successes would not have been possible had it not been for Nolan, who help steer the club from the Championship at the first attempt following relegation from the top flight.

Nolan was captain under then-manager Sam Allardyce, and says the promotion season is one that holds a special place in his heart.

“I think the season we got back into the Premier League is a stand-out one, because of how easy we made it look to stay in the division again,” added Nolan.

“When you go down in the manner that West Ham had been relegated the season before, and then to turn it around and get into the Premier League, it was amazing.

“I scored the first goal for us in the Premier League that year, against Aston Villa, and I think I also scored the last in the 4-2 win versus Reading when I scored a hat-trick. We had all our families and kids with us, and they walked out on the pitch with us, and I got that hat-trick, it was really nice.

“I’ve got some fantastic memories from West Ham.”