Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce admits he could sign former Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan

Kevin Nolan could join Sam Allardyce again

SAM ALLARDYCE has opened the door for Kevin Nolan to join him at Sunderland despite his Newcastle history.

 

Allardyce was announced as Dick Advocaat's successor this week following a short period out of the game after leaving West Ham.

Allardyce and Nolan have worked together at Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham - and the 60-year-old admits they could add Sunderland to that list.

“I need to assess the squad and take it from there. Kevin and me go a long way back, as everyone knows,” said Allardyce.

“Nolan is an addition I may look at in the future, I may choose to enter down that line but at the moment it’s about giving the players I’ve got here to give an opportunity to show what they can do.”

Nolan, 33, spent two-and-a-half seasons at Newcastle and captained the side following their promotion back to the Premier League.

 

Nolan and Allardyce could be reunited

While Sunderland fans have been able to look beyond Allardyce's time at Newcastle - an ill-fated half a season - in part due to his playing days at the club, it is unlikely they would welcome Nolan.

Sunderland are second bottom in the Premier League after eight games with just three points.

They sit above just Newcastle, who they face in their second game under Allardyce, after taking on West Brom on Saturday.