Kevin Nolan: “Newcastle’s a fantastic club, and if I got the captaincy it would be amazing, probably one of the highlights of my career.
“But I don’t think it matters who wears that armband at this moment in time.
“I’m just concentrating on making sure I’m going to be starting at the beginning of the season. Smudge did a fantastic job last year along with Butty.
“Now Butty – the club captain – has gone, Chris has got a decision to make.
“I’ll leave that entirely up to him, and back him in whatever decision he makes.
“There are a few candidates, and I’m just glad to be one of them.
“It’s not my main priority at the moment, but if I get it, it’ll give me a boost, why wouldn’t it?
“Walking out in front of 50,000 fans, especially with this group of lads, is fantastic.
“This season’s all about making sure we’re ready for the first game, and I think we’re on course for that.
“I loved my time at Bolton – I was captain for so many years, in Europe as well.
“If I can do that here, and take this club back where it belongs, that’ll be absolutely brilliant.
“I’ve just got to make sure I’m ready, and if I’m ready, that’ll give me a better chance of maybe leading the lads.
“At this moment the focus is on me and my team-mates making sure we’re ready for Manchester United.
“Being honest, the captaincy’s probably the last thing on my mind, but I do love doing it!”