Scott Parker (then Toon skipper) had Charles N'Zogbia pinned up against the dressing room wall because the winger constantly "disrupted team talks" ... yet Nolan is the catalyst in transforming the team spirit at the club.
Nolan was hailed by both Chris Hughton and Alan Pardew, but the Newcastle skipper looks set to be on his way, and N'Zogbia return.
Wigan have revealed that N'Zogbia and the club have agreed that he will be sold this summer - and he hopes to join an elite Premier League side.
Latics boss Roberto Martinez has previously warned that he will only consider selling N'Zogbia to a club that can offer European football - with a £12 million price tag mentioned in some quarters.
Reports have suggested that Liverpool and Newcastle are interested in securing his services, with a source close to the player telling the Daily Star that he would prefer a move back to St James's Park.
N'Zogbia: "It is true that over the last two years at Wigan, our goal has been to stay in the Premier League and it is tough and it has been a bit detrimental to me.
"It is a bit of a disadvantage to me, but I always give my best for whichever team I am with.
"I have one year left on my contract, and after two years I think the coach and the owner are satisfied with what I have produced.
"Now they know that I want to sign with a bigger club, with bigger goals who can play in Europe and also help me with France. I said to them that if I am still at Wigan then I would give them 200%, as I am loyal to the club.
"But they have opted for a transfer and I hope it will happen under good conditions and that everyone will be happy.
"A big club for me is one that plays in Europe, and which has the goal of winning the title - that may be in England, France, Spain or Italy.
"I left France at the age of 18, and I have been in the Premier League for six or seven years and I have evolved in the Premier League, I am familiar with that and I have learned the customs of that league and I feel good.
"So it is the Premier League first for me, after that France, Spain or Italy - I have seen them on television and it would be a new challenge."
A 'THANK YOU' TO FOOTYMAD READERS ...
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE'
FOR £5.99 (inc post)
2010/11 has been NewcastleUtd-Mad's greatest season for page 'hits', and as a thank you to all readers we are giving you the chance (FOR TWO WEEKS ONLY) to purchase "MAGPIES IN EUROPE" for £5.99 (and that includes the postage).
*Normal price is £9.99
OFFER ENDS JUNE 10th 2011
Although "Magpies In Europe" will not be launched OFFICIALLY until next season ... if you want a copy it is available NOW from this website ... and ONLY from this website!
FOREWORD BY FAIRS CUP HERO JOHN McNAMEE
Sports Journalist Richie Everson: "At last a book that the fabulous Newcastle United fans can relate to. It's informative, all the facts and figures are there, plus the 120 match reports from all the fixtures ... but it is the articles by the supporters that amazed me.
"I went to many of those games, and this is the only book I can honestly say 'hits the nail on the head'!
"Yes we know the results and the scorers, but some of the facts in this book had me so wrapped up in it I couldn't put it down.
"Was Benny Arentoft cup-tied when he played in the final? Big Wyn and his battle with John McGrath; McFaul scoring a penalty when the crowd had gone home; the trouble in Palermo; it is all amazing stuff.
"I would honestly give this book 10 out of 10."
MAGPIES IN EUROPE
From Antwerp to Zurich
Please include your address in a letter and send a cheque (or postal order) for £5.99 payable to Mr K Fletcher, to:
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE', K Fletcher, 5 Dunelm, Sacriston, Co Durham DH7 6NU.
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