With injuries to Michael Owen and Joey Barton during Newcastle’s 2 - 1 loss at City during the midweek, Mike Ashley and Joe Kinnear splashed out 4.5 Million Pounds for Wanderers midfielder Kevin “Mr. Bolton” Nolan ahead of Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby at St. James’ Park.

Via DailyMail

The 26-year-old said: ‘I am absolutely delighted. It is about proving I am not just Mr Bolton and about going to next level and showing what I am all about. Newcastle have given me that chance.

‘It is amazing hype surrounding the derby. I have heard so much about it since the move and I didn’t even know they were playing Sunderland until I was on my way up here. It is a massive game to come into.

‘It seems weird seeing Nolan on the back of a Newcastle shirt but I am sure I will get used to it. Once I found out about coming and Bolton letting me go I just wanted to get the job done for Newcastle.

‘Seeing talent in restaurant at lunchtime, it is unbelievable and hopefully it will raise my level of performances and raise my game.

‘It has been a whirlwind and I am just looking forward to the challenge and no doubt we can get away from this scrap and start building for next year.

‘With a couple of wins we are back in the top 10 and it is just exciting coming here. We have a really good bunch of lads and hopefully we can get up the table.

‘It is a sad time leaving Bolton and my missus summed it up when she said it was a really sad day and she was as gutted as me. But some times you need a new lease of life and new challenge and it was just too good an opportunity to turn down.’

His former Bolton boss Gary Megson had seemed in the dark about the transfer, telling reporters to ’speak to the press office’ if they wanted more information.

WOW… That’s not the type of quote you’re used to seeing from a coach that just lost one of the best players for the last 8 seasons at the club.

Image via DailyMail