Fans have yet to see the best of midfielder Jon Nolan, according to the player who arrived in the summer from Shrewsbury and has started 11 of Town’s 21 Championship fixtures this season.

Former Everton youngster Nolan, who played for Hurst at both Grimsby and the Shrews, said: “There’s too much still to come. It’s obviously my own doing as well but collectively we haven’t been good enough and I wouldn’t say I’ve been good enough for the majority of the season. You haven’t seen me anywhere near my best.

“I don’t think I was expected to come in and rip up trees straight away. It’s a new league for me and it’s better quality. I believe I’m good enough to play in the Championship and hopefully I’ll get more of a chance to prove it in the rest of the season.”

Asked if he feared the worst for his career when Hurst was dismissed just 149 days into his Town reign, Nolan replied: “Not really but I was disappointed to see him go. I’ve always had a good relationship with him but we weren’t doing well enough and that’s football.

“Why did it not work out here for him? It’s a tough question and to be honest I don’t think I can answer it. I think it’s probably one for Paul himself.

“I haven’t spoken directly to him since he left but I sent him a text message wishing him all the best for the future.

“I hope he gets another job soon. I believe he will definitely be a success again in the future. I can’t see him not getting another job — put it that way — and fingers crossed for him and [former assistant manager] Chris Doig.”

Nolan was one of Hurst’s 12 summer signings, several of whom have yet to establish themselves at the club, but he insists he can still cut it at this level. “Yes, definitely, and I’ve got to be,” he added. “If I didn’t think that I’d be finished.

“I still think it’s a bit early to judge all the new lads. Most of us had played in the lower leagues and in my case I was in the Conference for years. When I went into League One I wasn’t the best but then last season I got in the PFA Team of the Year. Hopefully I can still prove myself in this league.”

Coincidentally, central defender Toto Nsiala, also with Everton in his youth, made the same move from Shrewsbury to Town along with Nolan. But despite the fact that he has yet to feature under new boss Lambert, Nolan said: “Toto’s a happy lad. He’s always smiling and his attitude around the place is spot-on. He’s training well and if he gets the chance I have no doubt that he’ll do well.”

Another thing of which Nolan is certain is that Town’s home clash with Wigan is a must-win game. He said: “We’re going into every game thinking we’ve got to win. But Wigan haven’t been doing too well themselves recently and we’re at home with our fans behind us.

“They’ve been massively supportive this season. I couldn’t believe them at Stoke last week. They were singing all game. I’ve never seen anything like it. We want to get a result for them and all things considered Wigan is a game we have to win.”

Photo: TWTD

rfretwell added 17:57 - Dec 13 All credit to our away fans especially. Even during our atrocious performance at Millwall our fans got right behind the lads second half. Nolan needs to step his game up. Alot was depending on him being our midfield goal threat but it hasn't happened to date.
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rfretwell added 17:57 - Dec 13 All credit to our away fans especially. Even during our atrocious performance at Millwall our fans got right behind the lads second half. Nolan needs to step his game up. Alot was depending on him being our midfield goal threat but it hasn't happened to date.
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rfretwell added 17:57 - Dec 13 All credit to our away fans especially. Even during our atrocious performance at Millwall our fans got right behind the lads second half. Nolan needs to step his game up. Alot was depending on him being our midfield goal threat but it hasn't happened to date.
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Coco added 18:51 - Dec 13 All credit to our away fans especially. Even during our atrocious performance at Millwall our fans got right behind the lads second half. Nolan needs to step his game up. Alot was depending on him being our midfield goal threat but it hasn't happened to date.
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RegencyBlue added 20:13 - Dec 13 There has certainly been nothing to justify all of the hype when Nolan first signed. Unfortunately I think he is like all of Hursts signings, just not good enough for the Championship!
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TimmyH added 20:25 - Dec 13 Likes to pass the ball about but he looks a lightweight player by Championship standards...
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Erics_size_5s added 20:30 - Dec 13 It would be worrying if we had!
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ronnyblue added 20:56 - Dec 13 The best thing he can show us is his back as he leaves ! He was only signed to ensure Hurst had at least one friend in the squad ! Never going to be a championship level player and should be shunted out as soon as possible!
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OsborneOneNil added 23:27 - Dec 13 He'll come good, quality footballer. Now Lambert has us playing football Nolan will come on loads.
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TonyHumesIpswich added 06:39 - Dec 14 ....somebody on here mentioned he was going to be the Championship Paul Scholes. Not happened by a country mile.
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Northstandveteran added 08:19 - Dec 14 I'm sure we'll see the best of him next season when he and the rest of Hurst's signings are back playing at a level they are comfortable with.
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drewcudders1963 added 08:57 - Dec 14 Good quality player, with some great touches.... needs the confidence of a run in the team in his best position and a couple of goals and we will have a creative midfielder on our hands
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OwainG1992 added 09:48 - Dec 14 There's a reason a fair few champs sides were looking at Nolan. Let's not forget if he'd joined say a Leeds Utd he would probably have looked great due to how we'll they've played. Nobody has looked good for us this season bar Sears the last few games.
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chepstowblue added 17:10 - Dec 14 That's one hell of a relief !
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ITFCsince73 added 21:32 - Dec 14 No worries Jon. You take your time. We've got all the time in the world. Hope your only taking 50% of your 10 k per week though, while you continue to offer us nothing.
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ITFCsince73 added 21:40 - Dec 14 OwainG There's a big reason why he ended up with us. As you say other clubs apparently were looking. Other clubs, Clearly decided he wasn't good enough. Much the same, around the same time other clubs were looking at Jonas. Unfortunately they also came to the same conclusion.
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