Former West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan has thanked his former manager Sam Allardyce for providing him an opportunity at the club.

When asked if Allardyce's summer exit influenced his decision to leave the club recently, Nolan told Sky Sports: "It probably would have happened anyway.

"A lot of people thought it was just [all about] me and Sam, but I was probably the one that battled more with Sam than anyone in the dressing room.

"I can't thank him enough for what he's given me. He's given me my chance in the top flight. But I'd like to think I've repaid him 10 times over."