Nolan missed 'big family dinner' to take training

Kevin Nolan took charge of Northampton Town on Monday

New Northampton Town manager Kevin Nolan said he was meant to be having a "big family dinner" but instead took charge of training with his squad.

He was appointed on Monday ahead of the busy festive period, including a crucial Boxing Day fixture at Reading.

Nolan replaced Jon Brady, who resigned on 5 December after three and a half years in charge.

The new boss said his family "understand the nature of the game" with the amount of matches over Christmas and New Year.

Nolan, 42, made more than 600 appearances and scored 111 goals during a playing career which began at Bolton Wanderers and took him to Newcastle United and West Ham - winning promotion to the Premier League with all three clubs.

Northampton are 20th in League One following Saturday's 5-0 home defeat by Charlton.

Following the game against Reading, they are away to Shrewsbury Town on Sunday, 29 December before Nolan's first home fixture in charge against Stevenage three days later on New Year's Day.

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Nolan told BBC Radio Northampton: "I don't think the lads are going to be too happy with the few changes I'm going to make [to the training schedule].

"It's Christmas - you know that you've got plenty of games."

Speaking on Monday, after he had taken training for the first time, he said his wife was "really happy that I've got an opportunity and a job [but] she's asked 'when are you coming back [for Christmas]?'".

"I was supposed to back in Liverpool and having a big family dinner but that's all been put away to the side for now," he said.