Kevin Nolan leaves West Ham by mutual consent

Nolan has previously played for Bolton and Newcastle

Captain Kevin Nolan has left West Ham United by mutual consent after four years at the Premier League club.

The 33-year-old midfielder played 157 games for the east London side, scoring 31 goals, following his arrival from Newcastle United in June 2011.

The Liverpool-born player helped the Hammers win promotion to the Premier League in his first season.

"I'm now looking forward to the next challenge playing for a new club," he told West Ham's official website.

Manager Slaven Bilic said Nolan left the club because he could not be promised regular football.

The club added: "We would like to thank Kevin for his considerable effort and commitment over the past four seasons and wish him all the very best for the future, on and off the football pitch."

Nolan made his first Premier League start of the season in the Hammers' 4-3 home defeat by Bournemouth last weekend, but was replaced at half-time.