The idea of Kevin Nolan becoming Leyton Orient's new player-manager seemed absurd a few days ago.

But a week is a long time in football and after Ian Hendon's dismissal the O's have pulled off a major coup by appointing the former West Ham United captain. 

The 33-year-old started off his football career at Bolton Wanderers in 1999. It was his time at Bolton working under Sam Allardyce which sparked talk of an international career.

But Nolan was frequently overlooked by England despite his consistency in the Premier League.

The midfielder was renowned for his 'chicken dance' celebration which became a regular feature after scoring. 

During his decade at Bolton, Nolan scored 50 goals and the captain helped lead the club into the UEFA Cup twice and to the League Cup final where they were beaten by Middlesbrough in 2004.

Nolan was sold to Newcastle United for £4m in 2009 but the Magpies suffered relegation in his first season.

The midfielder played a key role, taking on the captaincy, during the club's immediate promotion back to the top flight the following season.

Nolan netted his 50th Premier League goal against former club Bolton in 2011. 

The Hammers signed Nolan for an undisclosed fee at the end of the season and he was immediately handed the captaincy.

He helped lead Allardyce's side to promotion after their play-off final win over Blackpool.

Nolan scored his 100th career league goal the following season and ended up with at least ten goals for the fourth successive campaign.

But the midfielder's influence waned during last season scoring just one goal for the club. 

Nolan featured in three Europa League games and two Premier League matches at the start of this season with his final West Ham appearance coming in the home defeat to Bournemouth in August before leaving Upton Park by mutual consent.

He spent three months training with Orient towards the end of last year but could not agree terms after the O's offered him a contract. 

But Hendon's departure opened up an unlikely twist in the tale and Nolan will now find himself stepping into management with his first game at Wycombe this Saturday.