Liverpool glad-Lee welcomed Sammy back - Nolan
Bolton captain Kevin Nolan believes Sammy Lee's failed management reign at the Reebok Stadium is proving to be Liverpool's gain.
Lee was sacked by Bolton last October after a disastrous tenure which lasted just 171 days.
The popular former Reds midfielder never looked comfortable in an ill-fitting suit which served only to underline the view management was not for him.
However, he remains well respected for his coaching ability and was recruited by Liverpool as Rafael Benitez's assistant in May.
Nolan believes Lee's influence on the training ground at Melwood has played a key role in making Benitez's side genuine title contenders this season.
The Reds head to Bolton for tomorrow's lunchtime kick-off as joint leaders of the Barclays Premier League.
Nolan said: "We were all sad to see Sammy go, but obviously the management side didn't particularly work for him.
"I think it was always going to be a tough job to follow in Sam Allardyce's footsteps.
"Sammy tried it his way but I didn't think it worked at the time. I'm sure he will learn from his mistakes if he goes into management again.
"What was our loss as a first-team coach and an assistant manager - and then as a manager - was Liverpool's gain.
"You can see how good a coach he is and I think that's one of the major reasons why Liverpool are where they are.
"I've not spoken to Sammy for a good while but it will be nice to see him.
"I'd like to get one over on him this weekend but I'll also wish him all the best because he's a great fella."
Like Lee, Nolan has a great affinity with Liverpool.
He has supported the club from boyhood and returns from suspension to lead the Trotters in tomorrow's clash.
Once known for his goalscoring ability from the middle of the park, Nolan has not found the net in the Premier League since February.
He said: "I've missed chances, I've missed a penalty... I could go on all day.
"But I take that responsibility and I know I've got to start scoring goals. It's a big part of my game but I'll start doing that again - I know I will.
"Hopefully I'll get one against Liverpool and go from there. I grew up supporting Liverpool but it's really nice to get one over on them."
Gary Megson's side go into the match having won their previous two outings.
Nolan - whose return has given Megson a full-strength squad - added: "The last two wins have really instilled confidence into the lads and we're really confident going into this week's game."
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Weather for Kettering
Sunday 27 May 2012
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