Northampton Town have appointed former West Ham United and Bolton Wanderers captain Kevin Nolan as their new manager just two days before the Cobblers visit the SCL Stadium.

Jon Brady departed Sixfields earlier this month after more than 200 matches in charge with Northampton hovering above the relegation zone by two points.

After two matches with a caretaker boss, former West Ham coach Nolan will take place in the dugout against the Royals on Boxing Day for the first time.

Formerly in charge of Leyton Orient and Notts County, Nolan was captain of West Ham as Noel Hunt and Reading did the double over the Hammers on route to the Championship title in 2011/12.

"Kevin was very impressive through the process and showed a real desire for the job," said Chairman Kelvin Thomas.

"He has done well in difficult circumstances in both of his previous managerial jobs and he impressed us with his knowledge, his energy, his experience and his passion. He showed a real desire and enthusiasm for the role, he couldn't wait to get started and he has already taken charge of training for the first time.

"He has been a leader throughout his career. Whether that be as a player where he was a Premier League captain of some distinction, to his managerial career where he enjoyed success at both of his previous clubs in difficult circumstances, to being a successful coach back in the Premier League, he has a hugely impressive CV.

"He is also very well connected and respected throughout the game. He has a fine record of working with players at all levels and of all ages and we are excited to welcome Kevin to the club.

"Kevin has been held in high esteem by both players and supporters of his previous clubs and we are delighted to have been able to secure his services for Northampton Town.

"Our immediate target is to try and move up the table and while we understand we have challenges to overcome, we believe Kevin is well placed to lead us forward on that."

Kevin Nolan himself added: "I am delighted to be appointed the new manager of Northampton Town and I cannot wait to get going. We have a busy schedule over the Christmas and New Year period so the challenge is to hit the ground running as best we can.

"The club has a fine reputation in the game as being a well run club and it is clear it has moved forward on and off the pitch over the last few seasons. I am proud and honoured to be given the chance to try and continue and develop that work.

"I believe the squad can make progress up the table and I am determined to repay the faith that the board of directors have shown in me.

"We don't have any time to lose, it might be Christmas but we have a lot of work to do in a short space of time and I hope the supporters will come with us as we start our journey. We will need their backing and I can promise them we will be doing all we can to turn the results around."

Kelvin Thomas continued: "Kevin will be ably supported by the current staff who will remain in their roles while we expect to be able to confirm an additional experienced appointment in the near future to complete a very strong football staff.”

Hunt is yet to win as manager of Reading, losing 2-0 at Lincoln City on Saturday.