Manchester United player gifted by Sir Alex Ferguson to Inverness Caley Thistle is loving ‘real life’ in the Highlands
James Nolan has none other than Sir Alex Ferguson to thank for a bizarre career detour to Highlands.
But the Old Trafford prospect is loving life with administration-hit Caley Thistle - even if his pampered pals in the Red Devils’ reserves would be shocked at lower league realities.
The legendary Sir Alex put a word in for Caley Jags in their hour of need after a conversation with potential club saviour Alan Savage, leading to the talented wing-back costing ICT not a penny beyond board and lodgings.
Since then, Nolan has seen Everton Legend Duncan Ferguson exit the club, players lose their jobs, and tearful staff keep theirs amid the turmoil of insolvency.
What has really struck the 19-year-old from Chorley, though, is working conditions that are a million miles from what he was used to at one of Europe’s elite clubs.
“Personally, I actually genuinely haven't got a clue what part Sir Alex played in me coming here. I haven't been told anything,” Nolan said.
“I just got the phone call to tell me I'd be welcome to come up here and I grabbed the chance of my first loan spell away from Manchester United.
“Sir Alex is a massive name in football, and at United, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if that was true.
“If so, I’m really grateful because I’ve learned a lot about different sides to football.
“I wanted to improve on the physical side of the game and I’ve been able to do that. It is good to break out of that bubble, too, and get a taste for real life at a club like this.
"There are so many things that are different to what I was used to down the road, but funnily enough the thing that always really hits me is having to come to the stadium here, get changed and then drive off to the training pitch which is along the coast at Fort George.
"I know that sounds like a small thing, but in Manchester we would go straight to the training ground to train.
"One day here the pitches were frozen, so we had to drive somewhere else!
“Some of the lads I play with back home just wouldn't believe me, but it has still been a really good experience.”
Nolan would love to have a fairytale ending to his stint with Caley Thistle, helping the club pull off a minor miracle by overturning the 15-point penalty for administration.
He is determined to do all he can for the cause, even if that means sacrificing himself by filling in different positions all over the park.
Ferguson and successor Scott Kellacher have used him at wing-back on both sides and in an out-and-out winger role, while he can also play central midfield.
“While I’m up here, I will play anywhere the team needs me,” the youngster stressed.
"I do want to get forward more because I feel I've got a goal in me, but I can always get forward from the full-back position, where the gaffer likes me to play.
“I feel I could chip in with a couple of goals here and there.
"It's not the same as playing under-21s in England. You get thrown about a bit up here, but it has helped me massively!
"I'm really grateful to the lads and the gaffer for the opportunity they have given me.
"Even since I was a kid, I have always played where the manager has needed me.
"It has been helpful, although sometimes it has frustrated me.
"But I think it is all positive. If the manager wants me to play somewhere, I can go and play in that position. It's really good for me.
"It's just down to the circumstances the club is in.
"Everyone has got to chip in and help and everyone is doing their bit and pulling their weight.
"To be honest, I have loved every minute of it and Montrose will be another new ground this Saturday.
"I like going to new grounds and exploring Scotland. It's different, but I am really enjoying it.”
As for survival chances, Nolan is confident.
Caley Thistle’s momentum was dented a little bit by a controversial Scottish Cup exit at Cove, but Kellacher’s side are hoping to make it three wins in a row at Montrose.
“I think we can easily hold our own in this league,” Nolan added.
"No disrespect to the other clubs, they are all good teams, but I believe we have one of the strongest squads in the league.
"It is in our hands to stay up, although we have obviously got a few challenges.
"I'd say the competition is good in this league, but I feel we've got the best squad in the league, no disrespect to anyone else. “
