Eddie Nolan

Edward William Nolan (born 5 August 1988) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a full-back or centre-back for League of Ireland Premier Division club Waterford.

Nolan has previously played for Blackburn Rovers, Stockport County, Hartlepool United, Preston North End, Sheffield Wednesday, York City and Blackpool.

Nolan has played internationally for the Republic of Ireland 12 times at under-21 and once at B level. Nolan made his senior international debut in May 2009.

Club Career

Blackburn Rovers

Born in Waterford, County Waterford, Nolan started his career with English club Blackburn Rovers in their youth team. He signed a professional contract on 12 September 2005. He made his first-team debut in the UEFA Cup tie against AS Nancy on 13 December 2006, coming on as a substitute for Andy Todd. Despite being a promising footballer who could get first-team football at Blackburn Rovers in the future, Nolan never made another Blackburn Rovers appearance again.

On 19 March 2007 he signed a one-month loan with Stockport County. Nolan made his Stockport County debut, in a 2–1 loss against Bristol Rovers on 20 March 2007. Nolan went on to make four appearance for Stockport County.

On 22 November 2007, Nolan joined Hartlepool United on loan. Nolan made his Hartlepool United debut on 24 November 2007, in a 2–1 loss against Gillingham. After making eleven appearance, Nolan then returned to Ewood Park following a two-month loan spell with Hartlepool.

Preston North End

On 6 October 2008 he joined Preston North End on a three-month loan deal. Nolan made his Preston North End debut three days later, in a 1–0 win over Doncaster Rovers.

Nolan then signed a permanent three-and-a-half-year contract on 2 January 2009. Nolan's first appearance after signing for the club on a permanent basis came on 3 January 2009, coming on as a substitute for Callum Davidson. He has made 23 appearances in total (3 as a substitute) mainly f