Kevin Nolan is expected to be put through a tough fitness regime when the squad returns to Chadwell Heath  for pre-season training.

The captain appeared to be suffering some weight problems at various times last season and personal fitness will be a key issue for him ahead of the new campaign.

With Mauro Zarate pitching to become the foil for Andy Carroll and Ravel Morrison expecting to challenge for a position, the heat is being poured on Nolan who celebrates his 32nd birthday later this month.

Sources inside the club have revealed to ClaretandHugh that Nolan is determined to return at peak fitness and maintain those levels knowing the pressure is coming on for his position.

A top source inside the Boleyn told us
exclusively that the pressure was well and truly on this summer.

He said quite bluntly: “Zarate is a top top player and we might see a much better player in Kevin if he was five or six kilos lighter. The pressure is on.”