Nolan joined the Magpies last week in a deal worth £4million, but the midfielder, who was Wanderers captain until he moved north, was surprised their interest was not rebuffed.

"(My agent) told me Newcastle were on and did I fancy it," Nolan told the Bolton News.

"I asked him what the club had said about it and he said they were negotiating.

"It was a bit of a shock. There had been rumours in the past but they were always quashed, so I must admit I was disappointed that the club were prepared to sell me."

Nolan, who has been one of the club's most consistent performers for several years and inherited the armband at just 23, admitted he saw his long-term future at the Reebok Stadium but is now looking forward to helping his new club move up the league.

"I saw myself being at Bolton for many more years, but I've had time to think about it and it might be something I needed and something Bolton needed," he continued.

"It's a very sad time for me in many ways because I've left Bolton after so many years but I'm delighted with the move and excited about starting another chapter.

"It's a step up and has much more to offer. Newcastle is massively supported and, if they can get things right in the next couple of years, they can definitely be back up there challenging the top four. The potential and the quality of the squad is incredible."

Neither Nolan's past or present club are out of relegation danger yet, but the 26-year-old is hopeful both will be in the top flight next term.

"At the moment we're in a scrap with Bolton but I'm sure we'll both be safe," he continued.

"There's no doubt in my mind that they are going to stay in the Premier League."