West Ham midfielder Kevin Nolan has been allowed to quit the east London side in search of regular first team action, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.

Nolan, who captained the Hammers when they won promotion to the top tier in 2012, asked to leave when he realised he wouldn't be a key figure in new manager Slaven Bilic's plans this term.

The 33-year-old Liverpudlian, who moved to Upton Park from Newcastle in June 2011, insisted he had no complaints about the way his time at West Ham had come to an abrupt end.

"This has been a fantastic time for me since I walked in the door. I've had just over four fantastic years and I'd like to thank everyone who has made it so easy for me to settle down here with my family," he said.

"My boy speaks like a Cockney now, so I don't know if I'll be moving back to Liverpool any time soon!"

Nolan made his final appearance for the club as captain in Saturday's 4-3 home defeat by Bournemouth and Bilic, paying tribute to the midfielder, added: "In the end, it is good for both parties.

"We had a few chats with Kevin, now he's leaving and I can only say a big thanks to him for the club because he was a great captain and a great professional."