But just weeks before that memorable title and promotion-winning day in Wales, it was looking very different as Nolan was marooned on the bench and given an ultimatum by boss Keith Webb following an indifferent league cup showing.

However, the Bedfordshire-based forward struck a crucial nine goals in the run-in.

Nolan was probably the player who caused the most controvery and discussion among fans. While Danny Bloomfield was in the team hitting a rich vein of scoring form in the first half of the season, he was keeping Nolan clicking his heels.

Debate raged on the internet forums on whether the talented-but-undemonstrative Nolan should be in or out of the team.

Was Nolan aware of this? "Yes. A few of my friends told me about it. I hear this and that what's been said about me because of my style of play," he said.

"Sometimes it looks as if I'm not bothered, but I do care. Berbatov (Dimitar, Spurs' gifted but casual-looking striker) looks as though he's not trying, but he is.

"I just try and concentrate on my game and try and roll with the punches. Not everyone is going to like me as a player.

"I've stuck with Lynn and I want to be here as long as Keith Webb wants me here.

"It's been great here. I had a rough time at Peterborough and Cambridge, and I enjoy the company of the lads outside football. I've got friends at the club, and we all stick together as a team.

"Danny was scoring goals week-in, week-out working off big Jack (Defty).

"There wasn't a lot of complaining I could do. I just had to wait for my chance."

Now Lynn are promoted they have just learned that they're in the Conference North.

Nolan added: "I've played in both Conference North and South, with Kettering, Cambridge City and St Albans, and we've also played the likes of Eastbourne and Bishop's Stortford in the cups.

"We've shown we can match teams in there. It's one thing doing it in one-off cup games.

"It's now a question of can we do it week-in, week-out in a league."

It's rumoured the North is more physical, and – so the theory goes – the more 'footballing' style of play in the South would suit Lynn."

Nolan said: "I'm not sure which league will suit the way Lynn play. But anywhere you go, like in the BGB League, some teams play a little bit of football, and others you go away to and you know you're in a battle.

"Wherever you go you have to do what you can to adapt."

And Nolan and his fellow players certainly did that this season – it's why they won the league.