nolan played for preston north end and manchester central, before joining port vale in october 1931. he hit 11 goals in 21 games to become the club's top-scorer, helping the "valiants" to remain in the second division on goal average. nolan then scored eight goals in 17 appearances in 1932–33, including a hat-trick in a 4–1 win over plymouth argyle at the old recreation ground on 29 april.