The Club notes the story in News Of The World today and has passed the matter to its legal advisers.

Both Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll categorically deny having any knowledge that drugs had been brought onto the premises and are pleased that the paper does not even allege that they were aware of the presence of drugs.

Neither player would ever contemplate taking drugs or condone the use of such substances.

The Club and the players named are sure that if the editor felt his story had any truth he would already have reported this to the police.

The Club and the players named will be happy to cooperate fully with any police investigation.

photo: teamtalk