Barry Nicholson Profile
Last updated : 08 June 2005 By Stand Free Ed
Barry Nicholson finally signed for Aberdeen yesterday and claimed he couldn't resist the pull of a club the size of Aberdeen. Barry feels that the move North will help his search for more international honours, and give him the chance of playing in more european matches. He had his first taste of Europe in the UEFA Cup with the Pars last season, but it only lasted two matches. Barry told the Press & Journal: "I moved from Rangers to Dunfermline to kickstart my career and I ended up playing for my country because of it. I had five years at Dunfermline and I loved it but I felt the time was right for a fresh challenge.
"Football is all about timing and I think I am coming to Pittodrie at the right time. After the season the boys have just had, they will be pushing for Europe again next season and, having had a brief taste of it with Dunfermline last season, I want to get back there. I also still have international ambitions and I think I can realise them by doing well at Aberdeen. I have fully recovered from my operation and I will be ready to start training in pre-season."
Nicholson spoke to his new manager Jimmy Calderwood on Monday before finalising his move yesterday. An important part of Barry's decision was the 'Jimmy factor'. "The fact I will be working with the two Jimmys again was a big factor in my decision to come to Aberdeen. They took Dunfermline from the First Division to Europe and I was not surprised to see them do so well with Aberdeen last season."
Barry will wear the Number 8 shirt at the Dons, as worn by such legends as Neil Simpson and Jim Bett, and most recently by fans' favourite Markus Heikkinen.
BARRY NICHOLSON
Born - 24/8/78
Place of birth - Dumfries
Previous Clubs - Rangers, Dunfermline
Signed for Aberdeen - June 2005
Fee - £250 000 (estimated)
Signed for Dunfermline - August 2000
Fee - £200 000
Signed for rangers - July 1995
Fee - 'S' Form signing
Dons squad number - 8
League stats at Dunfermline:
04/05 Appearances 27; Goals 3; Assists 5; Yellow cards 4; Red cards 0 (Dunfermline finished 11th in the SPL)
03/04 Appearances 36; Goals 5; Assists 4; Yellow cards 4; Red cards 0
(Dunfermline finished 4th in the SPL)
02/03 Appearances 38; Goals 4; Yellow cards 5; Red cards 0
(Dunfermline finished 5th in the SPL)
01/02 Appearances 37; Goals 7; Yellow cards 4; Red cards 1
(Dunfermline finished 6th in the SPL)
00/01 Appearances 36; Goals 3; Yellow cards 6; Red cards 0
(Dunfermline finished 9th in the SPL)
Overall stats, including cup games:
Appearances 206 (+ 4 as sub); Goals 30; Yellow cards 26; Red cards 1
Player Profile from
Dunfermline-MAD:
Since signing from Rangers four years ago 'Barry Nic's' game has gone from strength to strength at East End Park resulting in the midfielder being entrusted with the captain's armband due to Scott Thomson's recent absence from the side.
Since gaining the captain's armband it has been widely thought that Barry's game has been taken onto another level, with Baz playing a much more prominent role in the side.
Barry's recent excellent form was best shown with his role in the Pars Scottish Cup run where he turned in several tremendous performances, aswell as scoring four goals into the bargain.
Barry's progression at East End Park was truly shown when he made the step-up to the national side, putting in an excellent performance in a friendly against Poland on April 25th 2001.
However, despite his various contributions to a successful Pars team in recent years, Barry Nicholson will forever be remembered by Pars fans for scoring the 'Archie Gemmill-esque' wonder goal in the Scottish Cup semi-final replay against Caley Thistle. A goal described by the 'legendary' Rob MacLean as "Top Class!".
Good luck at the Dons from Stand Free, Barry!
