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Nicky Law (footballer, born 1988)

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Nicky Law
Law playing for Rangers in 2013
Personal information
Full name Nicholas Law[1]
Date of birth (1988-03-29) 29 March 1988 (age 36)[1]
Place of birth Plymouth, England
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[1]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Rangers
Number 7
Youth career
–2005 Sheffield United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2005–2009 Sheffield United 5 (0)
2007 → Yeovil Town (loan) 6 (0)
2007 → Bradford City (loan) 10 (2)
2008–2009 → Bradford City (loan) 33 (3)
2009–2011 Rotherham United 89 (6)
2011–2013 Motherwell 76 (10)
2013– Rangers 58 (16)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 1 February 2015

Nicholas "Nicky" Law (born 29 March 1988) is an English professional footballer who plays for Scottish club Rangers, as a midfielder. He is the son of football manager and former player Nicky Law, Sr.

Law began his career with Sheffield United, however he failed to make a significant breakthrough into the first team and had loan spells with Yeovil Town and twice at Bradford City. In 2009, he was given a free transfer joining Rotherham United and later moved to Scotland to join Scottish Premier League side Motherwell. Whilst with Motherwell Law was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year for season 2012–13 and the following summer joined Rangers.

Club career

Sheffield United

Law was born in Plymouth, Devon.[1] A member of Sheffield United's academy, he was given a squad number despite only being expected to play in the reserves and Under-18's. However, he made his first team debut as a 58th minute substitute for Colin Marrison in the League Cup against Reading on 25 October 2005.[2] A few weeks later, on 16 November 2005, Law signed a two-year contract with the club.[3]

One year on, but this on 18 October 2006, Law signed a two-year contract extension which will keep him at Sheffield United until 2009.[4] Law made his Premier League debut for the Blades as a 90th minute substitute against Newcastle United on 4 November 2006.[5] and made his home league debut as week later, as a substitute against Bolton Wanderers at Bramall Lane the following week.[6] He made four Premier League appearances during the 2006–07 season.[7]

Law had to wait until his third senior season to score his first goal for the Blades coming in a second round Carling Cup tie at MK Dons in 28 August 2007.[8][9] After his loan spell with Bradford City came to an end, Law played his first match, when he went on as a substitute in the 89th minutes, in a 3–0 win over Leicester City.[10] In July 2008, Law then went on a trial with Cheltenham Town.[11]

Yeovil Town

In February 2006, Law joined Yeovil Town on a month's loan, later extended to two months[12] playing six times whilst at Huish Park.[13] Having made six appearance for the club so far, Law had loan extended with Yeovil Town for another month.[14] However, ten days later, Law was recalled by his parent club.[15]

Bradford City

He subsequently signed on loan for Bradford City on 5 October after being recommended to the club by his father and former City manager Nicky Law.[16] He scored his first career league goals when he scored twice in the final minutes of Bradford's 4–1 victory over Dagenham & Redbridge on 17 November 2007.[17] He returned to Sheffield United after two months opting to fight for a first team place in the Championship.[18]

In October 2008, Law was again signed on loan at Bradford City, as cover for Joe Colbeck, who was injured in a victory against Grimsby Town.[19] His first game during his second spell was a day later and ended in a 1–0 victory against Bury at Valley Parade, with Law nearly scoring in the first half.[20] He scored the first goal of his second spell in his fifth game to give City a 2–0 victory against Rotherham United at the Don Valley Stadium on 22 November[21] With City suffering a number of injuries to midfielder's, Law's loan deal was extended until the New Year and another time until the end of the season.[22][23]

Law returned to Bramall Lane at the end of the season having made 29 appearances for the Bantams but was placed on the transfer list as Sheffield United sought to trim their squad.[24]

Rotherham United

In June 2009, despite interest from both League One and League Two clubs, Law signed a two-year deal with Rotherham United. He left Bramall Lane on a free transfer but with the Blades retaining a 50% sell on clause.[25] Law joined Rotherham United, rather than Bradford City, but stated not joining Bradford was one of the toughest calls to make. However, Law did believe that joining Rotherham United would be the best move for him at that point in his career.[26]

Law went immediately into Rotherham's first team after impressing in pre-season, making a huge impact to the squad and endearing himself with the fans.,[27] Consistent outstanding performances throughout the first month of the season brought much praise and attention to the young midfielder.[27] Sky Sports pundits commented that he could "easily play in the championship, if not higher."[citation needed] On the strength of this, Middlesbrough reportedly placed a late deadline day bid, but this was rejected by Rotherham.[27] After topping the list of assists in League Two consistently since the start of the season,[citation needed] Law scored his first goal for Rotherham on 26 September against Barnet.[28] By January, Rotherham turned down another bid for Law, this time a £150,000 offer from Championship side Blackpool.[29] Though the bid was turned down, Manager Ian Holloway, himself, says the club kept himself distance from signing Law.[30] In his first season, Law, along with two other Rotherham United's player, Ian Sharps and Adam le Fondre, named the 2009–10 Football League Two Team of the Year.[31]

In 2010–11 season, Law starts his season in a match against Cheltenham Town, where he provided four assists, in a 6–4 win[32] and scored his first goal of the season, in a 1–1 draw against Stevenage.[33] Then, on 26 February 2011, Law made a hat-trick of assists, in a 4–2 win over Burton Albion.[34]

Law continued to impress in the 2010–11 season and still do the same thing by topping the list of assists in League Two consistently since the start of the season, which Law was, once again, named the 2009–10 Football League Two Team of the Year, becoming the second member to be named, in the previous season, for the PFA Team of the year in the second consecutive in a row.[35] At the end of the 2010–11 season, Law was among six players to be offered a new contract.[36] But as his contract is about to expire, Law attracted interests clubs from England and Scotland, like Scunthorpe United.[37] Manager Andy Scott says he optimistic for Law to stay at the club,[38] but soon admits Scott gave his best effort to keep Law.[39]

Motherwell

On 1 July 2011, Law joined SPL side Motherwell on a free transfer,[40] joining up with Stuart McCall, who was his manager at Bradford City in 2008.[41]

Law made his debut, on the opening game of the season, where he provided an assist for Jamie Murphy, in a 3–0 win over Inverness CT,[42] and described it as a "perfect debut"[43] On 24 August 2011, he scored his first Motherwell goal in a 4–0 League Cup win over Clyde.[44] On 24 January 2012, Law scored his first league goal, in a 3–1 win against Dunfermline Athletic.[45] Law finished the season with seven goals in forty-three appearance in all competitions. Motherwell finished in third place, and following Rangers administration, which meant they couldn't play in UEFA competitions Motherwell qualified for the Champions League.

In 2012–13 season, Law played his first European match, the Champions League third qualifying round against Greek side Panathinaikos, but the Greek side proved to be too strong and Motherwell failed to win either legs losing 2–0 and 3–0 respectively. Despite the loss, Law spoke of his debut, saying: "It was classic European football, particularly Champions League".[46] In the summer transfer window, Law was the subject of a bid from a League One club, which was rejected.[47] Having made six appearances so far in the season, Law scored his first goal, in a 3–3 draw against Aberdeen on 23 September 2012 and then, on 18 November 2012, made a hat-trick of assists, in a 3–1 win over Inverness CT.[48] Then, on 27 February 2013, Law provided a double assist, in a 2–1 win over Celtic.[49] A week later, on 30 March 2013, Law scored a brace, in a 3–0 win against Dundee.[50] After a run of good performances, Law was awarded March's Scottish Premier League player of the month.[51] At the end of the 2012–13 season, Law, alongside team-mates Shaun Hutchinson, Darren Randolph and Michael Higdon, was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year 2012–13.[52] At the end of the season, the club finished in second place behind Celtic, meaning they qualified for Europe for the second season running.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the 2012–13 season, Law had attracted interest from Rangers.[53] In early April, Law was among the players who were offered a new contract by Motherwell.[54] Law said he might stay with the club, but will wait until the season ends before making a decision.[55] On 10 May 2013, Stuart McCall said that Law, along with Darren Randolph, would be leaving the club on a free transfer.[56] Four days later, on 14 May 2013, Law confirmed that he's in talks with Rangers.[57]

Rangers

On 24 May 2013, Law agreed to join Rangers on a free transfer,[58] when the Glasgow club's transfer ban is lifted on 1 September. Upon the move, Law stated joining Rangers as "It was impossible for me to turn down. It was probably a once-in-a-lifetime offer for me to sign here."[59] Law went on to say Ally McCoist's tears and passion persuaded him to join the club.[60] In January 2014, Manager Ally McCoist said he didn't have any regrets about signing players in the summer, Law being among them, despite a deterioration of the financial situation at Rangers.[61]

Law scored two goals on his debut, playing as a trialist, in the SFL Challenge Cup win over Albion Rovers. After the match, manager Ally McCoist praised Law's performance in the match.[62] On 10 August 2013, Law played his first League match for Rangers against Brechin City, scoring one goal in a 4–1 victory and providing a double assist for Chris Hegarty for the first goal and Dean Shiels for the fourth goal.[63] Since joining Rangers, manager McCoist says Law is responsible for helping the club by bringing "real calmness" and "an attacking edge".[64] In the club's second game of 2014, Law scored a brace, as Rangers won 2–0 against Stenhousemuir on 5 January 2014.[65]

At the conclusion of the winter transfer, Manager McCoist revealed an English club had attempted to sign Law, only the bid was to be rejected, as it was felt the bidding club tried to take advantage of Rangers' financial problem, which turned out to be Blackpool.[66][67]

Law started for Rangers in the 1–0 loss to Raith Rovers in the 2014 Challenge Cup Final, where he missed a number of chances.

International career

Law represented England at youth international level.[1]

Career statistics

As of 1 February 2015[13]
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Sheffield United 2005–06 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2006–07 4 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 7 0
2007–08 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 1
Total 5 0 1 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 10 1
Yeovil Town (loan) 2006–07 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0
Total 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0
Bradford City (loan) 2007–08 10 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 2
Bradford City (loan) 2008–09 33 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 3
Total 43 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 45 5
Rotherham United 2009–10 45 2 3 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 51 2
2010–11 44 4 2 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 52 4
Total 89 6 5 0 5 0 0 0 4 0 103 6
Motherwell 2011–12 38 4 3 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 43 7
2012–13 38 6 1 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 43 6
Total 76 10 4 2 3 1 3 0 0 0 86 13
Rangers 2013–14 32 9 6 1 0 0 0 0 4 2 42 12
2014–15 20 7 2 2 5 0 0 0 4 1 31 10
Total 52 16 8 3 5 0 0 0 8 3 73 22
Career Total 271 37 19 5 17 2 3 0 12 3 322 47

Personal life

Law revealed that Stuart McCall is the biggest influence on his career and a massive help.[68] His brother Josh Law is a also a professional footballer.

Honours

Motherwell
Rangers

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 246. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
  2. ^ "Reading 2–0 Sheff Utd". BBC Sport. 25 October 2005. Retrieved 6 April 2008.
  3. ^ "Teenager Law nets Blades contract". BBC Sport. 16 November 2005. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  4. ^ "Law extends contract with Blades". BBC Sport. 18 October 2006. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  5. ^ "Law's premiership debut". BBC Sport. 4 November 2006. Retrieved 11 November 2006.
  6. ^ "His home league debut". BBC Sport. 11 November 2006. Retrieved 11 November 2006.
  7. ^ Shield, James (31 December 2008). "Blades youngster ready to stay on at McCall's club". Sheffield Star. Retrieved 31 December 2008.
  8. ^ "MK Dons 2–3 Sheffield Utd (aet)". BBC Sport. 28 August 2007. Retrieved 6 April 2008.
  9. ^ "Match Report: Milton Keynes 2 – 3 Sheffield United". Sheffield United F.C. 28 August 2007. Archived from the original on 14 August 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2009. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 18 June 2009 suggested (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ "Sheff Utd 3–0 Leicester City". BBC Sport. 5 April 2008. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  11. ^ "Cheltenham trial for Blades' Law". Sky Sports. 25 July 2008. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  12. ^ "Yeovil snap up Blades midfielder". BBC Sport. 16 February 2007. Retrieved 6 April 2008.
  13. ^ a b "Nicky Law". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 April 2009.
  14. ^ "Law extends Yeovil loan contract". Sky Sports. 19 March 2007. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  15. ^ "Blades ace Law recalled from loan". BBC Sport. 29 March 2007. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  16. ^ Parker, Simon (5 October 2007). "McCall makes double signing". Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 31 December 2008.
  17. ^ "Dag & Red 1–4 Bradford". BBC Sport. 17 November 2007. Retrieved 31 December 2008.
  18. ^ "Law returns to Blades". Football365. 20 December 2007. Retrieved 20 December 2007.
  19. ^ "Bradford City sign Laws on loan". BBC Sport. 27 October 2008. Retrieved 27 October 2008.
  20. ^ "Bradford 1–0 Bury". BBC Sport. 28 October 2008. Retrieved 28 October 2008.
  21. ^ "Rotherham 0–2 Bradford". BBC Sport. 21 November 2008. Retrieved 23 November 2008.
  22. ^ Parker, Simon (27 November 2008). "Clarets winger Jones joins City on loan". Telegraph & Argus. Archived from the original on 14 August 2013. Retrieved 27 November 2008. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 5 December 2008 suggested (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ "Law signs new Bradford loan deal". 6 January 2009.
  24. ^ "Blackwell begins reshaping Blades". BBC Sport. 28 May 2009. Retrieved 11 June 2009.
  25. ^ "Law to become a Miller". Sheffield United F.C. 12 June 2009. Retrieved 12 June 2009.
  26. ^ "Rotherham United: Nicky Law interview". Yorkshire Evening Post. 4 December 2009. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  27. ^ a b c "Rotherham United: Nicky Law interview". Yorkshire Evening Post. 1 February 2010. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  28. ^ "Rotherham 3–0 Barnet". BBC Sport. 26 September 2009. Retrieved 2 July 2011.
  29. ^ "Blackpool fail in bid for Rotherham United's Nicky Law". BBC Sport. 16 January 2010. Retrieved 16 January 2010.
  30. ^ "Holloway denies Law bid". Sky Sports. 19 January 2010. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  31. ^ "Rooney is PFA player of the year". BBC Sport. 25 April 2010. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  32. ^ "Rotherham 6–4 Cheltenham". BBC Sport. 21 August 2010. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  33. ^ "Rotherham 1–1 Stevenage". BBC Sport. 9 October 2010. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  34. ^ "Burton Albion 2 – 4 Rotherham United". BBC Sport. 26 February 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  35. ^ "Spireites trio in PFA XI". Sky Sports. 18 April 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  36. ^ "Rotherham United offer new deals to six players". BBC Sport. 10 May 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  37. ^ "Scunthorpe United interested in Law and Le Fondre". BBC Sport. 12 May 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  38. ^ "Scott unsure about Millers duo". Sky Sports. 4 May 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  39. ^ "Scott resigned to losing duo". Sky Sports. 8 June 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  40. ^ "Nicky Law completes move to Motherwell". BBC Sport. 1 July 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  41. ^ "New Motherwell star Nicky Law: Chance meeting with Stuart McCall during holiday sold me on move". Daily Record. 2 July 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  42. ^ "SPL: Motherwell 3 Inverness CT 0". Daily Record. 24 July 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  43. ^ "Motherwell newboy Nicky Law: Opening day thriller was perfect debut". Daily Record. 25 July 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  44. ^ "Clyde 0–4 Motherwell". BBC Sport. 24 August 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  45. ^ "Motherwell 3–1 Dunfermline Athletic". BBC Sport. 24 January 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  46. ^ "Law of averages: Motherwell ace Nicky's Champions League debut just another hard luck story". Daily Record. 5 August 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  47. ^ "Well turn down bids for pair". Sky Sports. 14 August 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  48. ^ "Inverness 1 Motherwell 5: Five-star Steelmen go goal crazy as Caley's 10-game unbeaten run ends". Daily Record. 18 November 2012. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  49. ^ "Motherwell 2 Celtic 1: Michael Higdon's strike seals a memorable victory". Daily Record. 27 February 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  50. ^ "Dundee 0–3 Motherwell". BBC Sport. 30 March 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  51. ^ a b "Award-winner Nicky Law ponders future at Motherwell". BBC Sport. 15 April 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  52. ^ a b "PFA SCOTLAND TEAMS OF THE YEAR". PFA Scotland. 2 May 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  53. ^ "Nicky Law is wanted by Rangers, and could join in September on a free". Sky Sports. 6 March 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  54. ^ "McCall: Out of contract Steelmen to be offered deals in the next week". Daily Record. 6 April 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  55. ^ "Player of the Month Nicky Law in no hurry to say goodbye to Stuart McCall". Daily Record. 15 April 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  56. ^ "Stuart McCall confirms Nicky Law and Darren Randolph are heading for Motherwell exit". Daily Record. 10 May 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  57. ^ "Motherwell midfielder Nicky Law flattered by Rangers' interest". Sky Sports. 14 May 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  58. ^ "Rangers: Nicky Law agrees three-year contract at Ibrox". BBC Sport. 24 May 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2013.
  59. ^ "Midfielder Nicky Law: Rangers were too big a club to turn down". Daily Record. 24 May 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  60. ^ "Ally McCoist's tears and passion won me over, says new Rangers signing Nicky Law". Daily Record. 25 May 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  61. ^ "Rangers: Ally McCoist backs players who refused pay cut". BBC Sport. 17 January 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  62. ^ "Ally McCoist salutes 'trialist' Nicky Law after two-goal debut at Albion Rovers". Sky Sports. 28 July 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  63. ^ "Rangers 4 – 1 Brechin City". BBC Sport. 10 August 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  64. ^ "Rangers star Nicky Law can give the Ibrox crowd the excitement they want, says Ally McCoist". Daily Record. 17 August 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  65. ^ "Stenhousemuir 0 Rangers 2: Ten-man Rangers cruise past the Warriors". Daily Record. 5 January 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  66. ^ "Rangers boss Ally McCoist reveals club rejected late bid for Nicky Law in January transfer window". Daily Record. 9 February 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  67. ^ "Rumour Mill: Joe Ledley – Rangers – Aberdeen". The Scotsman. 12 February 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  68. ^ "Motherwell star Nicky Law: I learned a lot watching Stuart McCall as gaffer of Bradford". Daily Record. 6 November 2011. Retrieved 14 August 2013.

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