Community hub
0 subscribers8 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to Barry Nicholson.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Barry Nicholson
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Barry Nicholson (born 24 August 1978) is a Scottish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He is currently the assistant head coach of Scottish Premiership club Dundee.
Key Information
He started his professional career with Rangers and went on to play over 100 games for each of Dunfermline Athletic, Aberdeen and Preston North End. He then played for Fleetwood Town before finishing his career at Kilmarnock. Nicholson earned three full caps for Scotland, all won during his time with Dunfermline.
Club career
[edit]Early years
[edit]Born in Dumfries,[3] Nicholson watched matches of hometown club Queen of the South with his father. From playing youth football in Dumfries, he then joined Rangers.[2][4] Limited appearances in Rangers' first team over several years saw him move on in 2000. Some records show that he scored once for Rangers in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against FC Haka in 1999,[5] but Nicholson has stated that the goal should be credited to Jonatan Johansson.[4]
Dunfermline Athletic
[edit]Nicholson joined Dunfermline Athletic under the helm of Jimmy Calderwood and was a first team regular in what was the Pars' most successful period since the George Farm era. 2002–03 saw them finish 5th, and the following season they finished fourth as well as reaching the 2004 Scottish Cup Final, qualifying for a UEFA competition for the first time since 1970.
Aberdeen
[edit]Nicholson's performances at East End Park saw him signed by Aberdeen for a fee of £250,000 in July 2005[6] and re-joined former boss Calderwood who had since moved to Pittodrie. The move paid dividends as his strong performances towards the end of the 2006–07 season saw him score vital goals. The most notable of these was the last minute equaliser against Hearts which all but clinched third place for Aberdeen, with only two matches of the season left at that stage.[7][4]
The Dons qualified from their group in the 2007–08 UEFA Cup after a 4–0 win against F.C. Copenhagen. They were twice ahead in the next round at home against Bayern Munich before drawing 2–2. The Bavarians won the return leg comfortably. In October 2007, Nicholson scored the first hat-trick of his career by scoring three goals against Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the quarterfinals of the League Cup,[8] with two of the goals being penalties. Nicholson scored the second goal for Aberdeen against hometown club Queen of the South in the 2007–08 Scottish Cup semifinals. Queens won the 7-goal game 4–3 to make it to the final for the first time in their history.[9][10][4] He later said, "I think that they were the better team and deserved to go through."[2]
Preston North End
[edit]On 30 June 2008, Nicholson signed a two-year contract with an option of a third year on a free transfer for Preston North End, subject to passing a medical.[11]
Nicholson scored his first goal for Preston in a 2–0 preseason friendly away to Chorley. On 22 August 2009, he sustained a suspected broken leg in the Championship game versus Peterborough United. Nicholson returned from injury for the final game of the 2009-10 season only to limp off the field within 15 minutes suffering from an injury to the same leg. Nicholson returned to the side in January 2011 playing regularly for the remainder of the season. He was released by Preston at the end of the 2011-12 season.[12]
Later career
[edit]Nicholson signed for Fleetwood Town for the 2012–13 season.[13] He then moved to Kilmarnock in August 2013 on a short-term contract.[14] On 24 August 2014, he scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 defeat against Hibernian.[15] In January 2014, Nicholson's contract was extended until the end of the season.[16]
At the end of the 2013–14 season, Nicholson retired from playing and became the development manager at Fleetwood Town.[17]
International career
[edit]Nicholson won three caps for Scotland, the first being in the friendly draw with Poland in April 2001; the last was in the friendly defeat to Sweden in November 2004.[2]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Europe | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Rangers | 1998–99 | SPL | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 5 | 0 |
| 1999–00 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | - | - | 5 | 1 | ||
| Total | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | - | - | 10 | 1 | ||
| Dunfermline Athletic | 2000–01 | SPL | 36 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 43 | 5 |
| 2001–02 | 37 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 41 | 8 | ||
| 2002–03 | 38 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 47 | 5 | ||
| 2003–04 | 36 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 44 | 9 | ||
| 2004–05 | 27 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 33 | 2 | ||
| Total | 174 | 21 | 21 | 6 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 208 | 29 | ||
| Aberdeen | 2005–06 | SPL | 33 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 38 | 4 |
| 2006–07 | 31 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 34 | 8 | ||
| 2007–08 | 38 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 0 | - | - | 53 | 9 | ||
| Total | 102 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 0 | - | - | 125 | 21 | ||
| Preston North End | 2008–09 | Championship | 37 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 2 | 0 | 41 | 3 |
| 2009–10 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | - | - | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | ||
| 2010–11 | 22 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 0 | 0 | 23 | 4 | ||
| 2011–12 | League One | 30 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 1 | 0 | 34 | 2 | |
| Total | 93 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | - | - | 3 | 0 | 103 | 10 | ||
| Fleetwood Town | 2012–13 | League Two | 30 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 1 | 0 | 33 | 2 |
| Kilmarnock | 2013–14 | Scottish Premiership | 23 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 23 | 2 |
| Career total | 429 | 47 | 35 | 10 | 24 | 7 | 10 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 502 | 65 | ||
International
[edit]| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | 2001 | 2 | 0 |
| 2002 | — | ||
| 2003 | — | ||
| 2004 | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 3 | 0 | |
Honours
[edit]- Dunfermline Athletic – 2004 Scottish Cup Finalist
References
[edit]- ^ "Barry Nicholson". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Archived from the original on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
- ^ a b c d "Barry Nicholson interview on qosfc.com". Archived from the original on 29 June 2015. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
- ^ "Scottish Cup splits duo's loyalties". BBC Sport. 11 April 2008. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
- ^ a b c d "Barry Nicholson interview". Aberdeen F.C. 22 December 2016. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
- ^ "Rangers rampant as Mols strikes". The Independent. 29 July 1999. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
- ^ "Scottish Cup splits duo's loyalties". BBC Sport. 7 June 2005. Retrieved 1 July 2008.
- ^ "Hearts 1–1 Aberdeen". BBC Sport. 6 May 2007. Retrieved 1 July 2008.
- ^ "Aberdeen 4–1 Inverness CT". BBC Sport. 31 October 2007. Retrieved 1 July 2008.
- ^ "Club History" on the official Queen of the South website
- ^ "Queen of the South 4–3 Aberdeen". BBC News. 12 April 2008. Retrieved 26 April 2010.
- ^ "Preston clinch Nicholson signing". BBC Sport. 1 July 2008. Retrieved 1 July 2008.
- ^ "Graham Westley wields the axe at Preston North End". BBC Sport. 10 May 2012. Retrieved 11 May 2012.
- ^ "Fleetwood Town sign Preston midfielder Barry Nicholson". BBC Sport. 13 July 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
- ^ "Kilmarnock sign Mark Stewart and Barry Nicholson". BBC Sport. 17 August 2013. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
- ^ Barnes, John (25 August 2013). "Kilmarnock 1-2 Hibernian". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
- ^ "Kilmarnock extend stays for Irvine, Gardyne and Nicholson". BBC Sport. 16 January 2014. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
- ^ Stocks, Rob (15 July 2014). "Nicholson plans youth production line at Fleetwood Town". Fleetwood Weekly News. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
- ^ "Rangers Player Barry Nicholson Details". www.fitbastats.com. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
- ^ "ParsDatabase.co.uk - Dunfermline Athletic FC Results Database". parsdatabase.co.uk. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
- ^ "Aberdeen Football Club Heritage Trust - Player Profile". afcheritage.org. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
- ^ "Barry Nicholson | Football Stats | No Club | Season 2013/2014 | 1995-2014 | Soccer Base". www.soccerbase.com. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
- ^ "Barry Nicholson | Scotland | Scottish FA". www.scottishfa.co.uk. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
External links
[edit]- Barry Nicholson at Soccerbase
- Barry Nicholson at the Scottish Football Association
- Profile at AFCheritage
Barry Nicholson
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Club career
Early career
Barry Nicholson was born on 24 August 1978 in Dumfries, Scotland, where he grew up immersed in local youth football. He began playing competitively with Maxwelltown Thistle, a prominent youth club in the area, honing his skills in a midfield role.[9] At age 16, Nicholson joined Rangers' youth academy, signing an initial youth contract before progressing to a full professional agreement on 3 July 1995. During his five years at the club, he advanced through the youth and reserve teams, earning seven caps for the Scottish Under-21 national side while primarily deployed as a right back. Although he trained with the senior squad and made a handful of first-team appearances, intense competition in midfield from established players like Barry Ferguson prevented a sustained breakthrough.[9][10] Nicholson was released by Rangers in the summer of 2000 after failing to secure a long-term professional spot amid the crowded midfield ranks. This departure paved the way for his signing with Dunfermline Athletic later that August, marking a pivotal transition to full-time senior football.[9][10]Dunfermline Athletic
Barry Nicholson signed for Dunfermline Athletic on a free transfer from Rangers in July 2000, joining under manager Jimmy Calderwood as a central midfielder.[11] Initially adapting to the physical and tactical demands of the Scottish Premier League after limited first-team exposure at Rangers, Nicholson quickly established himself as a reliable presence in midfield, contributing to Dunfermline's efforts to consolidate their top-flight status following promotion the previous season.[9] His versatility allowed him to link defense and attack effectively, often delivering precise passes and set-pieces that supported the team's counter-attacking style. Over his five-year spell at East End Park, Nicholson made 206 appearances across all competitions, scoring 30 goals and becoming a cornerstone of the squad.[9] In the 2002–03 season, he featured in 42 matches, netting six goals, including a notable strike in a 3–1 league win over Partick Thistle that highlighted his shooting range from distance. The following 2003–04 campaign saw him play 36 games and score five times, marking his growing influence just months after joining.[12] Nicholson played a pivotal role in Dunfermline's run to the 2004 Scottish Cup semi-final, where under Calderwood's organized and resilient setup, the team emphasized defensive solidity and quick transitions.[13] In the semi-final replay against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Pittodrie on 20 April 2004, he scored the decisive 78th-minute winner in a 3–2 victory, flicking the ball past a defender before rifling a low shot into the net to secure a place in the final—the club's first since 1968.[14] This moment exemplified the team dynamics fostered by Calderwood, where Nicholson's work rate and leadership in midfield complemented forwards like Stevie Crawford.[15] In July 2005, Nicholson transferred to Aberdeen for an undisclosed fee, reportedly £250,000, seeking fresh challenges and a reunion with Calderwood, who had moved there earlier.[16]Aberdeen
Barry Nicholson joined Aberdeen from Dunfermline Athletic in the summer of 2005 for a transfer fee of £250,000, signing a three-year contract and reuniting with manager Jimmy Calderwood, who had previously guided him at Dunfermline.[16][17] His prior experience at Dunfermline served as a foundation for the consistency he demonstrated at Pittodrie, where he adapted to the higher expectations of a bigger club by providing reliable midfield presence from the outset.[3] During his three seasons at Aberdeen, Nicholson made over 100 appearances across the Scottish Premier League and cup competitions, totaling 125 games and 21 goals overall.[3] The 2006-07 season stood out as his most productive, with 31 league appearances, 6 goals, and notable contributions in assists that highlighted his growing influence in central midfield.[1] He played a key role in stabilizing the team's midfield, often partnering with players like Scott Severin to provide industrious energy and tactical discipline that helped Aberdeen secure a sixth-place finish and qualification for the UEFA Cup.[3] A significant moment came in the 2007 Scottish Cup quarter-final against Hibernian, where his involvement underscored the team's competitive run before their exit in the replay.[18] Nicholson's time at Aberdeen ended in 2008 when he rejected a new contract offer amid his desire to pursue opportunities in English football, leading to a free transfer to Preston North End.[19] This departure followed a disappointing Scottish Cup semi-final loss to Queen of the South, which intensified his resolve to seek a fresh challenge south of the border.[20]Preston North End
Nicholson joined Preston North End on a free transfer from Aberdeen in July 2008, signing a two-year contract with an option for a third year.[21] His solid performances at Aberdeen had drawn interest from English clubs, facilitating the move to the Championship. Under manager Alan Irvine, Nicholson quickly adapted to the demands of English second-tier football, establishing himself as a reliable central midfielder known for his tactical versatility and work rate. During his four-year tenure, Nicholson made 104 appearances and scored 10 goals across all competitions.[22] In the 2008-09 season, he contributed significantly to Preston's push for promotion, playing a key role in their sixth-place finish and subsequent playoff campaign, which ended in a semi-final loss to Sheffield United over two legs. His experience helped stabilize the midfield as the team navigated intense Championship matches. Nicholson continued to feature prominently in subsequent seasons under managers Darren Ferguson and Phil Brown, showcasing his ability to dictate play and contribute offensively. For instance, in the 2010-11 season, he netted four goals while helping the side maintain competitiveness in mid-table. His release in May 2012, at age 33, was attributed to squad rejuvenation efforts and his advancing years, concluding his involvement in English top-flight professional football.[22]Later career
Following his release from Preston North End, where he had established himself in the English Football League, Barry Nicholson signed a two-year contract with League Two newcomers Fleetwood Town in July 2012.[22] As a experienced midfielder, he provided leadership and stability during the club's inaugural season in the Football League, making 32 appearances across all competitions and scoring twice.[23] His contributions helped Fleetwood secure an 11th-place finish, laying the groundwork for their subsequent promotion push in the following campaign.[23] In August 2013, Nicholson returned to Scottish football by joining Kilmarnock on an initial contract until January 2014, later extended until the end of the season, marking his re-entry into the Scottish Premiership.[24] During the 2013-14 campaign, he featured in 23 league matches, offering tactical nous and set-piece expertise in midfield amid Kilmarnock's tense relegation fight; the team ultimately survived by finishing 10th, four points clear of the drop zone.[25] Nicholson continued to play a rotational role through the season's closing stages, drawing on his vast experience to support younger squad members during a challenging period that included a nine-game winless run.[1] Nicholson announced his retirement from professional football at the end of the 2013-14 season, at the age of 35, concluding a 19-year career that saw him transition from youth ranks at Rangers to senior roles across multiple clubs.[3] Over his playing tenure, he accumulated more than 430 appearances and 50 goals in competitive matches for clubs in Scotland and England.[1]International career
Youth international career
Nicholson earned seven caps for the Scotland under-21 team between the 1998/99 and 1999/2000 seasons, scoring no goals while operating primarily as a holding midfielder in central positions.[26] His debut came as a substitute in a 3–2 defeat to the Czech Republic in a UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier on 8 June 1999, during which he gained valuable experience against technically proficient opposition.[27] In the 2000 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign, Nicholson started in key matches, including a 5–2 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on 4 September 1999, where Scotland's midfield control was pivotal to securing the win, and a 4–0 rout of Estonia three days later on 7 September 1999, showcasing the team's attacking prowess with contributions from the holding area.[28][29] These performances highlighted his role in maintaining defensive solidity while facilitating transitions, earning praise for his composure under pressure in competitive fixtures.[30] His under-21 experience honed Nicholson's tactical awareness and physicality on the international stage, preparing him for potential senior opportunities by demonstrating reliability in high-stakes qualifiers. Strong club form at Dunfermline Athletic following his 2000 transfer further supported his development trajectory toward full international recognition.[9] Nicholson's final under-21 appearance occurred during the 1999/2000 season, after which he shifted emphasis to senior club duties amid growing domestic prominence.[26]Senior international career
Nicholson earned his first senior cap for Scotland on 25 April 2001, starting as a central midfielder in a 1–1 friendly draw against Poland in Bydgoszcz under manager Craig Brown.[31][32] He was then named in the squad for the subsequent FIFA World Cup qualifier against Belgium on 5 September 2001 but remained an unused substitute during the 2–0 victory at Hampden Park.[33] His second appearance came later that year on 6 October 2001, where he started in midfield for another World Cup qualifier, helping Scotland secure a 2–1 win over Latvia at Hampden Park before being substituted in the 63rd minute.[34] After a period without further involvement, Nicholson returned to the senior setup in 2004 under Berti Vogts, earning his third and final cap on 17 November in a 1–4 friendly defeat to Sweden, again starting in central midfield and playing the full 90 minutes.[4] Nicholson also earned four caps for the Scotland B team.[9] In total, Nicholson accumulated three senior caps for Scotland between 2001 and 2004, all in friendlies or World Cup qualifiers, without scoring any goals.[4] His under-21 international experience had served as a key pathway to these senior opportunities.[35]Coaching career
Early coaching roles
Following his retirement from professional football at the end of the 2013–14 season while on a short-term contract with Kilmarnock, Barry Nicholson transitioned into coaching, drawing on his extensive experience as a midfielder to focus on player development and tactical understanding.[36] His decision was influenced by former manager Graham Alexander, who encouraged him to take up a coaching position amid declining playing opportunities due to injuries.[37] Nicholson's background in midfield roles, where he honed skills in game control and positional play across clubs like Dunfermline Athletic and Aberdeen, provided a natural foundation for mentoring young players in similar areas.[10] Immediately after retiring, Nicholson began pursuing formal coaching qualifications to support his entry into the profession. In 2015, he participated in the UEFA A Licence course in Scotland, building on earlier exposure to coaching education during his playing days.[38] This marked the start of his groundwork toward higher certifications, including the UEFA Pro Licence, which he later undertook as a student to deepen his knowledge in leadership, periodisation, and psychology.[39] These qualifications emphasized practical application of his playing insights, particularly in developing midfield tactics and fostering young talent. By emphasizing player-centered development, Nicholson aimed to replicate the tactical discipline he had embodied during his 19-year playing career.[36]Fleetwood Town
Barry Nicholson joined Fleetwood Town in 2014 as the development squad coach, shortly after retiring from his playing career with the club, where he had featured from 2012 to 2014.[40][22] His early coaching qualifications, including participation in a UEFA A Licence course in 2015, supported his appointment and focus on nurturing young talent within the academy structure.[38] Nicholson progressed to the first-team coaching staff and, in February 2018, served as caretaker head coach alongside David Lucas following the sacking of Uwe Rösler after a run of seven consecutive defeats.[41][42] During this interim period, he oversaw matches including a 2-1 home defeat to Portsmouth, before John Sheridan was appointed as permanent manager later that month.[43][44] Over his nine-year tenure at Fleetwood, Nicholson's primary contributions centered on youth development and first-team integration, where he played a key role in promoting academy prospects to the senior squad and enhancing the club's youth pipeline.[40] As assistant manager during the 2018-19 League One season, he provided tactical input under Sheridan, helping the team secure a mid-table finish of 11th place amid a competitive campaign.[45] His work emphasized long-term player pathways, with several young talents breaking into the first team during his time in various coaching capacities.[40] Nicholson departed Fleetwood in September 2023 following the sacking of manager Scott Brown after just six games, a decision that also saw assistant coaches Steven Whittaker and himself leave the club due to the team's poor start to the season.[46] His exit was acknowledged by the club for his substantial impact on youth development and overall stability within the backroom staff over nearly a decade.[40]Recent coaching positions
In 2023, Nicholson served as a professional development coach at Nottingham Forest, focusing on youth player progression and tactical integration within the academy setup.[47] He transitioned to a senior role in the summer of 2024, joining Queen's Park as assistant manager under head coach Callum Davidson, where he contributed to first-team preparations, player mentoring, and tactical planning during pre-season and the subsequent campaign.[47] During his tenure at Queen's Park, which lasted until March 2025, Nicholson played a key part in notable achievements such as a Scottish Cup victory over Rangers, though the team struggled with form in the Championship, securing only three league wins in the four months leading to his departure by mutual consent amid a push to avoid relegation.[48] Following a brief period without a club role from March to July 2025, Nicholson was appointed assistant coach at Dundee FC on July 9, 2025, reuniting with manager Steven Pressley from their time together at Fleetwood Town.[49] In this position, he holds primary responsibility for the team's attacking principles, including offensive strategy development and coaching sessions on forward play, while collaborating with defensive coach Scott Paterson to ensure balanced team preparation.[50] As of November 2025, Nicholson's move to Dundee marks a continued advancement in his coaching career, building on prior senior assistant experience toward potential head coaching opportunities in Scottish football.[7]Career statistics
Club statistics
Barry Nicholson's professional club career spanned from 1999 to 2014, during which he made over 500 appearances and scored 67 goals across various competitions.[51] The following table summarizes his club statistics by team, including appearances (with substitutes in parentheses) and goals in league matches, FA Cup (or equivalent Scottish Cup), League Cup, and other competitions. These figures encompass his time at Rangers (where early appearances were limited and youth games were non-competitive and thus excluded), Dunfermline Athletic, Aberdeen, Preston North End, Fleetwood Town, and Kilmarnock.[51][52]| Club | Years | League Apps (Subs) | League Goals | Cup Apps (Subs) | Cup Goals | Other Apps (Subs) | Other Goals | Total Apps | Total Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rangers | 1999–2000 | 3 (5) | 0 | 1 (0) | 0 | 0 (2) | 1 | 11 | 1 |
| Dunfermline Athletic | 2000–2005 | 172 (2) | 23 | 33 (0) | 8 | 1 (0) | 0 | 208 | 31 |
| Aberdeen | 2005–2008 | 101 (1) | 13 | 16 (0) | 8 | 6 (0) | 0 | 124 | 21 |
| Preston North End | 2008–2012 | 70 (23) | 9 | 5 (2) | 1 | 3 (1) | 0 | 104 | 10 |
| Fleetwood Town | 2012–2013 | 18 (12) | 2 | 2 (0) | 0 | 1 (0) | 0 | 33 | 2 |
| Kilmarnock | 2013–2014 | 14 (9) | 2 | 0 (0) | 0 | 0 (0) | 0 | 23 | 2 |
| Career Total | 1999–2014 | 378 (52) | 49 | 57 (2) | 17 | 11 (3) | 1 | 503 | 67 |
International statistics
Barry Nicholson earned seven caps for the Scotland under-21 team between 1998 and 2000, during which he did not score any goals.[9] At the senior level, he won three caps for Scotland between 2001 and 2004, also without scoring, for a total of 242 minutes played across his international career.[4] No instances of being an unused substitute in senior matches are recorded in available sources.Senior International Appearances
| Date | Opponent | Competition | Result | Minutes Played | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 April 2001 | Poland (away) | Friendly | 1–1 | 90' | 0 |
| 6 October 2001 | Latvia (home) | 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification | 2–1 | 62' | 0 |
| 17 November 2004 | Sweden (home) | Friendly | 1–4 | 90' | 0 |
Under-21 International Summary
Nicholson made seven appearances for Scotland U21, all without goals, primarily in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers and friendlies during his time at Rangers. Detailed match breakdowns are limited in public records, but examples include a 4–0 win over Estonia in September 1999.[30]Honours
Individual
- Scottish Premier League Player of the Month: April 2004[56]
- Dunfermline Athletic Hall of Fame: September 2025[2]