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Sam Nicholson
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Sam Alastair Nicholson (born 20 January 1995)[3] is a Scottish footballer who plays as a left winger or left midfielder for Scottish Premiership club Motherwell.
Key Information
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Career
[edit]Heart of Midlothian
[edit]Nicholson attended Penicuik High School in Midlothian and grew up supporting Heart of Midlothian.[4] He joined Hearts aged 12, progressing through their youth teams until on 31 August 2013, he made his senior debut for the club, coming on as a 74th-minute substitute in a Scottish Premiership match against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, replacing Jamie Walker in a 2–0 defeat.[5] His first senior goal for the side came on 18 January 2014, helping Hearts come from 3–1 down at McDiarmid Park scoring in the 89th minute to help Hearts earn a point in a 3–3 draw against St Johnstone.[6]
On 16 June 2014, Nicholson signed a new three-year contract extending his stay until the summer of 2017, following the club's relegation to the Scottish Championship.[7]
Nicholson began the 2014–15 season by setting up a goal for Osman Sow at Ibrox in stoppage time. He scored his first goal of the season against Hibs in the Edinburgh Derby; a solo effort after he nutmegged Scott Robertson and hit a left-footed drive beyond the keeper.
Minnesota United
[edit]On 28 June 2017, it was confirmed that Nicholson agreed to a contract with MLS side Minnesota United FC, and would be eligible to join the team on 10 July 2017.[8]
Colorado Rapids
[edit]Nicholson was traded from Minnesota to Colorado Rapids on 1 May 2018. Colorado also received an International Roster slot. Minnesota received Eric Miller and $50,000 of General Allocation Money in return.[9]
Bristol Rovers
[edit]On 22 July 2020, Nicholson returned to the UK, delighted to sign for League One club Bristol Rovers.[10] He made his debut for the club on 5 September 2020, in a 3-0 League Cup defeat to Ipswich Town.[11] Nicholson scored his first goal for the club on 31 October 2020, opening the scoring in a 1–1 draw at Rochdale, driving forward with the ball before firing in from the edge of the box.[12] In late March 2021, Rovers' manager Joey Barton announced that Nicholson would miss the rest of the season as Rovers would fight against the drop, due to the fact that he was to have surgery on his hip,[13] which it was announced in April 2021 he had still yet to have had the operation and would likely miss the start of the 2021–22 season also.[14]
Nicholson opened his account for the 2021–22 season as he opened the scoring in a League Two 1–1 draw with Barrow, who had been reduced to ten men.[15] The season ended in success for Nicholson and Rovers as a 7–0 victory on the final day of the season saw Rovers move into the final automatic promotion place on goals scored.[16]
Return to Colorado
[edit]On 17 June 2022, it was announced that Nicholson had re-joined MLS side Colorado Rapids on a two-and-a-half-year deal.[17] Nicholson made his second debut for the club in a 2–2 comeback draw with Real Salt Lake.[18]
On 13 October 2023, it was announced that Nicholson had undergone ankle surgery to decompress the anterior and posterior right ankle joint, causing him to miss the final two games of the season.[19]
Nicholson was waived by Colorado on 2 January 2024.[20]
Motherwell
[edit]On 23 January 2024, Nicholson joined Scottish Premiership club Motherwell on a short-term deal until the end of the season.[21] On 31 May 2024, Motherwell announced that they had signed Nicholson to a permanent two-year contract, after he'd initially joined the club on loan from Colorado Rapids.[22]
Career statistics
[edit]| Club | Season | League | Domestic Cup[a] | League Cup[b] | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Heart of Midlothian | 2013–14[25] | Scottish Premiership | 25 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | – | 26 | 2 | ||
| 2014–15[26] | Scottish Championship | 29 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | 1[c] | 0 | 31 | 5 | ||
| 2015–16[27] | Scottish Premiership | 36 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 | – | – | 43 | 5 | |||
| 2016–17[28] | Scottish Premiership | 19 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4[d] | 0 | – | 27 | 3 | ||
| Total | 109 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 127 | 15 | ||
| Minnesota United | 2017[29] | MLS | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | 12 | 1 | |||
| 2018[30] | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | 8 | 1 | |||||
| Total | 20 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 2 | ||
| Colorado Rapids | 2018[30] | MLS | 19 | 2 | 1 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | – | 20 | 2 | ||
| 2019[31] | 27 | 2 | 1 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 0 | 28 | 2 | ||||
| 2020 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 48 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 4 | ||
| Bristol Rovers | 2020–21[32] | League One | 30 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | 2[e] | 1 | 35 | 8 | |
| 2021–22[33] | League Two | 34 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 2[e] | 1 | 40 | 6 | ||
| Total | 64 | 11 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 75 | 14 | ||
| Colorado Rapids | 2022 | MLS | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 15 | 1 | |
| 2023 | 22 | 1 | 2 | 1 | — | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 2 | |||
| Total | 37 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 3 | ||
| Career total | 278 | 32 | 16 | 3 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 312 | 38 | ||
- ^ Includes the Scottish Cup, U.S. Open Cup and FA Cup
- ^ Includes appearances in the Scottish League Cup and EFL Cup
- ^ Appearance in the Scottish Challenge Cup
- ^ Appearances in the UEFA Europa League
- ^ a b Appearances in EFL Trophy
Honours
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Bristol Rovers" (PDF). English Football League. p. 14. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
- ^ "Sam Nicholson". Colorado Rapids. Archived from the original on 11 November 2022. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
- ^ "Sam Nicholson". Minnesota United FC. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
- ^ "Sam Nicholson: Hearts role is a dream". The Herald. Glasgow. 10 January 2014. Retrieved 10 January 2014.
- ^ "Inverness remain top of the Scottish Premiership following a convincing victory over 10 man Hearts". BBC Sport. 31 August 2013. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
- ^ "Two late goals rescued a point for Hearts against St Johnstone in a dramatic match at McDiarmid Park". BBC Sport. 18 January 2014. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
- ^ "Levein hails new three year deal for Sam Nicholson". BBC Sport. 16 June 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- ^ "Minnesota United agrees deal to sign Sam Nicholson from Hearts-sources". ESPN FC. 28 June 2017. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
- ^ "MLS Deadline Day: Every move as Primary Transfer Window closes". MLS. 30 April 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
- ^ "Sam Nicholson Joins Rovers!". Bristol Rovers. 22 July 2020. Archived from the original on 9 February 2022. Retrieved 22 July 2020.
- ^ "Ipswich Town 3-0 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 5 September 2020.
- ^ "Rochdale 1–1 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 31 October 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ^ "Bristol Rovers: Max Ehmer and Sam Nicholson's seasons over due to surgery". BBC Sport. 26 March 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
- ^ "Nicholson given grim diagnosis as Barton eyes 'overhaul' of Bristol Rovers' internal structure". Bristol Post. 16 April 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
- ^ "Barrow 1–1 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 28 August 2021.
- ^ a b "Bristol Rovers go up after extraordinary 7–0 win". BBC Sport. 7 May 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
- ^ Rapids, Colorado. "Colorado Rapids sign winger Sam Nicholson". Colorado Rapids.
- ^ "Recap: Rapids launch second-half comeback, draw RSL 2–2 on the road". www.coloradorapids.com. 10 July 2022. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
- ^ "Colorado Rapids winger Sam Nicholson undergoes successful ankle surgery". coloradorapids.com. 13 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
- ^ "Colorado Rapids waive Danny Wilson & Sam Nicholson | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer.
- ^ "Sam Nicholson arrives at Fir Park". www.motherwellfc.co.uk. 23 January 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
- ^ "SAM NICHOLSON SECURES PERMANENT ML1 SWITCH". motherwellfc.co.uk. Motherwell F.C. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
- ^ Sam Nicholson at Soccerway. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
- ^ Sam Nicholson at Major League Soccer
- ^ "Games played by Sam Nicholson in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
- ^ "Games played by Sam Nicholson in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
- ^ "Games played by Sam Nicholson in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
- ^ "Games played by Sam Nicholson in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
- ^ "Games played by Sam Nicholson in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
- ^ a b "Games played by Sam Nicholson in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
- ^ "Games played by Sam Nicholson in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 September 2019.
- ^ "Games played by Sam Nicholson in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Sam Nicholson in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
- ^ "S. Nicholson". Soccerway. Global Sports Media. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
External links
[edit]- Sam Nicholson at Major League Soccer
- Sam Nicholson at Soccerway
- Sam Nicholson at the Scottish Football Association
Sam Nicholson
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Sam Nicholson is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a left midfielder or winger for Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.[1] Born on 20 January 1995 in Edinburgh, Scotland, he stands at 175 cm tall and is left-footed.[1][2]
Nicholson began his professional career with Heart of Midlothian, joining their youth academy in 2007 and making his senior debut in August 2013 against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.[2] Over the next four seasons, he accumulated 109 appearances and 13 goals for Hearts, including a notable first goal in January 2014 against St. Johnstone.[2] He also represented Scotland at youth international levels, including call-ups to the under-21 team for European Championship qualification.[2]
In July 2017, Nicholson transferred to Major League Soccer, signing with Minnesota United FC, where he featured in 12 games during his debut season, scoring one goal and providing one assist.[2] He moved to the Colorado Rapids in 2018, starting all 19 of his appearances that year and earning Man of the Match honors against New York Red Bulls in May.[2] After two seasons with Bristol Rovers in EFL League One (2020–2022), Nicholson returned to the Colorado Rapids in 2022.[3] Across his MLS career with Minnesota and Colorado, he made over 100 appearances, tallying multiple goals and assists, including a standout goal against Portland Timbers in 2019.[2]
Nicholson joined Motherwell on loan in January 2024, signing permanently in May 2024 on a two-year contract until May 2026.[1][4] As of 2025, he continues with Motherwell, having amassed over 300 professional appearances across the Scottish Premiership, English League One, and MLS.[1][5]
Minnesota United (2017–2018)
Colorado Rapids (2018–2020)
Bristol Rovers (2020–2022)
Colorado Rapids (2022–2023)
Motherwell (2024–present)
These figures encompass all competitive and friendly matches across the youth squads.[43][48]
Early life and youth career
Early life
Sam Alastair Nicholson was born on 20 January 1995 in Edinburgh, Scotland.[3] Raised in Edinburgh, Nicholson grew up immersed in the city's vibrant football culture, where the sport holds a central place in community life. From a young age, he became a dedicated supporter of local club Heart of Midlothian, regularly attending matches at Tynecastle Park, which fueled his passion for the game.[6][7] Before entering organized youth training, Nicholson's initial experiences with football involved informal play influenced by the enthusiastic Scottish football environment around him, including school and community activities in the Edinburgh area. Nicholson often played football with his brothers and father during his childhood, further igniting his interest in the sport.[6] At the age of 12, he transitioned to the Hearts youth academy, marking the start of his structured development in the sport.[8]Hearts academy
Sam Nicholson was scouted locally in Edinburgh and joined the Heart of Midlothian youth academy at the age of 12 in 2007.[8][9] As a boyhood fan of the club, he advanced through the age-group teams, developing into a promising left winger recognized for his pace and technical skills.[10][11] Nicholson featured in youth competitions, including the U19 league during the 2011–12 season, where his performances on the wing highlighted his potential to contribute to the senior team.[12] In 2013, he signed his first professional contract with Hearts ahead of his senior debut that year.[13]Club career
Heart of Midlothian
Sam Nicholson made his professional debut for Heart of Midlothian on 31 August 2013, coming on as a substitute in a 2–0 away defeat to Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Premiership.[6] At the age of 18, the Edinburgh-born player emerged from the club's youth system to become a regular in the first team, initially featuring as a substitute before earning starts in subsequent matches.[14] Nicholson established himself as a versatile winger capable of operating on either flank, contributing pace, dribbling, and creativity to Hearts' attack during a challenging period that included relegation to the Scottish Championship in 2014.[15] His breakthrough came in the 2014–15 season, where he played a major role in the team's promotion push, appearing in 29 league matches and scoring five goals as Hearts clinched the Scottish Championship title with a record 91 points.[16] Over the following campaigns, he continued to develop, providing key assists and goals in the top flight, including a standout 2015–16 season with 6 assists in the Premiership. Across all competitions from 2013 to 2017, Nicholson made 127 appearances for Hearts, scoring 16 goals.[17] His contributions helped stabilize the squad during transitions under multiple managers, including Robbie Neilson and Ian Cathro, as the club rebuilt post-administration. In June 2017, following the expiry of his contract, Nicholson departed Tynecastle as a free agent, subsequently joining Major League Soccer side Minnesota United.[18]Minnesota United
On 28 June 2017, Sam Nicholson agreed to terms on a contract with Major League Soccer club Minnesota United FC, becoming eligible to join the expansion team on 10 July 2017 as a free agent following the expiration of his deal with Heart of Midlothian.[18] He officially signed with Minnesota on 10 July, bringing his technical proficiency from four seasons in the Scottish Premiership to bolster the club's attacking options as a left winger.[11] His prior experience at Heart of Midlothian, where he developed pace and crossing ability, aided his initial adaptation to the physical demands of MLS.[19] Nicholson made his MLS debut on 22 July 2017 against New York Red Bulls, entering as a substitute.[20] Over the remainder of the 2017 season, he appeared in 12 matches (8 starts), scoring 1 goal against Houston Dynamo on 30 September and providing 1 assist in a 1–1 draw at Atlanta United FC on 3 October.[21] In 2018, he started the campaign strongly, featuring in all 8 of Minnesota's early-season MLS matches (6 starts) before his departure, including a goal in a 2–1 home win over Chicago Fire on 17 March and an assist in a 2–2 draw at Seattle Sounders FC on 22 April.[22] Across his tenure with Minnesota in 2017 and 2018, he totaled 20 MLS appearances and 2 goals.[5] As a left winger, Nicholson's playing time was impacted by internal competition from versatile attackers such as Kevin Molino and the eventual return of Ethan Finlay from an ACL injury, limiting his opportunities to establish a regular starting role.[19] He also contended with lingering effects from a right knee injury sustained in October 2016 while at Hearts, which had required surgery and sidelined him for four months prior to his MLS move, potentially hindering full adaptation to the league's intensity.[23] On 2 May 2018, Minnesota United traded Nicholson to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for defender Eric Miller, $50,000 in general allocation money, with Colorado also receiving a 2018 international roster slot.[24]Colorado Rapids (2018–2020)
On 2 May 2018, Sam Nicholson was traded to the Colorado Rapids from Minnesota United FC in exchange for defender Eric Miller and $50,000 in general allocation money, with Colorado also receiving a 2018 international roster slot. He made his Rapids debut four days later on May 5 against Sporting Kansas City, starting as a left winger and providing immediate depth to the squad amid their struggles in the Western Conference. Initially positioned as a rotational player, Nicholson quickly adapted to Major League Soccer's physical demands and the high-altitude conditions at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver, which tested his stamina but allowed him to leverage his pace and crossing ability on the flanks.[2] Over the 2018 and 2019 seasons, Nicholson established himself as a reliable contributor, appearing in 46 MLS regular-season matches with 4 goals and 3 assists. In 2018, he started all 19 of his league outings, scoring his first goal for the club on July 4 against Seattle Sounders FC in a 2-1 loss and adding another in the 90th minute versus LA Galaxy on August 4, earning Man of the Match honors on May 12 against New York Red Bulls for his energetic display. A stress fracture sidelined him for the final seven games of that year, but he returned strongly in 2019 with 27 appearances (19 starts), including a goal against Portland Timbers on July 13 and assists in consecutive home wins over Columbus Crew SC (May 25) and FC Cincinnati (June 1), the latter performance earning him a spot on the MLS Team of the Week for Week 13. His contributions helped stabilize the Rapids' attack during a transitional period, though the team finished outside the playoffs both years.[2] The 2020 season brought significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which suspended MLS play from March to July and condensed the schedule into a bubble tournament followed by a shortened regular season. Nicholson featured in just 2 MLS matches (both starts) early in the MLS is Back Tournament, totaling 175 minutes without goals or assists, as the Rapids were eliminated after the group stage. With his contract set to expire at season's end and amid league-wide roster uncertainties, Nicholson and the Rapids mutually agreed to terminate his deal on July 2, 2020, allowing him to pursue opportunities as a free agent; this move was influenced by the disruptions that limited his playing time and the club's need to manage salary cap space during the crisis.[25][26]Bristol Rovers
On 22 July 2020, Sam Nicholson signed for Bristol Rovers on a free transfer from Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids, agreeing to a three-year contract. His prior experience in MLS, where he developed strong pace and crossing abilities, provided an immediate boost to the team's attacking options in the English Football League.[27] Nicholson made his debut for the club on 5 September 2020 in a 3–0 EFL Cup win over Forest Green Rovers. Over two seasons, Nicholson established himself as a key winger for Bristol Rovers, making 64 league appearances and scoring 11 goals across League One and League Two.[28] In his debut 2020–21 campaign, the team suffered relegation from League One, but Nicholson contributed 6 goals and 3 assists in 30 league matches, including his first goal for the club on 31 October 2020 in a 1–1 draw against Rochdale. The following season in League Two proved his most prolific, with 5 goals and 4 assists from 34 appearances, highlighted by his opening goal in an early 1–1 draw at Barrow on 28 August 2021 and consistent wide play that supported the team's promotion push. Nicholson's performances were pivotal in Bristol Rovers' 2021–22 promotion to League One, as the club secured the final automatic spot on the last day of the season with a 7–0 victory over Scunthorpe United, overtaking Northampton Town on goals scored.[29] His speed and delivery from the flanks complemented the forward line, earning praise for standout contributions in crucial matches that propelled the team from mid-table struggles to promotion success.[30] On 17 June 2022, with 12 months remaining on his contract, Nicholson left Bristol Rovers as a free agent to rejoin Colorado Rapids, bringing an end to his spell in English football after 75 total appearances and 14 goals across all competitions.Colorado Rapids (2022–2024)
Nicholson rejoined the Colorado Rapids as a free agent on June 17, 2022, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract through the 2024 MLS season with a club option for 2025.[31] His previous experience with the club from 2018 to 2020 provided immediate familiarity with the team's system and environment.[32] During his second stint, Nicholson contributed to the Rapids' ongoing rebuild following consecutive disappointing seasons, appearing in 37 MLS matches across 2022 and 2023 while scoring 2 goals and recording 1 assist, including 2 appearances and 1 goal in the 2023 Leagues Cup and 1 appearance for Rapids 2 in MLS Next Pro.[5] Valued for his versatility, Nicholson deployed across attacking roles, including left winger and central midfield, offering pace and crossing ability to support the team's transitional play under coaches Robin Fraser and Pablo Mastroeni.[33] However, Nicholson's impact was limited by inconsistent form and persistent injuries, particularly a right ankle issue that required surgery in October 2023, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.[34] These setbacks contributed to his transition into a utility role amid a broader injury crisis affecting the squad in 2023.[35] On January 2, 2024, the Rapids waived Nicholson ahead of the new season.[36]Motherwell
On 23 January 2024, Sam Nicholson joined Motherwell on loan from Colorado Rapids until the end of the 2023–24 season.[37] During the second half of the campaign, he made 16 appearances and scored 2 goals across all competitions, including a notable long-range thunderbolt strike in a 3–0 victory over Livingston on 6 April 2024.[4] His prior experience with Hearts facilitated a smooth adaptation to the demands of the Scottish Premiership.[38] Following the conclusion of his loan, Nicholson secured a permanent transfer to Motherwell on 31 May 2024, signing a two-year contract until June 2026 after demonstrating improved fitness and consistency.[4] The move allowed him to build on his initial contributions, with manager Stuart Kettlewell praising his energy, pace, and creative potential ahead of a full pre-season.[4] In the 2024–25 season, Nicholson featured in 10 matches for Motherwell before sustaining an injury, recording 0 goals and 0 assists while providing width and dynamism on the flanks.[39] His appearances included 9 in the Scottish Premiership and 1 in the Scottish Cup, often as a substitute to manage his recovery from prior issues.[40] On 21 February 2025, Nicholson suffered a knee injury requiring surgery, ruling him out for several months with an expected return in mid-November 2025.[41] As of 18 November 2025, he remains sidelined but is progressing in rehabilitation, with the club anticipating his reintegration into the squad in late November 2025.[42]International career
Under-19 career
Nicholson made his debut for the Scotland under-18 team in 2013, accumulating one appearance at that level.[43] His debut came on 24 September 2013 in a 3–0 friendly win against Qatar, where he started.[44] He progressed to the under-19 squad later that year, earning six caps between 2013 and 2014, all during UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying matches.[43] These fixtures provided key opportunities in competitive international youth football, where Scotland competed in qualifying round Group 5 alongside opponents including Belarus, Germany, and Latvia. In the under-19 setup, Nicholson operated primarily as an attacking midfielder or left winger, focusing on building tactical awareness through high-stakes qualifier games. He featured in notable encounters, such as the 1-1 draw against Germany on 15 October 2013.[45] Nicholson transitioned to the under-21 team in 2015 following his under-19 experience.[43]Under-21 career
Sam Nicholson received his first call-up to the Scotland under-21 squad in March 2015 for a friendly international against Hungary, making his debut in a 2–1 victory on 26 March where he played the first half. Nicholson's under-21 career primarily revolved around Scotland's qualification campaign for the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, during which he earned seven additional caps between September 2015 and September 2016, bringing his total to eight appearances without scoring.[44] Key matches included a 2–1 away win over Northern Ireland on 5 September 2015, where he came on as a substitute after nine minutes; a 2–1 home defeat to France on 10 October 2015, in which he played 68 minutes; and a goalless draw against Iceland three days later, featuring a full 90 minutes. In the return fixtures, he contributed 72 minutes in a 2–0 home loss to France on 24 March 2016 and 53 minutes in a 3–1 victory over Northern Ireland on 29 March 2016. His final two appearances came in September 2016 during a winless double-header: 15 minutes as a substitute in a 1–0 home defeat to North Macedonia on 2 September and 65 minutes in a 4–0 away loss to Ukraine on 6 September, marking the end of his under-21 involvement. Scotland finished third in their qualifying group behind France and Ukraine, failing to advance to the finals and concluding Nicholson's youth international career at the under-21 level, with no subsequent call-ups to the senior team. His selections were bolstered by strong form at Heart of Midlothian, where he featured regularly in the Scottish Premiership during this period.[46]Career statistics and honours
Club career statistics
Sam Nicholson has made 341 appearances, scored 40 goals, and recorded 37 assists in his club career across all competitions as of 18 November 2025.[28] Heart of Midlothian (2012–2017)| Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/13 | Scottish Premiership | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 13/14 | Scottish Premiership | 25 | 2 | 3 |
| 13/14 | Scottish League Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 14/15 | Scottish Championship | 29 | 5 | 6 |
| 14/15 | Scottish League Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 14/15 | Scottish Challenge Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 15/16 | Scottish Premiership | 36 | 3 | 6 |
| 15/16 | Scottish FA Cup | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| 15/16 | Scottish League Cup | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| 16/17 | Scottish Premiership | 19 | 4 | 4 |
| 16/17 | Scottish FA Cup | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 16/17 | Scottish League Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 16/17 | UEFA Europa League Qualifying | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Major League Soccer | 12 | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 | Major League Soccer | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Major League Soccer | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| 2018 | MLS Cup Playoffs | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | Major League Soccer | 27 | 2 | 3 |
| 2019 | MLS Cup Playoffs | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | Major League Soccer | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20/21 | EFL League One | 30 | 6 | 3 |
| 20/21 | FA Cup | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 20/21 | EFL Cup | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 20/21 | EFL Trophy | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 21/22 | EFL League Two | 34 | 5 | 4 |
| 21/22 | FA Cup | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 21/22 | EFL Cup | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Major League Soccer | 15 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | Major League Soccer | 22 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | MLS Cup Playoffs | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | U.S. Open Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | MLS Next Pro | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23/24 | Scottish Premiership | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| 23/24 | Premiership Relegation Round | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| 23/24 | Scottish FA Cup | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 24/25 | Scottish Premiership | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| 24/25 | Scottish FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 25/26 | Scottish Premiership | 9 | 0 | 0 |
International career statistics
Nicholson represented Scotland at youth international levels, accumulating 15 caps without scoring any goals and earning no senior appearances.[47] His international statistics are summarized below:| Age Group | Years Active | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| U18 | 2013 | 1 | 0 |
| U19 | 2013–2014 | 6 | 0 |
| U21 | 2015–2016 | 8 | 0 |
| Total | - | 15 | 0 |