Where are they now?: Sam Nicholson
Today marks the 31st birthday of Sam Nicholson, a player whose blistering pace and ability to drive at defenders made him a fan favorite during the early years of Minnesota United’s MLS tenure. While he spent only a single season in the Twin Cities, Nicholson left a lasting impression as part of the creative engine that powered the club’s inaugural seasons. As he celebrates his birthday today, we check in on his current journey back in the Scottish Premiership.
A return to the Motherwell midfield
After several seasons in the United States and a successful stint in the English Football League, Nicholson has returned to his native Scotland. He is currently a key member of the Motherwell FC squad, where he provides a veteran presence in one of the most competitive divisions in Europe.
- Back in the Premiership: Nicholson initially joined Motherwell on loan from the Colorado Rapids in January 2024. After a series of impressive performances—including a signature long-range “thunderbolt” goal against Livingston—he made the move permanent in May 2024, signing a two-year deal.
- Fighting through adversity: His second stint in Scotland hasn’t been without challenges. He missed several months due to a patella injury in 2024 but made a resilient return to the lineup in December of that year.
- Current campaign: In the ongoing 2025–2026 season, Nicholson has been a fixture in the rotation, helping Motherwell compete in the top six of the William Hill Premiership. His ability to play on either wing remains a vital tactical tool for manager Stuart Kettlewell.
The Minnesota chapter
Nicholson’s arrival in Minnesota in July 2017 was seen as a major coup for the Loons. Coming directly from Heart of Midlothian, he was one of the first high-profile young internationals the club recruited to build its MLS identity.
- Impact on the wings: Across 20 appearances for the Loons, Nicholson recorded two goals and two assists. He was particularly known for his work rate and his “north-south” style of play that fit perfectly into the transition-heavy tactics of the early MLS era.
- The trade: In May 2018, Nicholson was part of a major trade that saw him move to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for Eric Miller and allocation money. While his time in Saint Paul was brief, he remains a significant figure in the “Foundational Era” of the club.
A journeyman’s perspective
Since leaving the Loons, Nicholson has enjoyed a diverse and successful career across multiple levels of the game.
- Colorado Rapids (2018–2020 & 2022–2024): He had two distinct spells in Colorado, proving to be one of the more consistent wingers in their recent history.
- Bristol Rovers (2020–2022): Nicholson was a massive hit in England, scoring 14 goals for the “Gas” and playing a pivotal role in their dramatic promotion to League One on the final day of the 2021–2022 season.
As Sam celebrates his 31st birthday today, we wish him a healthy and successful remainder of the season at Fir Park. Once a Loon, always a Loon.
