Nicky Law (footballer, born 1988)
{{short description|English footballer}}
{{distinguish|Nicky Low}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Nicky Law
| image = Nicky Law Rangers.jpg
| image_size = 200
| caption = Law playing for Rangers in 2013
| fullname = Nicholas Alexander Law{{cite web |title=EFL: Club list of registered players |url=https://www.efl.com/siteassets/efl-documents/efl-released-and-retained-list---2016-17.pdf |publisher=English Football League |page=45 |date=20 May 2017 |access-date=6 October 2017}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|3|29|df=y}}{{cite book
| editor-first = Barry J.
| editor-last = Hugman
| title = The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11
| year = 2010
| publisher = Mainstream Publishing
| location = Edinburgh
| isbn = 978-1-84596-601-0
| page = 246 }}
| birth_place = Plymouth, England
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=10}}
| position = Midfielder
| currentclub =
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–2005 | youthclubs1 = Sheffield United
| years1 = 2005–2009 | clubs1 = Sheffield United | caps1 = 5 | goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2007 | clubs2 = → Yeovil Town (loan) | caps2 = 6 | goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2007 | clubs3 = → Bradford City (loan) | caps3 = 10 | goals3 = 2
| years4 = 2008–2009 | clubs4 = → Bradford City (loan) | caps4 = 33 | goals4 = 3
| years5 = 2009–2011 | clubs5 = Rotherham United | caps5 = 86 | goals5 = 6
| years6 = 2011–2013 | clubs6 = Motherwell | caps6 = 76 | goals6 = 10
| years7 = 2013–2016 | clubs7 = Rangers | caps7 = 86 | goals7 = 20
| years8 = 2016–2018 | clubs8 = Bradford City | caps8 = 78 | goals8 = 4
| years9 = 2018–2021 | clubs9 = Exeter City | caps9 = 93 | goals9 = 18
| years10 = 2021–2022| clubs10 = Indy Eleven | caps10 = 48 | goals10 = 4
| years11 = 2022 | clubs11 = Tampa Bay Rowdies | caps11 = 12 | goals11 = 1
| years12 = 2023 | clubs12 = Huntsville City | caps12 = 11 | goals12 = 0
| nationalyears1 = 2004 | nationalteam1 = England U17 | nationalcaps1 = 2 | nationalgoals1 = 1
| manageryears1 = 2023 | managerclubs1 = Tampa Bay Rowdies
| club-update = 27 July 2023
}}
Nicholas Alexander Law (born 29 March 1988) is an English professional footballer and coach. 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. 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.{{cite news
| title = Reading 2–0 Sheff Utd
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4366932.stm
| publisher = BBC Sport
| date = 25 October 2005
| access-date = 6 April 2008}} A few weeks later, on 16 November 2005, Law signed a two-year contract with the club.{{cite news|title=Teenager Law nets Blades contract|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_utd/4443526.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 November 2005|access-date=14 August 2013}}
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.{{cite news|title=Law extends contract with Blades|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_utd/6061548.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 October 2006|access-date=14 August 2013}} Law made his Premier League debut for the Blades as a 90th-minute substitute against Newcastle United on 4 November 2006.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6094108.stm|title= Law's premiership debut|access-date=11 November 2006|publisher=BBC Sport | date=4 November 2006}} and made his home league debut as week later, as a substitute against Bolton Wanderers at Bramall Lane the following week.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6116250.stm|title= His home league debut|access-date=11 November 2006|publisher=BBC Sport | date=11 November 2006}} He made four Premier League appearances during the 2006–07 season.{{cite news
|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/sheffield-united/Blades-youngster-ready-to-stay.4833652.jp
|title=Blades youngster ready to stay on at McCall's club
|date=31 December 2008
|access-date=31 December 2008
|publisher=Sheffield Star
|first=James
|last=Shield}}
Law had to wait until his third senior season to score his first goal for the Blades coming in a second round League Cup tie at MK Dons on 28 August 2007.{{cite news
| title = MK Dons 2–3 Sheffield Utd (aet)
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/6963498.stm
| publisher = BBC Sport
| date = 28 August 2007
| access-date = 6 April 2008}}{{cite news|title=Match Report: Milton Keynes 2 – 3 Sheffield United|url=http://www.sufc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10418~42987,00.html|publisher=Sheffield United F.C.|date=28 August 2007|access-date=6 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618170242/http://www.sufc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10418~42987,00.html|archive-date=18 June 2009|url-status=dead}} 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 minute, in a 3–0 win over Leicester City.{{cite news|title=Sheff Utd 3–0 Leicester City|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7320206.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 April 2008|access-date=14 August 2013}} In July 2008, Law then went on a trial with Cheltenham Town.{{cite news|title=Cheltenham trial for Blades' Law|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cheltenham_town/7526116.stm|publisher=Sky Sports|date=25 July 2008|access-date=14 August 2013}}
=Yeovil Town=
In February 2006, Law joined Yeovil Town on a month's loan, later extended to two months{{cite news
| title = Yeovil snap up Blades midfielder
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/yeovil/6368519.stm
| publisher = BBC Sport
| date = 16 February 2007
| access-date = 6 April 2008}} playing six times whilst at Huish Park.{{cite news |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=42481 |title=Nicky Law |access-date=11 April 2009 |publisher=Soccerbase}} Having made six appearances for the club so far, Law had loan extended with Yeovil Town for another month.{{cite news|title=Law extends Yeovil loan contract|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/yeovil/6467551.stm|publisher=Sky Sports|date=19 March 2007|access-date=14 August 2013}} However, ten days later, Law was recalled by his parent club.{{cite news|title=Blades ace Law recalled from loan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_utd/6504249.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 March 2007|access-date=14 August 2013}}
=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.{{cite news
|url = http://www.telegraphandargus.co.uk/display.var.1739150.0..php
|title = McCall makes double signing
|date = 5 October 2007
|access-date = 31 December 2008
|publisher = Telegraph & Argus
|first = Simon
|last = Parker
}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} 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.{{cite news
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7088507.stm
|title=Dag & Red 1–4 Bradford
|date=17 November 2007
|access-date=31 December 2008
|publisher=BBC Sport}} He returned to Sheffield United after two months opting to fight for a first team place in the Championship.
{{cite web
|url=http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8921_2994590,00.html
|title=Law returns to Blades
|access-date=20 December 2007
|date=20 December 2007
|publisher=Football365
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527184305/http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8921_2994590,00.html
|archive-date=27 May 2011
|url-status=dead
}}
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.{{cite news
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7693725.stm
|title=Bradford City sign Laws on loan
|date=27 October 2008
|access-date=27 October 2008
|publisher=BBC Sport}} 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.{{cite news
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7684241.stm
|title=Bradford 1–0 Bury
|date=28 October 2008
|access-date=28 October 2008
|publisher=BBC Sport}} 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{{cite news
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7727551.stm
|title=Rotherham 0–2 Bradford
|date=21 November 2008
|access-date=23 November 2008
|publisher=BBC Sport}} 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.{{cite news|title=Clarets winger Jones joins City on loan|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcheadlines/3882961.Clarets_winger_Jones_joins_City_on_loan/|date=27 November 2008|access-date=27 November 2008|publisher=Telegraph & Argus|first=Simon|last=Parker|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205061206/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcheadlines/3882961.Clarets_winger_Jones_joins_City_on_loan/| archive-date=5 December 2008 | url-status= live}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7813724.stm
|title=Law signs new Bradford loan deal
|date=6 January 2009}}
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.{{cite news
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_utd/8072089.stm
|title=Blackwell begins reshaping Blades
|date=28 May 2009
|access-date=11 June 2009
|publisher=BBC Sport}}
=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.
{{cite news
|url=http://www.sufc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10418~1691198,00.html
|title=Law to become a Miller
|date=12 June 2009
|access-date=12 June 2009
|publisher=Sheffield United F.C.
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614083947/http://www.sufc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10418~1691198,00.html
|archive-date=14 June 2009
|url-status=dead
}}
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.{{cite news|title=Rotherham United: Nicky Law interview|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rotherham-united-nicky-law-interview-1-2234925|work=Yorkshire Evening Post|date=4 December 2009|access-date=14 August 2013}}
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.{{cite news|title=Rotherham United: Nicky Law interview|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rotherham-united-nicky-law-interview-1-2238448|work=Yorkshire Evening Post|date=1 February 2010|access-date=14 August 2013}} Consistent outstanding performances throughout the first month of the season brought much praise and attention to the young midfielder. Sky Sports pundits commented that he could "easily play in the championship, if not higher."{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} On the strength of this, Middlesbrough reportedly placed a late deadline day bid, but this was rejected by Rotherham. After topping the list of assists in League Two consistently since the start of the season,{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} Law scored his first goal for Rotherham on 26 September against Barnet.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8265557.stm|title=Rotherham 3–0 Barnet|date=26 September 2009 |access-date=2 July 2011 |publisher=BBC Sport}} By January, Rotherham turned down another bid for Law, this time a £150,000 offer from Championship side Blackpool.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rotherham_utd/8462681.stm |title=Blackpool fail in bid for Rotherham United's Nicky Law |date=16 January 2010 |access-date=16 January 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport}} Though the bid was turned down, Manager Ian Holloway, himself, says the club kept himself distance from signing Law.{{cite news|title=Holloway denies Law bid|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/5870555/holloway-denies-law-bid|publisher=Sky Sports|date=19 January 2010|access-date=14 August 2013}} 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.{{cite news|title=Rooney is PFA player of the year|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8643305.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 April 2010|access-date=14 August 2013}}
In 2010–11 season, Law starts his season in a match against Cheltenham Town, where he provided four assists, in a 6–4 win{{cite news|title=Rotherham 6–4 Cheltenham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8913090.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 August 2010|access-date=14 August 2013}} and scored his first goal of the season, in a 1–1 draw against Stevenage.{{cite news|title=Rotherham 1–1 Stevenage|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9053235.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=9 October 2010|access-date=14 August 2013}} Then, on 26 February 2011, Law made a hat-trick of assists, in a 4–2 win over Burton Albion.{{cite news|title=Burton Albion 2–4 Rotherham United|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9401924.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 February 2011|access-date=14 August 2013}}
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.{{cite news|title=Spireites trio in PFA XI|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/6881918/spireites-trio-in-pfa-xi|publisher=Sky Sports|date=18 April 2011|access-date=14 August 2013}}
At the end of the 2010–11 season, Law was among six players to be offered a new contract.{{cite news|title=Rotherham United offer new deals to six players|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rotherham_utd/9481600.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 May 2011|access-date=14 August 2013}} But as his contract is about to expire, Law attracted interests clubs from England and Scotland, like Scunthorpe United.{{cite news|title=Scunthorpe United interested in Law and Le Fondre|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/scunthorpe_utd/9484541.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 May 2011|access-date=14 August 2013}} Manager Andy Scott says he optimistic for Law to stay at the club,{{cite news|title=Scott unsure about Millers duo|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11788/6913276/scott-unsure-about-millers-duo|publisher=Sky Sports|date=4 May 2011|access-date=14 August 2013}} but soon admits Scott gave his best effort to keep Law.{{cite news|title=Scott resigned to losing duo|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11788/6971157/scott-resigned-to-losing-duo|publisher=Sky Sports|date=8 June 2011|access-date=14 August 2013}}
=Motherwell=
On 1 July 2011, Law joined SPL side Motherwell on a free transfer,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13952087.stm|title=Nicky Law completes move to Motherwell|date=1 July 2011 |access-date=1 July 2011 |publisher=BBC Sport}} joining up with Stuart McCall, who was his manager at Bradford City in 2008.{{cite news|title=New Motherwell star Nicky Law: Chance meeting with Stuart McCall during holiday sold me on move|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/new-motherwell-star-nicky-law-1106944|publisher=Daily Record|date=2 July 2011|access-date=14 August 2013}}
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,{{cite news|title=SPL: Motherwell 3 Inverness CT 0|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/spl-motherwell-3-inverness-ct-1108688|publisher=Daily Record|date=24 July 2011|access-date=14 August 2013}} and described it as a "perfect debut"{{cite news|title=Motherwell newboy Nicky Law: Opening day thriller was perfect debut|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/motherwell-newboy-nicky-law-opening-1108804|publisher=Daily Record|date=25 July 2011|access-date=14 August 2013}} On 24 August 2011, he scored his first Motherwell goal in a 4–0 League Cup win over Clyde.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14569516.stm|title=Clyde 0–4 Motherwell|date=24 August 2011 |access-date=24 August 2011 |publisher=BBC Sport}} On 24 January 2012, Law scored his first league goal, in a 3–1 win against Dunfermline Athletic.{{cite news|title=Motherwell 3–1 Dunfermline Athletic|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16589081|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 January 2012|access-date=14 August 2013}} Law finished the season with seven goals in forty-three appearances in all competitions. Motherwell finished in third place, and following Rangers administration, which meant they could not 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".{{cite news|title=Law of averages: Motherwell ace Nicky's Champions League debut just another hard luck story|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/champions-league-panathinaikos-v-motherwell-1220761|publisher=Daily Record|date=5 August 2012|access-date=14 August 2013}} In the summer transfer window, Law was the subject of a bid from a League One club, which was rejected.{{cite news|title=Well turn down bids for pair|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11788/7989821/well-turn-down-bids-for-pair|publisher=Sky Sports|date=14 August 2012|access-date=14 August 2013}} 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.{{cite news|title=Inverness 1 Motherwell 5: Five-star Steelmen go goal crazy as Caley's 10-game unbeaten run ends|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/inverness-1-motherwell-5-spl-1443996|publisher=Daily Record|date=18 November 2012|access-date=14 August 2013}} Then, on 27 February 2013, Law provided a double assist, in a 2–1 win over Celtic.{{cite news|title=Motherwell 2 Celtic 1: Michael Higdon's strike seals a memorable victory|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/motherwell-2-celtic-1-michael-1734487|publisher=Daily Record|date=27 February 2013|access-date=14 August 2013}} A week later, on 30 March 2013, Law scored a brace, in a 3–0 win against Dundee.{{cite news|title=Dundee 0–3 Motherwell|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21909229|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 March 2013|access-date=14 August 2013}} After a run of good performances, Law was awarded March's Scottish Premier League player of the month.{{cite news|title=Award-winner Nicky Law ponders future at Motherwell|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22158841|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 April 2013|access-date=14 August 2013}} At the end of the 2012–13 season, Law, alongside teammates Shaun Hutchinson, Darren Randolph and Michael Higdon, was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year 2012–13.{{cite news|title=PFA SCOTLAND TEAMS OF THE YEAR|url=http://pfascotland.co.uk/2013/news/pfa-scotland-teams-of-the-year/|publisher=PFA Scotland|date=2 May 2013|access-date=14 August 2013}} 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.{{cite news|title=Nicky Law is wanted by Rangers, and could join in September on a free|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11788/8542150/nicky-law-is-wanted-by-rangers-and-could-join-in-september-on-a-free|publisher=Sky Sports|date=6 March 2013|access-date=14 August 2013}} In early April, Law was among the players who were offered a new contract by Motherwell.{{cite news|title=McCall: Out of contract Steelmen to be offered deals in the next week|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mccall-out-contract-steelmen-offered-1814708|publisher=Daily Record|date=6 April 2013|access-date=14 August 2013}} Law said he might stay with the club, but will wait until the season ends before making a decision.{{cite news|title=Player of the Month Nicky Law in no hurry to say goodbye to Stuart McCall|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/player-month-nicky-law-no-1833927|publisher=Daily Record|date=15 April 2011|access-date=14 August 2013}} On 10 May 2013, Stuart McCall said that Law, along with Randolph, would be leaving the club on a free transfer.{{cite news|title=Stuart McCall confirms Nicky Law and Darren Randolph are heading for Motherwell exit|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stuart-mccall-confirms-nicky-law-1880803|publisher=Daily Record|date=10 May 2013|access-date=31 July 2013}}{{cite news|title=Motherwell midfielder Nicky Law flattered by Rangers' interest|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11788/8712230/motherwell-midfielder-nicky-law-flattered-by-rangers-interest|publisher=Sky Sports|date=14 May 2013|access-date=14 August 2013}}
=Rangers=
On 24 May 2013, Law agreed to join Rangers on a free transfer,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22651847|title=Rangers: Nicky Law agrees three-year contract at Ibrox|date=24 May 2013 |access-date=24 May 2013 |publisher=BBC Sport}} 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."{{cite news|title=Midfielder Nicky Law: Rangers were too big a club to turn down|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/midfielder-nicky-law-says-rangers-1908965|publisher=Daily Record|date=24 May 2013|access-date=12 February 2014}} Law went on to say Ally McCoist's tears and passion persuaded him to join the club.{{cite news|title=Ally McCoist's tears and passion won me over, says new Rangers signing Nicky Law|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/nicky-law-says-ally-mccoists-1910140|publisher=Daily Record|date=25 May 2013|access-date=12 February 2014}} In January 2014, Manager 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.{{cite news|title=Rangers: Ally McCoist backs players who refused pay cut|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25782611|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 January 2014|access-date=12 February 2014}}
Law scored two goals on his debut, playing as a trialist, in a Challenge Cup win over Albion Rovers. After the match, manager Ally McCoist praised Law's performance in the match.{{cite news|title=Ally McCoist salutes 'trialist' Nicky Law after two-goal debut at Albion Rovers|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11788/8845546/ally-mccoist-salutes-trialist-nicky-law-after-two-goal-debut-at-albion-rovers|publisher=Sky Sports|date=28 July 2013|access-date=14 August 2013}} 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.{{cite news|title=Rangers 4 – 1 Brechin City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23622899|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 August 2013|access-date=14 August 2013}} Since joining Rangers, manager McCoist says Law is responsible for helping the club by bringing "real calmness" and "an attacking edge".{{cite news|title=Rangers star Nicky Law can give the Ibrox crowd the excitement they want, says Ally McCoist|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rangers-star-nicky-law-can-2176981|publisher=Daily Record|date=17 August 2013|access-date=17 August 2013}} In the club's second game of 2014, Law scored a brace, as Rangers won 2–0 against Stenhousemuir on 5 January 2014.{{cite news|title=Stenhousemuir 0 Rangers 2: Ten-man Rangers cruise past the Warriors|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/stenhousemuir-0-rangers-2-ten-man-2992199|publisher=Daily Record|date=5 January 2014|access-date=12 February 2014}} 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.{{cite news|title=Rangers boss Ally McCoist reveals club rejected late bid for Nicky Law in January transfer window|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/rangers-boss-ally-mccoist-reveals-3128460|publisher=Daily Record|date=9 February 2014|access-date=12 February 2014}}{{cite news|title=Rumour Mill: Joe Ledley – Rangers – Aberdeen|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/rumour-mill-joe-ledley-rangers-aberdeen-1-3301706|publisher=The Scotsman|date=12 February 2014|access-date=12 February 2014}} 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. In the 2014–15 season Law was the highest scoring Rangers player in the league with 13 goals.
Under new manager Mark Warburton, Law made a strong start to the 2015–16 season and scored a goal in a 3–0 victory over Livingston on 12 September 2015.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34160942|title=Rangers 3–0 Livingston |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 September 2015}} After two months out due to injury, Law returned to the Rangers starting eleven against Hibernian in late December, however his performances since the injury, were not consistent, or good enough to secure a new contract and he was released by Rangers in May 2016.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36366773 |title=Rangers: Nicky Clark, Nicky Law and David Templeton leave club |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 May 2016 |access-date=24 May 2016}}
=Bradford City=
Law re-signed for Bradford on 29 June 2016.{{cite news
|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36664821
|title=Nicky Law joins Bradford City after Glasgow Rangers exit
|publisher=BBC
|date=29 June 2016
|access-date=12 December 2016}}
He was released by Bradford City at the end of the 2017–18 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/16233587.Bradford_City_release_McMahon_and_Law/|title=Bradford City: Club announce retained list|date=17 May 2018|access-date=18 May 2018|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}
=Exeter City=
Law joined League Two side Exeter City on 2 July 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44687327|title=Nicky Law: Exeter City sign former Bradford midfielder on free transfer|date=2 July 2018|access-date=15 July 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}} He immediately became a fan favourite, scoring on his debut against Carlisle United{{Cite news|title=Exeter City 3-1 Carlisle United|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44989424|access-date=2021-02-01}} and netting many other crucial goals against the likes of MK Dons{{Cite news|title=Exeter City 3-1 Milton Keynes Dons|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47011308|access-date=2021-02-01}} and Notts County.{{Cite news|title=Notts County 0-1 Exeter City|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47593015|access-date=2021-02-01}} Nicky scored 10 goals from midfield and notched numerous assists in his first season, collecting 6 awards in the end-of-season awards ceremony.{{Cite web|url=https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/teams/first-team/midfielder/nicky-law/|title=Nicky Law – Midfielder – First Team – Exeter City FC|website=exetercityfc.co.uk}}
He performed similarly well in 2019/20, scoring 7 goals and recording 7 assists at the point of the season being suspended. He started in all three games of Exeter's playoff campaign, which ended in defeat at Wembley to Northampton Town.{{Cite news|title=Northampton ease past Exeter in play-off final|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53177235|access-date=2021-02-01}}
At the start of the 2020/21 season, Nicky switched from the number 8 shirt to the number 7, vacated by Lee Martin in the summer. He did not play as regularly this season due to the form of younger player, Matt Jay, who played in a similar position to Law. Despite this, Law still scored some crucial goals in his appearances, such as an equaliser (as well as two assists) against League One Gillingham in the second round of the FA Cup.{{Cite news|title=Randall double sees Exeter win at Gills|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55072335|access-date=2021-02-01}} After he captained the club in a 1–0 loss to Carlisle United on 30 January 2021,{{Cite news|title=Carlisle United 1-0 Exeter City|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55776739|access-date=2021-02-01}} it was announced that Nicky had the permission of the manager and the board to leave the club before his contract expired, as he had received an offer to join American side Indy Eleven as a player-coach.{{Cite web|last=Clark|first=Daniel|date=2021-01-30|title=Nicky Law to leave Exeter City to join Indy Eleven in the United States|url=https://www.devonlive.com/sport/football/football-news/nicky-law-leave-exeter-city-4948423|access-date=2021-02-01|website=DevonLive|language=en}} His final day at the club would be 31 January 2021.
=Indy Eleven=
On 30 January 2021, it was announced that Law would join USL Championship side Indy Eleven ahead of their 2021 season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.indyeleven.com/news_article/show/1143454|title=Indy Eleven Signs Veteran English Midfielder Nicky Law|newspaper=Indy Eleven - Usl|date=30 January 2021 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/2021/january/law-departs/|title=✍️ Nicky Law to leave Exeter City on January 31|website=exetercityfc.co.uk}}
=Tampa Bay Rowdies=
On 21 July 2022, Law was transferred to USL Championship side Tampa Bay Rowdies in exchange for Juan Tejada.{{cite web | url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1233365 | title=Rowdies bring aboard Nicky Law from Indy | date=21 July 2022 }} Law and the Rowdies mutually agreed to part way on 4 January 2023.{{cite web |title=Rowdies, Nicky Law Mutually Part Ways |url=https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news/2023/01/04/rowdies-nicky-law-mutually-part-ways/ |website=RowdiesSoccer.com |access-date=4 January 2023}}
=Huntsville City=
On 18 January 2023, Law joined MLS Next Pro expansion club Huntsville as a player-coach.{{cite web |title=Huntsville City FC Names Former Premier League Midfielder Jack Collison as the First Head Coach in Team History |url=https://www.mlsnextpro.com/huntsvillecityfc/news/huntsville-city-fc-names-jack-collison-head-coach |website=MLSNextPro.com |publisher=MLS Next Pro |access-date=18 January 2023}}
Coaching career
=Tampa Bay Rowdies=
Following a stint as player-coach for Huntsville City, Law returned to the Tampa Bay Rowdies on 27 July 2023 to serve as the club's head coach for the remainder of the 2023 USL Championship season.{{cite web |title=Rowdies Name Nicky Law as Head Coach |url=https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news/2023/07/27/rowdies-name-nicky-law-as-head-coach/ |website=RowdiesSoccer.com |publisher=Tampa Bay Rowdies |access-date=27 July 2023}} The Rowdies had been without a head coach since Neill Collins left to take the manager position at Barnsley on 6 July 2023.{{cite web |title=NEILL COLLINS APPOINTED AS HEAD COACH |url=https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/20232/july/neill-collins-appointed/ |website=BarnsleyFC.co.uk |publisher=Barnsley |access-date=27 July 2023}}
International career
Personal life
Law revealed that Stuart McCall is the biggest influence on his career and a massive help.{{cite news|title=Motherwell star Nicky Law: I learned a lot watching Stuart McCall as gaffer of Bradford|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/motherwell-star-nicky-law-i-learned-1086113|publisher=Daily Record|date=6 November 2011|access-date=14 August 2013}} His brother Josh Law is also a professional footballer.{{cite news|title=Josh Law hopes brother Nicky will stay at Rangers to reignite sibling rivalry|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/14493709.Josh_Law_hopes_brother_Nicky_will_stay_at_Rangers_to_reignite_sibling_rivalry/|publisher=The Herald (Glasgow)|work=Scott Mullen|date=15 May 2016}}
Nicky grew up in the village of Old Tupton in North East Derbyshire, Tupton Hall is situated about four miles from Chesterfield. Law also studied at Tupton Primary School and Tupton Hall School, during the latter years of his secondary education he was in the Sheffield United academy alongside fellow professional footballer Lloyd Kerry (now of Harrogate Town FC).
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played 6 November 2022}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition | ||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup !colspan="2"|League cup !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan="5" |Sheffield United
|2005–06{{soccerbase season|42481|2005|access-date=19 July 2017}} |0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | |||
| 2006–07{{soccerbase season|42481|2006|access-date=19 July 2017}}
|4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 7 | 0 | |||
| 2007–08{{soccerbase season|42481|2007|access-date=19 July 2017}}
|Championship |1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 1 | |||
| 2008–09
|Championship |0 |0 |0 |0 |0 |0 | colspan="2" |— |0 |0 |0 |0 | ||||||||||||
| colspan="2" |Total
!5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | colspan="2" |— | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1 | ||
| rowspan="1"|Yeovil Town (loan)
|6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | ||
| rowspan="3" |Bradford City (loan)
|10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0
|0 | colspan="2" |— | 0 | 0 | 10 | 2 | |||
| 2008–09{{soccerbase season|42481|2008|access-date=19 July 2017}}
|League Two |33 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 35 | 3 | ||
| colspan="2" |Total
!43 !5 !2 !0 !0 !0 ! colspan="2" |— !0 !0 !45 !5 | ||||||||||||
| rowspan="3" |Rotherham United
|2009–10{{soccerbase season|42481|2009|access-date=19 July 2017}} |League Two |42 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2" |— | 4{{efn|name=1&3|One appearance in Football League Trophy; three appearances in League Two play-offs}} | 0 | 51 | 2 | ||
| 2010–11{{soccerbase season|42481|2010|access-date=19 July 2017}}
|League Two |44 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 3{{efn|name=FLT|Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy}} | 0 | 50 | 4 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!86 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 7 | 0 | 101 | 6 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Motherwell
|2011–12{{soccerbase season|42481|2011|access-date=19 July 2017}} |38 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2" |— | 43 | 7 | |||
| 2012–13{{soccerbase season|42481|2012|access-date=19 July 2017}}
|Scottish Premier League |38 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3{{efn|Two appearances in UEFA Champions League; one appearance in UEFA Europa League}} | 0 | colspan="2" |— | 43 | 6 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!76 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 86 | 13 | |
| rowspan="4"|Rangers
|2013–14{{Soccerway|nicholas-law/2608}} |32 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 4{{efn|name=SCC|Appearance(s) in Scottish Challenge Cup}} | 2 | 42 | 12 | ||
| 2014–15{{soccerbase season|42481|2014|access-date=19 July 2017}}
|36 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 10{{efn|Four appearances one goal in Scottish Challenge Cup; six appearances in Scottish Premiership play-offs}} | 1 | 54 | 13 | ||
| 2015–16{{soccerbase season|42481|2015|access-date=19 July 2017}}
|Scottish Championship |18 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 3{{efn|name=SCC}} | 0 | 26 | 1 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!86 | 20 | 12 | 3 | 7 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 17 | 3 | 122 | 26 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Bradford City
|2016–17{{soccerbase season|42481|2016|access-date=19 July 2017}} |League One |40 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 5{{efn|Two appearances one goal in Football League Trophy; three appearances in League One play-offs}} | 1 | 47 | 5 | ||
| 2017–18{{soccerbase season|42481|2017|access-date=19 July 2017}}
|League One |38 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2{{efn|name=FLT}} | 0 | 43 | 0 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!78 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 7 | 1 | 90 | 5 | ||
| rowspan="4" |Exeter City
|2018–19{{Cite web |title=Games played by Nicky Law in 2018/2019 |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=42481&season_id=151 |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=soccerbase.com}} |League Two |43 | 10 | 1 | |0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 44 | 10 | ||
| 2019–20{{Cite web |title=Games played by Nicky Law in 2019/2020 |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=42481&season_id=152 |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=soccerbase.com}}
|League Two |32 |7 |3 |0 |0 |0 | colspan="2" |— |4{{efn|name=1&3}} |0 |39 |7 | ||||||||||||
| 2020–21{{Cite web |title=Games played by Nicky Law in 2020/2021 |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=42481&season_id=153 |access-date=2023-01-08 |website=soccerbase.com}}
|League Two |18 |1 |3 |1 |0 |0 | colspan="2" |— |2{{efn|name=FLT}} |1 |23 |3 | ||||||||||||
| colspan="2" |Total
!93 | 18 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2" |— | 6 | 1 | 106 | 20 | ||
| rowspan="3" |Indy Eleven
|2021 |30 |3 | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— |30 |3 | ||||||||||||
| 2022
|USL Championship |18 |1 |1 |0 | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— |19 |1 | ||||||||||||
| colspan="2" |Total
!48 !4 !1 !0 ! colspan="2" |— ! colspan="2" |— ! colspan="2" |— !49 !4 | ||||||||||||
| Tampa Bay Rowdies
|2022 |USL Championship |12 |1 |0 |0 | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— |3{{efn|name=UCP|Appearance(s) in USL Championship playoffs}} |1 |15 |2 | ||||||||||||
| colspan="3" |Career total
!533 | 68 | 36 | 6 | 18 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 40 | 6 | 630 | 82 |
{{notelist}}
Honours
Rangers
- Scottish Championship: 2015–16{{ cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35912680|publisher=BBC Sport| first=Andy|last=Burke | access-date=5 April 2016 | date=5 April 2016 | title=Rangers 1–0 Dumbarton }}
- Scottish League One: 2013–14{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}
- Scottish Challenge Cup: 2015–16{{ cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35953055|publisher=BBC Sport | first=Tom |last=English | access-date=10 April 2016 | date=10 April 2016 | title=Rangers 4–0 Peterhead}}
Individual
- PFA Team of the Year: 2009–10 Football League Two,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8643305.stm |title=Rooney is PFA player of the year |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 April 2010 |access-date=20 December 2022}} 2010–11 Football League Two{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13110874 |title=Spurs' Gareth Bale wins PFA player of the year award |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 April 2011 |access-date=20 December 2022}}
- PFA Scotland Team of the Year 2012–13
- SPL Player of the Month: March 2013
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerway}}
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{Tampa Bay Rowdies managers}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| list1 =
{{2009–10 Football League Two Team of the Year}}
{{2010–11 Football League Two Team of the Year}}
{{2012–13 PFA Scotland SPL Team of the Year}}
{{2013–14 PFA Scotland Scottish League One Team of the Year}}
{{Exeter City F.C. Player of the Year}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Law, Nicky}}
Category:Footballers from Plymouth, Devon
Category:English men's footballers
Category:England men's youth international footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Sheffield United F.C. players
Category:Yeovil Town F.C. players
Category:Bradford City A.F.C. players
Category:Rotherham United F.C. players
Category:Motherwell F.C. players
Category:Exeter City F.C. players
Category:Tampa Bay Rowdies players
Category:Premier League players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Scottish Premier League players
Category:Scottish Professional Football League players
Category:USL Championship players
Category:Nashville SC non-playing staff
Category:English expatriate men's footballers
Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States
Category:English expatriate sportspeople in the United States
Category:Huntsville City FC players
Category:Tampa Bay Rowdies coaches