Nicky Butt biography: Footballer

Nicky Butt biography

football player

born 21 January 1975 in Gorton, Manchester, England

English footballer

Butt is a defensive midfielder, and a former England international.

Place of birth Gorton, Manchester, England

Gorton is a district of the City of Manchester in England. It is located to the south east of Manchester city centre.
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Playing position Midfielder

Youth clubs
Manchester United
Senior clubs
Years Club App (Gls)
Manchester United 269 (21)
Newcastle United 48 (2)
Birmingham City (loan) 24 (3)

Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 06 May 2007.

Club career

Manchester United
He began his career at Man United as part of their Academy and was later an important part of their youth team before turning professional in 1993. He became a regular player in the Man United first team from 1994-95 onwards. His opportunities were limited by the presence of Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, but nevertheless he collected many honours, including six Premiership titles, four FA Cups and a Champions League. He was also a part of the treble winning team in 1999.

His first team opportunities at Man United further restricted by a number of new midfield acquisitions, Butt handed in a transfer request in January 2004, but turned down a proposed move to Birmingham City during the January transfer window and stayed at United for the rest of the season. He was signed by Bobby Robson for Newcastle Utd in July 2004 for a fee of £2,000,000. He was seen as a replacement for Gary Speed, who had moved to Bolton Wanderers.

Newcastle United
Butt had a disappointing and injury-marred 2004-05 season, prompting the then Newcastle manager Graeme Souness to sign Senegalese midfielder Amady Faye in January 2005. The acquisition of Scott Parker and Emre in the summer of 2005 pushed Butt down the pecking order, and his move to Birmingham City on a season-long loan was announced on August 3, 2005.

However, on the February 13, 2006, Butt walked out on his manager and former Man United team mate Steve Bruce, after finding out Bruce placed his son Alex Bruce in the squad ahead of himself, and was later fined two weeks wages, which was £80,000 (€115,800). After Birmingham were relegated from the Premier League, Butt returned to Newcastle who were now being managed by Glenn Roeder.

Although not an instant fan favourite at St. James' Park, Butt won over some fans with two headed goals in a pre season friendly against Villarreal CF. There was some speculation that newly appointed Sunderland manager Roy Keane would try to resign his former Man United midfield partner. However due to the lack of back up midfielders at Newcastle and his good pre season form, Butt remained at Newcastle.

During the 2006-2007 season, Butt was more involved in the first team at Newcastle, playing in the holding role which allowed the likes of Scott Parker and Emre to go forward. On January 14, 2007, Butt scored his first Newcastle goal in over 2 years when he scored the winner against Tottenham in a 3-2 victory. His good form that season continued, as on April 9, 2007, Butt won the man of the match award for his performance against Arsenal.

International career
He won his a England cap during the 1997-98 season and became a squad regular, providing a reliable backup for the central midfield positions. An injury to first choice midfielder Steven Gerrard before the 2002 FIFA World Cup gave Butt his chance in the starting line up alongside Man United teammates David Beckham and Paul Scholes. He was named "the best player in the tournament" by Brazilian legend Pelé, a compliment to his performance in the holding role.

After the World Cup he returned to his role as a squad player, providing experienced cover for the first choice midfield pairing of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. He was selected for the 2004 European Championships but missed the tournament through injury. His most recent international appearance was a friendly against Spain on 17 November 2004. In total he has appeared 39 times for England.

Trivia
Butt shares the same birthday (January 21) with former United teammate Phil Neville.

Honours
Intercontinental Cup Winner 1999
Champions League Winner 1999
Premier Championship Winner 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003
FA Cup Winner 1996 & 2004
Intertoto Cup 2006

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