Nicky Butt

Nicholas (Nicky) Butt (born 21 January 1975 in Manchester) is a professional footballer who is contracted to Newcastle United in the English Premiership, but is on loan to Birmingham City for the 2005-06 season, with a view to a permanent transfer. A primarily defensive midfielder, he is a regular England international.

Related Topics:
21 January - 1975 - Manchester - Footballer - Newcastle United - Premiership - Birmingham City - Midfielder - England international

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He began his career at Manchester United and was an important part of their youth team before turning professional in 1993. He became a regular player in the Manchester United first team from 1994-95 onwards. His opportunities were somewhat limited by the presence of Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, but nevertheless he collected a whole host of honours: six Premiership titles, four F.A. Cups and one Champions League.

Related Topics:
Manchester United - Roy Keane - Paul Scholes - F.A. Cup - Champions League

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He won his first England cap during the 1997-98 season and became a regular in the side. After the {{Wc|2002}} he was named "the best player at the tournament" by Brazilian legend Pelé. It was a huge compliment and it was probably deserved as he played the unattractive holding role and did it magnificently and was world class. He is currently a squad player, providing experienced cover for the first-choice midfield pairing of Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Chelsea's Frank Lampard. For those who did not know, Butt was a first choice till Lampard broke into the scene with outstanding performances after the Abramovic took over Chelsea, He was partnering scholes in the middle with Beckham on the right and Gerrard on the left

Related Topics:
Pelé - Liverpool - Steven Gerrard - Chelsea - Frank Lampard

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His first-team opportunities at Manchester 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 transferred to Newcastle United for £2 million in July 2004 to replace Gary Speed, who had moved to Bolton Wanderers.

Related Topics:
Birmingham City - Gary Speed - Bolton Wanderers

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Butt had a disappointing, injury-marred 2004-5 season, prompting Newcastle manager Graeme Souness to sign Senegalese midfielder Amdy Faye in January 2005. The acquisition of Scott Parker and Emre Belözo?lu in the summer of 2005 pushed Butt further down the pecking order, and his move to Birmingham City on a season-long loan was announced on 3 August.

Related Topics:
Graeme Souness - Senegalese - Amdy Faye - Scott Parker - Emre Belözo?lu

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