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Nicky Butt

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Nicholas Butt (born 21 January 1975) is an English football coach and former player who was most recently the head of first-team development at Manchester United. He is also a co-owner and chief executive officer of Salford City. Butt played professional football as a midfielder from 1992 to 2011. He spent the majority of his career with Manchester United, where he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, four FA Community Shields, the UEFA Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup.

Nicky Butt
Butt playing for Newcastle United in 2009
Personal information
Full name Nicholas Butt[1]
Date of birth (1975-01-21) 21 January 1975 (age 49)[1]
Place of birth Gorton, Manchester, England
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[1]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Salford City (chief executive officer)
Youth career
1991–1992 Manchester United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1992–2004 Manchester United 270 (21)
2004–2010 Newcastle United 134 (5)
2005–2006 → Birmingham City (loan) 24 (3)
2010–2011 South China 3 (1)
Total 431 (30)
International career
1992–1993 England U18 5 (0)
1992 England U19 1 (0)
1994–1996 England U21 7 (0)
1997–2004 England 39 (0)
Managerial career
2016–2017 Manchester United U23 (interim)
Medal record
Representing  England
Men's football
FIFA World Youth Championship
Third place 1993 Australia
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Butt moved to Newcastle United in 2004. He spent one season on loan to Birmingham City in 2005–06. He finished his career abroad, playing for South China where he won the Hong Kong League Cup.

Butt earned 39 caps for England between 1997 and 2004. He was chosen for the 2002 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2004.

Club career

Manchester United

 
Butt on the sidelines at Old Trafford in March 2004

Born in Gorton, Manchester, Butt began his career at Manchester United as an important part of their youth team before turning professional in 1993.

He made his first-team debut in the 1992–93 season as a substitute against Oldham Athletic in a 3–0 Premier League win on 21 November 1992, but did not get his big break in the team until the 1994–95 season, often covering for Roy Keane in the event of injuries and suspension. One of his first appearances for the first team came in the FA Cup semi-final on 10 April 1994, also against Oldham as a substitute, this time in a 1–1 draw at Wembley Stadium. United won the replay 4–1 at Maine Road but he was not included in the squad. 1994–95 saw Butt play 35 games in all competitions, scoring one goal and featuring in the starting eleven for the FA Cup final, which United lost to Everton.

With the departure of Paul Ince to Internazionale in the 1995 close season, manager Alex Ferguson chose to draft in Butt as Ince's successor in midfield alongside Roy Keane. Butt was part of a notable batch of talented, young Manchester United players dubbed Fergie's Fledglings, who had mostly been involved in United's FA Youth Cup-winning triumph of 1992 and gradually been introduced into the first team over the next few seasons. Others included David Beckham, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes – who all spent a decade or more in the Old Trafford team's first team and helped the club win numerous major trophies as the dominant force in English football.

Butt performed remarkably in his early seasons as a regular first team player at United, and often started in the lineup, scoring crucial goals, such as against Liverpool in Eric Cantona's comeback match in October 1995, and forcing Nigel Winterburn to concede an own goal for the winner against Arsenal in November 1996 – a game which saw the end of a three-match losing run in the league. Butt also functioned as a steady replacement for Roy Keane as the midfield ball winner, while Keane was injured for much of the 1997–98 season, earning a PFA Team of the Year award that year. However, Keane returned and after forward Paul Scholes was re-deployed as a midfielder around the end of the 1990s. Butt's first-team chances started to become increasingly limited, with many of his appearances coming from the bench from this stage onwards.

Butt still went on to collect many honours at United, as the club capped their domination of the 1990s with a remarkable and unique treble win in 1999 (with Butt playing the whole of the Champions League Final due to Roy Keane being suspended), and several more titles in the years up till 2001. By the time of his departure from Old Trafford, Butt had gained six Premier League title winner's medals, three FA Cup winner's medals and a Champions League winner's medal. He had also collected an FA Cup runners-up medal in 1995.

Newcastle United

Butt handed in a transfer request in January 2004,[2] but turned down a proposed move to Birmingham City during the January transfer window.[3] He was signed by Bobby Robson for Newcastle United in July 2004 for a fee of £2.5 million on a four-year deal, where he was seen as a replacement for the veteran Gary Speed, who had moved to Bolton Wanderers.[4]

Butt had a disappointing and injury-marred 2004–05 season, prompting the then Newcastle manager Graeme Souness to sign Senegalese midfielder Amdy Faye in January 2005. Despite a promising start, the fans turned on Butt after the 4–1 defeat against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final.[citation needed] The acquisition of Scott Parker and Emre in the summer of 2005 pushed Butt further down the pecking order, and his move to Birmingham City (managed by former Manchester United teammate Steve Bruce) on a season-long loan was announced on 3 August 2005.[5]

However, on 13 February 2006, Butt walked out on his manager and former Manchester United teammate Steve Bruce, after finding out Bruce placed his son Alex Bruce in the squad ahead of himself, and was later fined two weeks wages.[6] After Birmingham were relegated from the Premier League, Butt returned to Newcastle who were being managed by Glenn Roeder.[7]

Although not an instant fan favourite at St. James' Park, Butt won over some fans with two goals scored through headers in a pre-season friendly against Villarreal.[8] There was some speculation that newly appointed Sunderland manager Roy Keane would try to sign his former Manchester United midfield partner. However, due to the lack of back-up midfielders at Newcastle and his good pre-season form, Butt remained at Newcastle.

 
Butt with Newcastle teammate Obafemi Martins in 2007

During the 2006–07 season, Butt was much more involved in the first team at Newcastle, playing in the holding role which allowed the likes of Parker and Emre to go forward. On 14 January 2007, Butt scored his first Newcastle goal in over 2 years when he scored the winner against Tottenham Hotspur in a 3–2 victory at White Hart Lane.[9] Butt's return to form was encapsulated when he captained Newcastle in a UEFA Cup match against Zulte Waregem on 15 February when Parker was injured.[10] His good form that season continued, as on 9 April, Butt won the man of the match award for his performance against Arsenal. He continued to captain Newcastle whenever Parker was injured, and by the end of the season it was widely considered that he had won over the Newcastle fans.[11]

With Parker having moved to West Ham United, Butt continued to play a big part in Newcastle's 2007–08 campaign. On 21 December, he penned a new contract keeping him at the club until the end of next season.[12] After being an almost ever-present in that season, he expressed a desire to finish his career with Newcastle.[13] Butt also started the season as captain, filling in for the injured Michael Owen, and proved to be a popular choice. Butt played his 100th league game for Newcastle on 21 December 2008, marking it with a 2–1 home win against Tottenham. Newcastle were eventually relegated that season, meaning that Butt's record of playing in every Premier League season has been relinquished.

Butt was made permanent club captain for the 2009–10 season, his first outside the top flight, following Michael Owen's departure to Manchester United as a free agent during the summer transfer window. However, vice-captain Alan Smith's impressive form has seen him take the armband more often than Butt. Butt started fewer games, but still effectively carried out his holding role well, leading his side to gritty shutouts in most of the games he started.

The club eventually won both promotion to the Premier League and the Championship title, and Butt announced his retirement in the build-up to Newcastle's last home game against Ipswich Town.[14] He entered his penultimate game as a substitute and won a penalty en route to a 2–2 draw. Butt lifted the Championship trophy alongside vice-captain Alan Smith.

After leaving Newcastle he was backed by former Newcastle boss Chris Hughton to move into coaching, although a coaching position with Newcastle is not something Hughton had spoken with Butt about.[15]

South China

 
Playing for South China against TSW Pegasus in the Hong Kong League Cup final, 2011

On 6 November 2010, the chairman of Hong Kong club South China, Steven Lo, said that the club expected Butt to sign for them at the end of the month.[16] Butt signed for South China on 22 November. Wearing the No. 8 shirt,[17] his first match was against TSW Pegasus in a 2–1 win for South China. Butt scored from a freekick during this game but also missed a penalty.[18]

After leaving South China, he featured in Gary Neville's testimonial against Juventus on 24 May 2011 in central midfield alongside Paul Scholes, rekindling the old times in a midfield that also contained David Beckham. However, they lost the game to the Old Lady. Butt also featured in midfield for Eric Cantona's New York Cosmos in Scholes' testimonial match against Manchester United at Old Trafford on 5 August 2011.[19]

International career

Having been capped five times at under-21 level, he won his first England cap during the 1996–97 season against Mexico and became a squad regular, providing 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 Manchester United teammates David Beckham and Paul Scholes. Ahead of England's quarter-final game against Brazil, he was named "the best player of the England squad" by Brazilian legend Pelé,[20] a compliment to his performance in the unattractive holding role. England eventually exited the World Cup after a 2–1 defeat to Brazil.

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 UEFA Euro 2004, but missed the tournament through injury. His last international appearance was in a friendly against Spain on 17 November 2004. In total he appeared 39 times for England.

Post-playing career

Coaching

In October 2012, Butt returned to Manchester United as a coach for the club's reserve team.[21] He was appointed head of the academy in February 2016, a few months after the departure of Brian McClair.[22][23] Since November 2016, he has filled in as interim coach of the reserve (under-23) team after Warren Joyce left for the managerial position at Wigan Athletic.[24] He briefly served as assistant to Ryan Giggs, after Giggs was made the interim manager of the Manchester United first team, following the departure of David Moyes.

In July 2019, Manchester United restructured their backroom staff, making Butt the head of first-team development, reporting directly to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær to help improve the transition for young players from the youth team to the first team. Nick Cox replaced Butt as head of the academy.[25] In March 2021, it was announced that Butt was to leave Manchester United after 9 years there in various coaching roles within their academy.[26]

Business interests

In 2014, it was announced that Butt, along with fellow ex-Manchester United players Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Gary and Phil Neville had agreed a deal to purchase Salford City ahead of the 2014–15 season.[27][28] with plans to get the club to the Football League.[29] The group announced they would take part in a special friendly, with Salford facing a Class of '92 team.[30][31][32] On 22 September, the group agreed to sell a 50% stake in the club to billionaire Peter Lim.[33][34]

On 31 October 2022, Salford City announced the appointment of Butt as the club's chief executive officer, taking over from Gary Neville who had served in that role in a part-time capacity for eight years.[35]

Personal life

Butt was arrested and bailed for assaulting a woman in 2004.[36] Butt married his long-time girlfriend Shelley Barlow in 2008.[37] They have two children.[38] Butt was arrested for alleged domestic assault in April 2019 [39] but the case was discontinued after the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence. Butt accepted a caution for criminal damage.[40]

Career statistics

Club

Club Season League National cup League cup Continental Other[41] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Manchester United 1992–93 Premier League 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 – 1 0
1993–94 Premier League 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
1994–95 Premier League 22 1 4 0 3 0 6 0 0 0 35 1
1995–96 Premier League 32 2 7 1 0 0 2 0 – 41 3
1996–97 Premier League 26 5 0 0 0 0 9 0 1 1 36 6
1997–98 Premier League 33 3 1 0 0 0 7 0 1 0 42 3
1998–99 Premier League 31 2 5 0 2 0 8 0 1 0 47 2
1999–2000 Premier League 32 3 – 0 0 6 0 4 1 42 4
2000–01 Premier League 28 3 2 0 0 0 11 1 0 0 41 4
2001–02 Premier League 25 1 2 0 0 0 9 0 1 0 37 1
2002–03 Premier League 18 0 2 0 1 0 8 0 – 29 0
2003–04 Premier League 21 1 5 0 2 0 5 1 1 0 34 2
Total 270 21 29 1 8 0 71 2 9 2 387 26
Newcastle United 2004–05 Premier League 18 1 2 0 1 0 7 0 – 28 1
2005–06 Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0
2006–07 Premier League 31 1 2 0 2 0 12 0 0 0 47 1
2007–08 Premier League 35 3 2 0 2 0 – – 39 3
2008–09 Premier League 33 0 2 0 2 0 – – 37 0
2009–10 Championship 17 0 2 0 1 0 – – 20 0
Total 134 5 10 0 8 0 21 0 0 0 173 5
Birmingham City (loan) 2005–06 Premier League 24 3 2 0 3 0 – 0 0 29 3
South China 2010–11 Hong Kong First Division League 3 1 1 0 2 1 5 0 2 0 13 2
Total 431 30 41 1 21 1 97 2 11 2 601 36

Statistics accurate as of 20 May 2011[42][43]

Honours

Manchester United

Newcastle United

South China

England U18

Individual

References

  1. ^ a b c Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 68. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
  2. ^ "No Butts as Nicky wants United exit". Sky Sports. 13 January 2004. Retrieved 9 November 2008.
  3. ^ "Butt to stay put after Blues snub". Sky Sports. 30 January 2004. Retrieved 9 November 2008.
  4. ^ "Butt seals Magpies move". Sky Sports. 29 July 2004. Retrieved 9 November 2008.
  5. ^ "Blues sign Butt". Sky Sports. 3 August 2005. Retrieved 9 November 2008.
  6. ^ James, Stuart (15 February 2006). "Upset Bruce takes hard line despite Butt apology". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 October 2020.
  7. ^ Walker, Michael (4 November 2006). "Butt relishing second chance to make impression at St James'". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  8. ^ "Newcastle United 3, Villarreal 3". chroniclelive.co.uk. 5 August 2006. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  9. ^ Stevenson, Jonathan (14 January 2007). "Tottenham 2–3 Newcastle". BBC. Retrieved 8 September 2009.
  10. ^ "Butt happy to lead". Sky Sports. 16 February 2007. Retrieved 9 November 2008.
  11. ^ "Butt eyes Toon stay". Sky Sports. 23 April 2007. Retrieved 9 November 2008.
  12. ^ "Butt commits to Magpies". Sky Sports. 21 December 2007. Retrieved 9 November 2008.
  13. ^ "Butt keen on Magpies stay". Sky Sports. 19 October 2008. Retrieved 9 November 2008.
  14. ^ "Club Captain Butt Set For St.James' Farewell". nufc.co.uk. 23 April 2010. Archived from the original on 26 April 2010. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  15. ^ "Butt backed to become coach". Sky Sports. 23 April 2010. Retrieved 24 April 2010.
  16. ^ Chan Kin-wa (6 November 2010). "Nicky Butt agrees deal to sign for South China". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 9 November 2010.
  17. ^ The last goodbye: When Nicky Butt tried turning into David Beckham planatfootball.com
  18. ^ "Nicky Butt signs three-month deal with South China FC". BBC Sport. 1 December 2010. Retrieved 9 December 2010.
  19. ^ "Scholes scores in testimonal". go.com.
  20. ^ "Brazilian legend Pele tells the BBC's Clive Myrie that the man Brazil most fears is Nicky Butt" (video clip), BBC Sport, 20 June 2002, retrieved 2 December 2006
  21. ^ Marshall, Adam (21 October 2012). "Butt back at United". Manchester United. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 21 October 2012.
  22. ^ "Nicky Butt appointed Head of Academy". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. 16 February 2016. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  23. ^ "Manchester United name Nicky Butt as new head of academy". The Guardian. 15 February 2016.
  24. ^ "Manchester United academy chief Nicky Butt gives update on search for reserves boss". Manchester Evening News. 17 January 2017.
  25. ^ "Club announces Academy restructure". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. 22 July 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  26. ^ "Butt to leave for new challenge".
  27. ^ Keegan, Mike (27 March 2014). "Class of '92 stars agree deal to buy Salford City FC". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  28. ^ "Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt agree deal for Salford City FC". Sky Sports. 27 March 2014. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
  29. ^ Robson, James (7 August 2014). "Class of 92 have big plans for Salford City". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
  30. ^ Keegan, Mike (9 May 2014). "Class of 92 to play in Salford City friendly". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
  31. ^ "Manchester United's Class of 92 set to face Salford City in friendly". The Guardian. 9 May 2014. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
  32. ^ "Ryan Giggs and Manchester United 'Class of 92' team-mates to face Salford FC". The Independent. 9 May 2014. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
  33. ^ Jackson, Jamie (22 September 2014). "Peter Lim to buy 50% stake in Salford City from Class of '92". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  34. ^ "Singapore businessman Peter Lim joins forces with ex-Manchester United players and invests in Salford City FC". The Daily Telegraph. 22 September 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  35. ^ "Nicky Butt appointed CEO". Salford City FC. 31 October 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  36. ^ "Butt gets bail over assault claim". Manchester Evening News. 10 August 2004. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
  37. ^ "Nicky Butt's United wedding". Daily Mirror. 10 January 2008.
  38. ^ "Baby joy for Butt". Manchester Evening News. 13 August 2004.
  39. ^ "Ex-Man Utd star held over attack on woman". BBC Sport. 17 April 2019.
  40. ^ "Nicky Butt: Assault charge dropped against ex-Man Utd player". BBC News. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  41. ^ Includes other competitive competitions, including the FA Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup, FIFA Club World Championship
  42. ^ "Nicky Butt Career Stats". Soccerbase. 29 December 2009. Retrieved 29 December 2009.
  43. ^ "Nicky Butt". StretfordEnd.co.uk. Retrieved 25 March 2010.
  44. ^ "Nicky Butt: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  45. ^ "United crowned kings of Europe". BBC News. 26 May 1999. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  46. ^ "Good, but not that good". BBC News. 30 November 1999. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
  47. ^ "The forgotten story of… England's class of '93". The Guardian. 29 June 2009. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  48. ^ Bostock, Adam (4 May 2010). "De Laet's delight". ManUtd.com. Manchester United Football Club. Archived from the original on 13 October 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  49. ^ Rory Mitchinson (16 May 2022). "Joelinton scoops Newcastle United Player of the Year award". Newcastle United F.C. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
 
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