Former Hearts winger joins Motherwell after stint in the States

Motherwell have announced the signing of former Hearts winger Sam Nicholson.

The 29-year-old has spent the last season out in the States with Colorado Rapids and bosss Stuart Kettlwell hopes his fourth January signing will make a fast start at Fir Park on his return to Scottish football.

“It’s another good signing for the club,” Kettlewell said, who has also welcomed Andy Halliday, Adam Montgomery and Callan Elliot in this window.

“Sam has a lot to offer the team. He has good experience here in Scotland but also on his travels.

“He will add creativity and quality to the team.”

Edinburgh-born Nicholson played 127 games for his home city side after coming through the youth academy at the Jambos.

He went on to have a stint at Minnesota United in the MLS before an initial spell with Colorado Rapids 2018. After two years, he moved to England to play for Bristol Rovers but a hip injury had an impact on his time there during the pandemic.

A return to Rapids followed in 2022 and now his football journey has taken him to Fir Park.

Nicholson said: "“I’m delighted to be here,” Sam Nicholson added.

“This is a good team and a good club, and I’m looking forward to contributing.”

Meanwhile, the Steelmen have said farewell to defender Nathan McGinley after three-and-a-half years.

The 27-year-old full-back joined the club in the summer of 2020 but he suffered a serious injury in 2022 which saw him sidelined for 16 months

“I just want to thank everyone at the club for the last three years,” McGinley said.

“It’s been a really difficult time with the long spell out but the club supported me all the way through it and thankfully, I’m now back playing.

“I wish everyone the very best and hope it’s a strong end to the season for the boys.”

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