Sam Nicholson has left Bristol Rovers after two seasons at the Mem, with the winger returning to former club Colorado Rapids.
Nicholson’s contract has expired and there was hope the Scot would remain in north Bristol but the 27-year-old is heading back to MLS following 75 appearances in the blue and white quarters, scoring 14 goals with seven assists.
He had effectively leaked news of his departure last weekend after posting a farewell message from James Belshaw at the goalkeeper's wedding on his Instagram page, with Colorado then confirming the switch on Monday afternoon.
"We’re delighted to welcome Sam back to the club,” said Padraig Smith, Colorado Rapids Executive Vice President & General Manager.
“Sam is an incredibly talented and versatile attacker with exceptional pace and someone our team and coaching staff are very familiar with from his time with the club. We’re excited to welcome him back at this key juncture in the season and look forward to seeing him continue his career in Burgundy.”
Nicholson was one of the few shining lights during the miserable 2020/21 campaign as Rovers were relegated from League One. After signing from Colorado, he scored eight goals in a struggling team and delivered the only real signs of quality during what was a challenging campaign for the Gas.
He didn’t quite hit those same heights during an injury-riddled 2021/22 under Joey Barton but was still a significant first-team player, making 40 appearances in all competitions and scoring six goals and would have been an asset to keep on Rovers’ return to the third tier. But Nicholson has elected to move back across the Atlantic with Colorado in the midst of their 2022 season and have a shot at reaching the play-offs.
A popular figure in the Rovers dressing room, Nicholson has also been a mental health campaigner and openly discussed his battles with pressure, confidence and public expectations of footballers.
Belshaw’s note to Nicholson on his wedding day, as posted on Instagram, read: “Hey buddy, old pal. Thanks for being here today, you made me feel so welcome at the Gas in every possible way. It’s been a pleasure sharing a pitch with you mate. Wherever your career takes you I know you’ll do great.”
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