Left Out

Another false dawn seems to have arrived. Nic was given the thumbs up by Moyesy only last week, but now it looks as though he'll be lucky to get a game this season. After the defeat at Dundee Utd Nic was one of the players dropped by Moyesy. Some were put on the bench for the Preston game. Not Nic. Moyesy has stuck him in the reserves. He played at Southport last night, while the senior squad were getting beat by Roda. Lucky Nic! So what future now for Saint Nic? He has been a big disappointment at Everton. (06/08/03)

Last Season?

Niclas is in the last year of his contract and he knows if he doesn't perform this season he won't be offered a new contract. He is determined to give it his best shot.

Nic said:"This is the final year of my Everton contract and you don't know what the future holds. I'm getting older and nothing has been decided about the future. I just want to have a good season. It's not like it used to be when players changed clubs and had a few choices open to them. There's a lot of players out there with no clubs at all so you have to try and look after yourself by playing well."

I definitely want a new contract here. If you feel fit you want to extend your career for as long as possible so this is a very important season for me. I hope to prove myself and hopefully stay injury-free which I haven't done in most seasons at Everton to be honest. That has made it more difficult to keep my fitness at the right level but I hope this year can be different.

"I'd love to stay at Everton if I could, absolutely. Everything is perfect for me at the club, except of course for the fact I wasn't playing last season. I like being at the club and living in the area. My family are very settled here but I'll have to wait until the end of the season to find out what is happening next."

Nic - It's up to yerself !! (16/07/03)

Impressive

We haven't spoken about this fella for ages. But early indications suggest that his injury problems are behind him and with having a rest during the break we may see the best of our Swedish friend.

Moysey said: "Niclas is looking in particularly good condition. I think he has benefited from having his first real summer’s break for a while, with no international commitments, and he has been the most impressive so far."(11/07/03)

No Retirement From International Football

It's not been a good week for Saint Nic. Not even on the bench for the first team on Saturday. Then left out of the Swedish squad. He was dragged off from the reserves last night. Nic says he hasn't retired from International football.
Saint Nic says: “It is incorrect to say that I have retired from international football. I have spoken to the national coach and if I am selected for Sweden in the future, then I will play.”

So it's just playing for Everton then. (20/03/03)

Saint Nic is Peeved

Saint Nic has been selected in the Swedish squad for this month's friendly with Tunisia, however as he last played, and scored, in the Shrewsbury debacle he has been criticised for his selection.
He has hit back saying he has had limited chances as the team is playing so well and Moyesy doesn't change a winning team. He goes on to say that he still feels he has something to offer and he will try to keep at the same level!! Well you could have fooled us Nic! He's been with us for nearly 3 seasons and most of us are waiting to see why Walter bought him, surely he will be in Moyesy's summer sale. (05/02/03)

Good To Be Back

For various reasons Saint Nic hasn't played for the first team since Aston Villa back in September so he is delighted to be back involved. After 45 minutes for the reserves and the Xmas period coming up he may get his chance.

Nic said: “It will be difficult to get back into the team when they are doing so well. There are a lot of games coming up and if I get the chance I will make sure I am prepared as possible.(18/12/02)

Frozen Out ?

Maybe Saint Nic will be the first to leave since the season started. He is clearly not happy about not getting a game recently but surely he has only got himself to blame. He has had his chance and he didn't take it. The fella who has replaced him has had his chance and taken it. Could you imagine Nic flinging himself at the far post to score that header against the 'ammers? No, either could I.

Nic said:"This situation is entirely new to me and I don't really know how I will react if this continues. I feel that I should play and that I am good enough. But different managers are using different playing systems and like different types of player. In the long run I will not be able to keep my place in the national team.

"My career is coming towards the end, it would have been different if I was five years younger. Then I could not have accepted this situation as long as I can now. You never feel really good unless you get to play and it's only a matter of fighting until you get the chance and then take it."(29/10/02)