Barry: My debt to top boss Jimmy

Nicholson’s praise for Dons gaffer

By Andrew Moir

Published:

MEMORIES: Barry Nicholson celebrates after netting for Aberdeen last season.

MENTOR: Nicholson and Calderwood chat before a game.

OLD FRIENDS: Nicholson and Calderwood with the Player and Manager of the Month awards for Dunfermline in 2004.

BARRY Nicholson made an emotional phone call to mentor Jimmy Calderwood after he sealed his dream switch to English Championship club Preston North End.

The midfielder finally severed his Pittodrie ties this summer after a three-year stint in the Granite City to pen a two-year dream deal at Deepdale.

Barry, in his first big interview since signing for Alan Irvine’s side, admits he wouldn’t be preparing for his debut campaign in the Championship if it wasn’t for Calderwood’s influence.

“It was tough to leave Jimmy after all those years working together,” said Barry.

“I had been with him for seven of the last eight seasons, so he’s really helped to mould my career.

“He has had real faith in me, firstly taking me to Dunfermline from Rangers, then up to Aberdeen.

“I played virtually every match for Jimmy when I was fit and it was great working with him, so that’s why I called him to say thanks for everything.

“But I made up my mind months ago that I wanted to try playing in England.

“Although there was a bit of a delay during the summer and things did drag on slightly, I was always confident of getting something sorted out.

“I’m absolutely delighted to now be a Preston player but won’t forget what Jimmy and Aberdeen Football Club have done for my career.”

The Scotland cap is now preparing for a strenuous summer as he gears up to add muscle to his magical touch.

He knows life in the Championship will be far more physical, but reckons he can handle it.

He added: “I was very impressed when I met the manager Alan Irvine for the first time.

“He’s one of the most highly rated coaches in the Championship so it will be good to work with him.

“He didn’t have any issues with my size, and I’m not the biggest or the most physical player out there.

“But I need look no further than Kevin McNaughton for proof you don’t need to be a giant to do well.

“I’ll still be really pushing myself in pre-season training to make sure I’m that little bit stronger for the new campaign.

“The manager also wants to play the game in the right way.

“He’s looking to get the ball down and pass it which is something I’ve tried to do over the past few years at Aberdeen.

“I’m sure we’ll be able to play some nice stuff and can enjoy a successful campaign.”

It’s almost like a home from home for Barry in Lancashire even though his new career is just a few days old.

He’s already living with former Pittodrie pal Michael Hart, pictured right, until his family head south from Glasgow permanently.

Barry’s wife and young children, Maya and Noah, will make the switch once the pre-season tour of Austria is over.

So the whole Nicholson clan are ready to embark on a big adventure south of the border.

But for now, Preston will have their very own odd couple.

He added: “Michael has been great, and it’s been interesting staying with him. His cooking isn’t too bad!

“I spoke to him before moving, and I’m grateful for his help.

“It’s made things slightly easier for me while I also know Callum Davidson from my Scotland days.”

Calderwood has already moved to replace Barry in the squad with Mark Kerr due at Pittodrie for a medical before penning a two-year deal.

The Dons manager is convinced he can help fulfil Kerr’s cap dream now that he’s staying in the SPL.

But Barry reckons moving south to Preston will enhance his own Scotland prospects.

“My first priority is to get a place in the Preston team although I’d love to play for Scotland again,” he said.

Who knows, Calderwood may well yet be on the phone to George Burley singing the praises of Barry and Mark in the future.