The 21-year-old, who only joined the Shrimpers permanently last summer, left United after chairman Ron Martin told him that his contract offer to stay by the seaside had been withdrawn. With that news, the Camden Town-born youngster was also informed that he was able to leave without the club enforcing the Bosman ruling that stipulates that a side can ask for a nominal fee every time a player under the age of 24 departs.
However, Nicolau decided to make a meal of his first interview with the Wiltshire media. “When a team like Swindon are interested, you can’t ignore that interest,” the left-sided player gushed in the summer sunshine to the official Robins website, www.swindontownfc.co.uk. This is the same player, remember, who emerged through the same Arsenal youth system as Gael Clichy, Francesc Fabregas and Jermaine Pennant.
“They are a massive club and have done well over the years,” Nicolau continued. True, Swindon have made one more visit to the top echelons of the English game that Southend, but that foray into the Premiership lasted one season and ended in ignominy, the club setting a new points low for the top division and returning, tail between legs, having been thumped 5-0 at the end of the campaign against Leeds United.
The move to SN1 came about quickly, and sees the Cyprus-descendant link up with Gareth Whalley, having failed to attract the Robins during a trial a couple of seasons ago. “I am delighted to be here and to have got everything sorted. It all happened pretty quickly and I am looking forward to getting my Swindon career underway now,” Nicolau stated. He may be handed that chance in a pre-season friendly against Cirencester Town on Thursday.
United defeated Town 2-0 in an LDV Vans Trophy area semi-final during January, during which time the League Two club netted a goal direct from a corner – courtesy of Nicolau – against another performer who believed that he was above Southend’s level, goalkeeper Rhys Evans. The former Chelsea custodian told Steve Wignall that he was better that basement division fodder when the doomed ex-Colchester United boss made enquires during June 2003.
Swindon boss Andy King was a relieved man to have finally captured Nicolau. “We had Nicky here for a reserve game while he was still at Arsenal a couple of years ago,” he declared. “He’s reminded me of that fact. He went to Southend and had a tremendous season. I made an enquiry a little while ago and Southend wanted money for him,” King revealed. “Now they’ve agreed he isn’t going to sign another contract there and they’ve released him without seeking compensation.”
With Che Wilson agreeing a new two-year contract at the Hall and Mark Gower set to reproduce his best after a restful summer, Shrimpers supporters will not be concerned at Nicolau’s departure. However, his comments will have ensured that he will almost certainly be met with boos when he returns to Southend, ironically, almost a year to the day after he scored that goal against the Robins.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com