Players

#8 Nicki Paterson

Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 153 lbs.
Born: January 19, 1985 (31) in Motherwell, Scotland
Hometown: Motherwell, Scotland
Nationality: Scottish
Last Club: Ottawa Fury FC (NASL)
Pronunciation: Nick-ee Patter-sun
Twitter: @nickipaterson8

Previous Clubs:  Ottawa Fury FC (NASL, 2014-15), Charleston Battery (USL PRO, 2011-2013), Clyde F.C.  (Scottish League Two, 2010-2011), Real Maryland Monarchs (USL-2, 2010), Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Second Division, 2009), Des Moines Menace (USL PDL, 2007-2008)

Indy Eleven injected further experience into its 2016 roster with the signing of Nicki Paterson on Jan. 26, 2016.

Paterson was the first player signed by Indy’s “Class of 2014” rival, Ottawa Fury FC, and netted four times in 26 appearances across the 2014-15 seasons, each of which saw significant time missed due to injury. Appearing in nine games with seven starts during the 2015 Spring Season slate, the 31-year-old midfielder scored twice in league play, including a late game-winner in a 1-0 triumph over the Eleven in May, before an ACL injury robbed him of participation in Fury FC’s run to the Fall Season title.

Prior to jumping into NASL waters, Paterson spent three years with USL PRO side Charleston Battery. While in the Palmetto State, the Scot took the Battery to the USL PRO championship in 2012, and his combined record of 30 goals and 10 assists in three years was more than any other midfielder in the league at that point.

Before the two-time team MVP with Charleston took his talents to a different south beach, he split three years between Scottish League Two side Clyde F.C., the Real Maryland Monarchs of the USL PDL and the Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL.

His professional career began after four years on scholarship at UNLV from 2005-08, during which he also suited during two summers for the USL PDL’s Des Moines Menace. It was with the Menace for whom Paterson enjoyed his best run of goal-scoring form, hitting for 15 goals in 28 total appearances.

Though his early career in Scotland was brief, the midfielder was an academy product of his hometown side Motherwell F.C., and signed his first professional contract with Hamilton Academical. He would go on to make 16 appearances over two seasons before crossing the sea to the United States to begin his collegiate career.

Paterson upon his signing with Indy Eleven: “My family and I are very excited to sign with Indy Eleven. The organization has massive ambitions which have clearly been seen this offseason with some of the signings made. Coach Tim Hankinson’s passion for the game is second to none and I can't wait to start working with the staff and players next month. Knowing several guys on the team I have no doubt we will be contenders this year, and the fans are without doubt the best in the league. I look forward to this new challenge in what is becoming an extremely competitive NASL.”

Indy Eleven general manager Peter Wilt: “Nicki Paterson’s addition allows us to keep building the squad around a core of veterans up the middle of the field. He is another quality player who will be hungry to get back on the field and contribute to a successful season for Indy Eleven.”

Indy Eleven head coach Tim Hankinson: “Nicki’s ability and tenacity on both sides of the ball will benefit his teammates greatly all over the field. Having three players down the spine of the field in Nicki, Sinisa Ubiparipovic and Colin Falvey who are familiar with each other and achieved great success last season will benefit our entire roster both tactically and mentally.”