Nigel Boyd

Nigel Boyd (born June 21, 1973 in Cullybackey, Northern Ireland) is a Northern Irish football player who plays as a defender. He currently plays for Ballymena United in the Irish Premier League.

Career

Nigel grew up in Cullybackey just outside Ballymena, and after starring in the 1990 Milk Cup at under 14 level hewas snapped up by Belfast Giants, Linfield. He joined his brother, Alan Boyd, at the Windsor Park side at the time, aged just fifteen.

Breaking into the first team was seemingly very difficult for Boyd, who made his debut in a 1-0 defeat to Crusaders in 1994, but yet struggled to hold down a first team place as Linfield F.C. went onto to win two Irish Premier League Championships and two Irish Cups in the early 1990's. So in ine summer of 1995 he returned to his home town club, Ballymena United, under the guidance of new manager, Alan Fraser. The priority that season was to get Ballymena out of the First Division and back into the Premier Division. Nigel made his debut in the opening game of the 1995-96 season in the 1-0 win over Chimney Corner F.C..

Although, United failed to get promotion that season, they won the First Division the following season, with Boyd playing a key role at both left-back and left-midfield.

Honours

County Antrim Shield Runner-Up 1997, 2003, 2006