Paul Nicholls

Paul Nicholls

Born 19 May 1980 (Age 27 at debut)

Position: Goalkeeper

(Diamonds player #274)

Total appearances 11

(8 League, 2 FA Cup, 1 Hillier Senior Cup)

Debut:

29 September 2007 (Home Stafford Rangers)

Final game:

24 November 2007 (Away Northwich Victoria)

Paul started off as a promising young goalkeeper in the Chelsea Youth side, but with little prospect of progressing further at the West London side, joined Havant & Waterlooville in the summer of 2000. After two seasons with the Hawks, he joined Chelmsford City in August 2002. During his three years at Chelmsford, his popularity was apparent winning the player of the year award, and becoming their regular penalty taker – scoring on a number of occasions. He he a season with Heybridge Swifts in 2005, before enjoying success the following season with Fisher Athletic.

Paul arrived at Nene Park on a free transfer on 6 August 2007 on a one year contract as understudy to Paul Bastock, and although he eventually broke into the first team, injury forced him out again and he was never back in contention for a regular place. He was released at the end of the season. After failing to agree terms with Braintree Town he eventually joined recently relegated Sutton United in the Isthmian Premier League on 27 May 2008. After a season with Sutton, he joined Ryman League side Margate in July 2009, but suffered an injury to his hand after just six appearances and was released in November. He has since been training with Billericay Town of the Isthmian Premier and signed for them before retiring from playing. He joined Diamonds Chairman Keith Cousins as part of “Elite Management”, a company acting as agents for professional players including John Terry, who he had played with in the Chelsea youth team. He had a major role in PR relations during Terry’s trial for racist abuse. His brother is former Luton Town skipper Kevin Nicholls, who took up a coaching role with the Diamonds in 2010.

Appearances

2007/2008 – squad number 12