Background
Nicholas was born in Newport and his first professional club was Crystal Palace, with whom he began in 1976 as a youth player.
Nicholas was born in Newport and his first professional club was Crystal Palace, with whom he began in 1976 as a youth player.
He was capped 73 times at senior level for Wales between 1979 and 1991. Crystal Palace He spent five seasons at Selhurst Park, and played over 150 matches for the Eagles, picking up the Second Division title up in 1978-1979. Originally a centre half, he was later moved into midfield and became known as a tough-tackling and uncompromising defensive midfielder.
Arsenal However, despite his best efforts the Eagles could not sustain their place in the top flight and Nicholas was sold to Arsenal in March 1981 for £500,000, shortly before Palace"s relegation back to the Second Division.
At Arsenal, Nicholas went straight into the first team and didn"t finish on a losing side for the rest of the 1980-1981 season. He made 41 appearances the next season, and became captain of Wales as well.
However, a series of injuries in the 1982-1983 season meant his place in the Arsenal side became uncertain. In all, he played 80 matches for Arsenal, scoring three goals.
His goals came in the league against Ipswich Town in April 1981 and he scored further goals in the League Cup.
One against Norwich City in the 1981-1982 season and one against Manchester United in the semi final (first leg) of the 1982-1983 League Cup. Return to Crystal Palace Looking for first team football, he returned to Palace on loan in August 1983 and at the end of that season the move was made permanent for £150,000. However, his second spell at Palace was not as successful, and he signed for Luton Town in 1985.
He played over 100 games for the Hatters and his form noticeably improved.
Aberdeen He was signed by Aberdeen for £350,000 in 1987. In 1987-1988, he reached the Scottish League Cup final, against Rangers.
The match finished 3-3 and Nicholas missed a penalty in the ensuing shootout, which meant Aberdeen went home empty-handed. Later career He later had spells with Chelsea (winning another Second Division winners" medal), and Watford before retiring in 1993.
After retirement, he became Chelsea"s youth coach, before moving to Brentford and then returning to his old club Crystal Palace to take the same role there.
He was also manager of Newport County from 2002 until 2004 and led them to the 2003 FAW Premier Cup final. He was replaced by Andy Legg in April 2009. Player Crystal Palace 1978 Manager.