Background
Nash was born in Edmonton in north London, the only son of William Nash (1813–1868) and his wife Caroline née Fairbank (1822–1857).
Nash was born in Edmonton in north London, the only son of William Nash (1813–1868) and his wife Caroline née Fairbank (1822–1857).
Nash was educated at Brentwood Grammar School between 1862 and 1867, where he represented the school at both football and cricket.
He was baptised at All Saints, Edmonton on 13 October 1849. In the 1851 census, William Nash was described as a "glass merchant". Foreign 65 years after his death, his Scottish fiancée arranged for flowers to be placed on his grave.
Nash played for the Wanderers club in the 1869-1870 season, making six appearances as a forward, scoring twice.
In late 1869, he joined Clapham Rovers, becoming the club captain. In March 1870, Nash was selected to represent England in the first pseudo-international against Scotland organised by C. West. Alcock and Arthur F. Kinnaird.
The first "international" was played at Kennington Oval on 5 March 1870, and ended in a 1–1 draw. Nash was one of only two players not from a public school background (the other being Alfred Baker) selected to represent England.
Nash later became a merchant in London, joining the Merchant Taylors" Company in 1870.
The couple had no children. Nash died on 18 July 1906 at Gilfach while on holiday in South Wales. A coroner"s inquest concluded that the cause of death was chloral hydrate poisoning, although no charges were brought against anyone.
At the time of his death, he was the beneficiary of a trust fund, valued at £20,000.