Jim Nicholls
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | James Henry Nicholls[1] | ||
| Date of birth | 27 November 1919[2] | ||
| Place of birth | Coseley,[2] England | ||
| Date of death | 2002 (aged 82–83)[2] | ||
| Position(s) | Goalkeeper | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1946–1951 | Bradford Park Avenue | 36 | (0) |
| 1951–1953 | Rochdale | 50 | (0) |
| 1957 | Toronto Ulster United | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
James Henry Nicholls (27 November 1919 – 2002) was an English professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He made appearances in the English Football League for Bradford Park Avenue and Rochdale during the late 1940s and early 1950s.[2] Later in his career, he also played in the Canadian National Soccer League for Toronto Ulster United.[3]
Early life
Nicholls was born on 27 November 1919 in England.[2] Details of his early life and football development are limited, as is the case with many players of his era whose early careers were impacted by the outbreak of World War II.[4]
Club career
Bradford Park Avenue
Nicholls began his professional Football League career with Bradford Park Avenue A.F.C. following the end of World War II. As a goalkeeper, he made league appearances for the club during the late 1940s, a time when the club competed in the lower divisions of the Football League.[2]
Rochdale
He later joined Rochdale A.F.C., where he continued his role as a first-team goalkeeper in the early 1950s. Nicholls contributed to the club's efforts in the Football League during a transitional period for the side.[2]
Toronto Ulster United
In 1957, Nicholls moved to Canada and played for Toronto Ulster United in the Canadian National Soccer League.[3] His signing was reported in the local press, reflecting a wider trend of English footballers bringing experience to North American leagues during that era.[5]
Playing style
Nicholls was noted for his calm demeanor and dependable goalkeeping style. Contemporary reports described him as "reliable between the posts" and praised his composure under pressure.[6]
Later life and death
Following his football career, Nicholls retired from the public footballing scene. He died in 2002.[2]
References
- ^ "Jim Nicholls". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Archived from the original on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Jim Nicholls". UK A–Z Transfers. Neil Brown. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
- ^ a b Entwistle, Bill (3 July 1957). "White Eagles Add to Lead in National Soccer League". Toronto Daily Star. p. 17.
- ^ "Football and the Second World War". National Football Museum. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ Stokkermans, Karel. Canadian National Soccer League History. RSSSF. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "Ulster Keeper Impresses in NSL Clash". Toronto Daily Star. 10 July 1957. p. 14.