nicholl_jimmy
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| Name: James Michael "Jimmy" Nicholl |
Nationality: Northern Ireland |
| Position: full-back |
Signing Information: Signed Trainee: 11/1971. Signed Professional: 03/1974 |
| Birthdate: 28-12-1956 |
Years at Club: 1974-1982 |
| Age: (68) |
Debut: 05/04/1975 v Southampton (A) (League Division Two) |
| Birthplace: Hamilton, Canada |
Previous clubs: |
| Height: 5' 9" (1.75m) |
Farewell to Manchester United: Transferred to Toronto Blizzard, 04/1982, £250,000 |
| Weight: 11st 1lb (70.31kg) |
Passed Away: |
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Jimmy Nicholl is a former Northern Irish footballer known for his versatility as a full-back and his contributions to Manchester United during the 1970s. A solid and reliable defender, Nicholl was capable of playing on either flank, though he primarily featured as a right-back. He also had a distinguished international career, representing Northern Ireland in two FIFA World Cups. After retiring from playing, Nicholl went on to have a successful career in management and coaching.
Early Career and Rise at Manchester United
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, to Northern Irish parents, Nicholl moved to Belfast, Northern Ireland, as a child. He began his youth career at Manchester United and progressed through the ranks of the club’s academy. Nicholl made his first-team debut for United in 1974, and his ability to defend well and cover both full-back positions made him a valuable asset to the team.
Career at Manchester United (1974–1982)
Nicholl played for Manchester United during a transitional period under managers Tommy Docherty and later Dave Sexton. While not a headline-grabbing player, Nicholl’s consistency and work rate earned him respect from teammates and fans alike.
Key Achievements at Manchester United:
1977 FA Cup Victory: Nicholl’s most significant achievement at Manchester United came in the 1977 FA Cup, where United defeated Liverpool 2-1 in the final, preventing Liverpool from securing a historic treble. Although Nicholl did not start the final, he played a vital role in United’s FA Cup campaign that season, showcasing his defensive reliability throughout the tournament.
Regular Defensive Contributions: Nicholl made 248 appearances for Manchester United, providing consistent defensive cover in a variety of roles. His versatility allowed him to play both right-back and left-back positions, and his commitment to the team was always evident.
Playing Style: Versatile, Reliable, and Composed
Nicholl was known for his defensive intelligence, versatility, and ability to read the game well. Though not the most physically imposing defender, Nicholl relied on his positioning, anticipation, and tactical awareness to neutralize opposition attacks. His ability to perform at both full-back positions made him an invaluable squad player during his time at Manchester United.
International Career with Northern Ireland
Nicholl earned 73 caps for the Northern Ireland national team between 1974 and 1986, becoming one of the country’s most reliable defenders. He represented Northern Ireland in two FIFA World Cups, playing a key role in their historic campaigns.
Key Achievements with Northern Ireland:
1982 FIFA World Cup: Nicholl was a part of the Northern Ireland squad that famously reached the 1982 World Cup quarter-finals, a remarkable achievement for the small nation. Northern Ireland’s 1-0 victory over Spain in the group stage, which saw them top the group, remains one of the most memorable moments in the country’s football history.
1986 FIFA World Cup: Nicholl also represented Northern Ireland in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, making him one of the country’s most experienced international players. Although Northern Ireland did not progress past the group stage, Nicholl’s leadership and defensive contributions were key to their qualification.
Later Career and Retirement
After leaving Manchester United in 1982, Nicholl played for Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion, and Rangers, where he added Scottish domestic titles to his career honors. He also had a brief stint with Toronto Blizzard in the NASL, showcasing his skills abroad.
Managerial and Coaching Career
Following his playing career, Nicholl transitioned into management and coaching, where he enjoyed success at several clubs. He had multiple managerial roles, including at Raith Rovers, where he guided the team to Scottish League Cup success in 1994, famously defeating Celtic in the final. Nicholl also served as an assistant manager for the Northern Ireland national team and held coaching positions at several other clubs.
Legacy
Jimmy Nicholl is remembered as a versatile and reliable defender who served Manchester United during a crucial period in the 1970s. His consistency on the pitch, combined with his international success with Northern Ireland, has earned him a lasting legacy in football. Nicholl’s contributions as a player and later as a coach and manager highlight his importance to the game, both at club and international levels.
Summary
Jimmy Nicholl was a versatile and dependable full-back who played for Manchester United from 1974 to 1982, helping the club win the 1977 FA Cup. Known for his consistency and defensive intelligence, Nicholl was also a key player for Northern Ireland, representing his country in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. After retiring, Nicholl enjoyed success as a manager and coach, cementing his place as one of Northern Ireland’s most respected football figures. |
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| League |
League Cup |
FA Cup |
Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
Super Cup |
Cup Winners Cup |
Inter-Continental Cup |
World Clubs Cup |
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| No |
Season |
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Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
| 1 |
1974-1975 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| 2 |
1975-1976 |
0 |
20 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
25 |
| 3 |
1976-1977 |
0 |
39 |
1 |
5 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
55 |
| 4 |
1977-1978 |
2 |
37 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
47 |
| 5 |
1978-1979 |
0 |
21 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
29 |
| 6 |
1979-1980 |
0 |
42 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
47 |
| 7 |
1980-1981 |
1 |
36 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
43 |
| 8 |
1981-1982 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| TOTALS |
3 |
197 |
1 |
14 |
1 |
26 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
248 |
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