Jack Nicholas

John Thomas Nicholas (26 November 1910 – 8 February 1977) was an English professional footballer who played as a wing half and right back for Derby County. After relocating to Wales with his family at a young age, he took up football and later captained the Welsh Schoolboys team.

In 1926, he signed as a youth player for Derby at aged 16, after Swansea Town declined his request for a professional contract. He made 347 league appearances for Derby between 1928 and 1947, debuting as a right-half and later transitioning to right-back. Nicholas also served as caretaker manager and player-manager during World War II and captained the team during their 1946 FA Cup Final victory. During the war, he also served with the Derby Borough Police.

After retiring in 1948 following an injury, he joined Derby's scouting team, eventually becoming chief scout and contributing to the recruitment of notable players. In 1957, he accepted a scouting role with Nottingham Forest, while also working as a salesman.

Career Youth career After moving to South Wales aged two, Nicholas followed in the footsteps of his father, also called Jack Nicholas, in pursuing a football career. He went on to captain the Welsh Schoolboys team, an achievement he later recounted as one of his greatest honours. Having played for a several years, he graduated to amateur status for Swansea Town. However, when he sought a professional contract, the club declined. Shortly after, while attending a family wedding in Derby, his father met former Derby County manager George Jobey and club secretary Billy Moore. This encounter led to discussions about his future at Swansea and ultimately resulted in an invitation for him to join Derby County.

Senior career

After signing as a youth player from Swansea in 1926, Nicholas spent his entire professional career with Derby County, making 347 appearances for them in the Football League between 1928 and 1947. His senior debut came in December 1928 against Blackburn Rovers, covering at right-half for the injured Johnny McIntyre. He made the position his own the following season after McIntyre transferred to Chesterfield, later moving to right-back in 1934 when Tom Cooper joined Liverpool. He helped build the squad In 1957, he applied for the position of manager at Burton Albion. That same year, during a chance meeting with friend Billy Walker, he was offered a job on the scouting team of Nottingham Forest,

Personal Nicholas's father Jack Nicholas was also a former Derby County player at full-back

Nicholas died on 8 February 1977 at the age of 66, leaving a widow and two children.

Honours Derby County FA Cup: 1945–46