Tom Nichols

Exeter City

Nichols joined Exeter City from local club Twyford Spartans as a youth at the under-11 age group. He signed his first professional contract in April 2011, aged 17. He made his professional debut on 7 May 2011, coming on as a half-time substitute for Bertrand Cozic in a 2–1 League One victory away to Sheffield Wednesday in the final match of the 2010–11 season. Nichols made his first appearance of the 2011–12 season as a 76th-minute substitute in a 2–0 League Cup win at home to Yeovil Town. He scored his first professional goal in a 2–1 victory against Chesterfield at St James Park on 27 August 2011, the eve of his 18th birthday. On 7 January 2012, it was announced that Nichols had joined Conference South side Dorchester Town on a one-month loan. He made his debut for Dorchester Town that same day in a 3–0 win over Thurrock, with Nichols scoring his first goal for the club after coming on as a substitute. In response to Nichols' debut appearance, Dorchester Town manager Alan Knight stated: "It was an encouraging performance and it was nice that he got his goal." After scoring three goals in three games for Dorchester Town, his loan was extended by a further month in February 2012. He returned to Exeter City in April 2012, having made 12 appearances and scored nine goals for the Magpies during his loan at the club. Nichols also made 12 appearances for Exeter City across the 2011–12 season, scoring one goal, as the club were relegated to League Two after…

Nichols plays as a striker, with Nichols describing himself as "the platform to play off", adding that "they play up to me and I try to hold the ball up and get the team up the pitch". Peterborough United manager Grant McCann described Nichols as a "very good footballer", going on to say that "he moves well and links up play well". During his time with Swindon Town, Nichols found himself utilised as a midfielder.

As of 16 January 2026

Nichols was born in Wellington and attended Court Fields School. His father ran the King's Arms pub in Wellington. He supported Sunderland as a child.