John Nicholson

Liverpool

Nicholson signed professional forms with Liverpool in January 1957 to become understudy to Dick White. He was given his debut by Phil Taylor at Anfield on 10 October 1959, in a 2–2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion; Willie Carlin also made his debut at the same time. He did not feature for the Second Division side under Bill Shankly in 1960–61 or 1961–62 as Shankly instead signed Ron Yeats from Dundee United.

Port Vale

He joined Port Vale for a £2,000 fee in August 1961. He made his debut in 1–1 draw with Northampton Town at the County Ground on 2 September 1961, the first of a club record 208 consecutive appearances. He scored his first senior goal on 16 October, in a 4–1 defeat to Southend United at Roots Hall. He made 50 appearances in 1961–62, having missed only the four Third Division games in August. He retained his first-team place as Norman Low was replaced by Freddie Steele in October 1962, and was an ever-present in the 1962–63 season, alongside goalkeeper Ken Hancock, as the "Valiants" finished third, one place and four points behind promoted Swindon Town. Nicholson was an ever-present in the 52 game 1963–64 season, and featured in the 0–0 draw with former club Liverpool at Anfield in the fourth round of the FA Cup; Vale lost the replay at Vale Park 2–1. He played all 49 games of the 1964–65 campaign, as Vale were relegated into the Fourth Division under Jackie Mudie. He was dropped on 8 September 1965, bringing to an end to his run of…

Doncaster Rovers

Football League Fourth Division: 1965–66