"Jock" Nicholson played locally for Glasgow Ashfield before Sam Hollis signed him in July 1911 for Bristol City.[2][4] Nicholson made his debut for Bristol City in the Second Division at left half in a 1-0 win v Fulham on 2 September 1911 alongside Reuben Marr and Billy Wedlock in the half back line.[5] In his debut season 1911-12 Nicholson made 37 appearances missing only one match. The following season Nicholson was again the regular left half making 33 appearances. In 1913-14 Nicholson made 31 appearances and switched from left half to replace Bob Young at right half after Christmas.[5] Nicholson continued at right half in 1914-15 making 33 appearances playing alongside Billy Wedlock and Arthur Moss in the half backs; Nicholson also scored his first goal in a 2-3 defeat v Birmingham City on 19 December 1914.[5] Nicholson did not play in war time matches for Bristol City but returned to the team as regular left half for the season 1919-20 making 28 appearances and scoring two goals. Nicholson also played in 4 of the 5 Cup ties including the semi-final as Bristol City reached the FA Cup Semi-final for only the second time in their history losing 1-2 to Huddersfield Town at Stamford Bridge (stadium).[5] Nicholson took over from Wedlock as captain of Bristol City early in 1920-21 making 34 appearances scoring one goal and leading the team into 3rd place in the Second Division.[5] Nicholson moved to Rangers in the summer of 1921.[4] Nicholson made 17 appearances scoring one goal for Rangers in 1921-22, then 10 appearances in 1922-23 but only 3 appearances in 1923-24.[3] Nicholson joined St Johnstone in the summer of 1924 and made 12 appearances in the 1924-25 season.[3]
Jock Nicholson rejoined Bristol City as trainer in 1925 for six seasons following his retirement from playing. He also coached the Swiss club Etoile-Carouse, was trainer at Manchester United and coached in Sweden. After a final retirement from football Nicholson settled back near Bristol and died in Weston-super-Mare in 1970.[4]