Nicholson started his career playing for Morecambe under 17 and under 18 team. After being unsuccessful in obtaining a professional contract with the club, Nicholson moved to the United States in 2005 after accepting a scholarship to play college soccer at the University of Rio Grande. He was selected a first team All-American in 2008 and first team All-AMC. Nicholson was named in the All Tournament team for the 2008 NAIA Tournament and was tabbed the tournament's Most Valuable Defensive Player. He was honorable mention All-AMC in 2007 and was on the second team in 2006.[1]
During his college career, Nicholson also played with USL Premier Development League club West Virginia Chaos during their 2009 season.[2] He also appeared for USL PDL club GPS Portland Phoenix during their 2010 season.[3]
Nicholson signed his first professional contract in February 2011, joining USL Pro club Wilmington Hammerheads.[1] He made his professional debut on 17 April 2011 in Wilmington's first game of the 2011 season, a 1–0 win over the Rochester Rhinos,[4] and scored his first professional goal on 29 April, in a 3–2 win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.[5]
Wilmington re-signed Nicholson for the 2012 season on 13 February 2012.[6]
After five years with Wilmington, Nicholson signed with FC Cincinnati ahead of their inaugural 2016 season.[7] Following the conclusion of the 2017 season, Nicholson announced his retirement from professional football.[8]
Nicholson was the head coach at Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC in the USL League 2. In his first season as head coach the Lions had a 6-4-4 record and finished 3rd in the Great Lakes Division. In his second season has the head coach, in 2019, the Lions finished slightly better with a 6-3-5 record but fell just short of the USL League 2 playoffs. In 2019, Nicholson and the Dutch Lions won the Subway Cup, winning the season series against their rival Dayton Dutch Lions FC. In 2020, he left the club.[9]
In 2021, he became the head coach of USL League Two club Kings Hammer SC.[10]
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