Nicky Southall

Leslie Nicholas "Nicky" Southall (born 28 January 1972), is an English professional footballer who is a player/coach at Football League Two side Gillingham, in his fourth spell with the club. He has played in all tiers of English league football and has also appeared in the Premier League for Bolton Wanderers. He has also played for Hartlepool United, Grimsby Town, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest and Dover Athletic.

Childhood and early career

A former pupil of Coulby Newham Secondary School, he has used his second given name since childhood. He started his career as a left-winger, but has played in most positions, including goalkeeper.

Southall was spotted playing Sunday football for Nunthorpe Boys and was offered a trial at Newcastle United. After realising he'd have little chance of breaking into the Newcastle team he left and joined Darlington on schoolboy terms.

Professional career

Hartlepool United

Darlington let him go but he resumed his career with Hartlepool United where he was a regular in the first team for four seasons. Every one of his 130 appearances for Hartlepool was as a member of the starting line-up, and he scored 28 goals.

Grimsby Town

He was transferred to Grimsby Town for £40,000 and played 55 times, scoring nine goals. On his home debut he had to play in goal after the Grimsby keeper was sent off – allegedly, the other players forced him in because he had the same surname as legendary Everton keeper Neville Southall.

Grimsby...
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