The Irish Football Association is saddened to hear of the passing of former international Jimmy Nicholson.
Nicholson, who was born in Belfast in February 1943 and passed away earlier today, played 41 times for his country, scoring six goals.
He made his full international debut in a 5-2 defeat to Scotland at Hampden Park in November 1960 aged just 17 years and 256 days, making him the ninth youngest player ever to play for Northern Ireland.
His final international cap, at the age of 28, came in October 1971 in Belfast when he scored against Russia in a European Championship qualifier. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
He was capped at B international level on two occasions, his first appearance coming when he was only 16. He also won four caps for the Northern Ireland Under-23 side.
Nicholson would have undoubtedly won more caps for his country had he not been plagued with a back injury throughout his career.
The half-back from Belfast first started playing football with Boyland FC while a student at Methodist College in Belfast.
He joined Manchester United as a schoolboy aged just 15 and he made his Manchester United debut against Everton at Goodison Park, on 24th August 1960, aged just 17 – and he scored his first league goal for the Old Trafford club in only his second appearance.
Nicholson made a total of 68 appearances and scored 16 goals for United before being transferred to Huddersfield Town in December 1964 for a fee of £8,000. He subsequently captained Huddersfield to the Second Division title in 1969-70.
In nine seasons with Huddersfield Town he scored 29 goals in 310 games. He left to join Bury in December 1973 and in his first season with the club he helped them to promotion from Division Four.
He retired from league football in 1976 but continued to play at non-league level with Mossley and Stalybridge Celtic.
After his retirement from football he stayed in Manchester and worked as a leisure centre manager in the city.
The Association sends its sincere condolences to Jimmy’s family circle at this sad time.
