Nichol, William

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Biog

Englishman William Nichol was officially signed by Celtic in July 1911 as cover for Jimmy Quinn. He had slipped from Aberdeen down to Glasgow months earlier but was only able to sign fully in July.

Easington-born Nichol had been a soldier and was playing with Aberdeen as an amateur (as required by Army stipulation) when Celtic tempted him to Glasgow.

The Bhoys initially played played him as an amateur trialist in a 2-1 Charity Cup final defeat to Rangers on May 1st and then during a short tour in France in which he impressed.

He finally signed as a professional with the Bhoys in July. Difficult for him as a centre-forward, as he lacked the great quality and speed of Jimmy Quinn but his robust style meant he could still do a job as a replacement. Comparisons were always inevitable and unenviable.

It was said that “he can shoot but lack the touch to make him exceptional“.

He got a game only if the “Croy Express” was injured, which may sound unfair but really how many players could compete on a par with Jimmy Quinn?

Willie Nichol blamed his English origins for a certain unpopularity with some of the Celtic fans, however he never seems to have lost his love for the club according to “An Alphabet of the Celts” book.

In his games he was a reliable goal scorer when called upon throughout the season, including a double over Partick Thistle in a 2-0 victory, but didn’t score against Rangers who won the league title that season. He never got to play in the Scottish Cup with Celtic and only in an early round in the Glasgow Charity Cup in which Celtic went on to win the title (on corners in the final!). The problem that season was that Celtic kept on dropping points away from home, which ultimately lost Celtic ground in the challenge for the league title: eight draws & six defeats away. In contrast, at home Celtic were undefeated.

Celtic only lost two matches he played in, but one of those was a 3-1 defeat away to Rangers in the league.

He played 16 times for Celtic in the league and scored 9 goals before eventually joining Bristol City in May 1912. He left Celtic with a proud record we can all respect.

At Bristol he was reserve to a future (loanee) Celt, the wonderfully named Ebeneezer Owers.

In the war, with the Seaforths in Mesopotamia he was wounded at Sann-i-Yat on Feb 22 1917, gazetted DCM on 18 June 1917 for “conspicuous gallantry and ability” and commissioned Lieutenant the following October.

He passed away in 1943.

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Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

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Pictures

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Links

• World War One

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Articles

Obituary

Source: http://afcheritage.org/Team/CurrentSquad/player_show.cfm?player_id=677&Season=1910-11

An amateur player, W. D. Nichol joined Aberdeen at 23 years of age, when stationed at Fort George with the Seaforth Highlanders. His nickname was “The Fort George Thunderbolt.”
Source: The Scotsman, 3rd April 1910
n.b. Early press spelling of his surname is Nichol but reports also gave it as Nicol.

Because of limitations on his availability whilst in the Army, the Pittodrie directors bought him out so he could become a full-time player, but then, as an amateur he was free to sign for anyone and ignoring Aberdeen’s efforts, he chose to join Celtic instead.
W. D. Nichol, the ex-Aberdeen, Celtic, and Bristol City centre forward, has set up in business as a confectioner in Aberdeen.
Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 3rd June 1913

During the War, he was awarded the D.C.M. for conspicuous gallantry: “While all the bombers of his section had been killed he re-established a block single-handed and remained there till reinforced. he then organised a party, under fire, to replace those who had been killed. His display marked initiative and coolness throughout the day.”
Source: Aberdeen Daily Journal, 30th May 1917 Died – Canada, 1943

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