24 Facts About Nicky Southall

Leslie Nicholas Southall was born on 28 January 1972 and is an English former professional footballer and manager.

Nicky Southall has represented Hartlepool United, Grimsby Town, Gillingham, Norwich City and Nottingham Forest in the Football League as well as Dover Athletic and Whitstable Town in non-League football.

Nicky Southall started his career as a left-winger, but has played in most positions, including goalkeeper.

Nicky Southall was spotted playing Sunday football for Nunthorpe Boys and was offered a trial at Newcastle United.

Nicky Southall often failed to even make the bench and at one point was even asked to do co-commentary for the local media stations.

Nicky Southall then moved on a free transfer to Gillingham, where he became a popular figure.

Nicky Southall made almost 200 appearances for the Gills and scored 29 goals, including a goal nominated for Goal of the Month against then Premiership side Sheffield Wednesday to knock them out of the FA Cup.

Nicky Southall thereby became one of the few footballers to play in all four divisions of the Football League system.

Nicky Southall made just over 20 appearances for them and scored once, against Newcastle United.

Nicky Southall went on loan to Norwich City for a brief spell as he looked to secure a permanent move away from the Premiership.

Nicky Southall caused a stir at Gillingham by making a welcome return there on a free transfer.

Nicky Southall made a further 90 appearances but failed to recapture the form which had previously made him a cult hero there.

Nicky Southall was out-of-contract and Gillingham did not retain his services.

Nicky Southall finished the season with eight goals as Forest narrowly missed out on a play-off place.

Nicky Southall joined Dover Athletic on a one-month loan deal on 9 September 2008.

Nicky Southall made an immediate impact on his Dover debut, setting up Shaun Welford for the opening goal of the game against Hendon.

Nicky Southall regained a place in the Gillingham team later that season, and made his final appearance as a substitute in the playoff semi-final second leg against Rochdale on 10 May 2009.

Nicky Southall rejoined Dover Athletic during the 2009 pre-season on trial, playing in a handful of friendlies before signing on a permanent deal.

Nicky Southall signed for the Gills for a fourth time, as player-coach.

On 26 June 2012, Nicky Southall joined Whitstable Town as a player-coach.

Nicky Southall remained with Maidstone until October 2018 when he joined Dover Athletic as first team coach.

In December 2023, Nicky Southall was appointed manager of SCEFL Premier Division club Lordswood.

Nicky Southall departed the club by mutual consent in November 2024.

On 18 November 2024, Nicky Southall was appointed manager of SCEFL Premier Division side Lydd Town.