Jimmy Nicholson, who was also part of the Huddersfield Town team that won the Second Division in the 1969-70 season, has died at the age of 82, his former clubs have announced
Manchester United have confirmed the passing of Jimmy Nicholson, who was also part of the Huddersfield Town squad that secured the Second Division title in the 1969-70 campaign.
During his three-year spell at Old Trafford, he featured in 68 matches.
“Remembering our former player Jimmy Nicholson, who has died at the age of 82. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends,” United wrote in a touching tribute posted on social media, reports the Express.
A full club statement read: “Manchester United is saddened to hear of the loss of former wing-half Jimmy Nicholson. The ex-Northern Ireland international has passed away at the age of 82 and our sincere condolences go to his family and friends.
“Born in Belfast, Nicholson joined as a trainee in 1958 and made his breakthrough as a teenager at the club in 1960/61, being handed a senior debut in the Division One match away at Everton in the second game of the season. He played 37 times in that campaign for Matt Busby’s team, scoring five goals, as the club continued its rebuilding in the wake of the Munich Air Disaster in 1958.
“Jimmy went on to play 68 games for the Reds, finding the net on one more occasion, a late winner in an FA Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers. Our thoughts are with Jimmy’s loved ones at this sad time.”
Nicholson is a legend at Huddersfield, having joined the club for a fee of £7,500 in late 1964. He led the Terriers to victory in the Second Division title in the 1969/70 season.
The midfielder played 310 matches for them over a nine-year period, netting 29 goals.
Huddersfield expressed their sorrow: “All at Huddersfield Town are profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of Jimmy Nicholson.
“Jimmy represented the Club between 1964-1973 after signing from Manchester United, and was part of our 1969/70 Second Division winning side. Our collective thoughts are with Jimmy’s family and loved ones at this time. Once a Terrier, always a Terrier.”
In addition to his club career, Nicholson also had an international stint with Northern Ireland, earning 41 caps and scoring six goals. The Irish FA released a statement expressing their condolences: “The Irish Football Association is saddened to hear of the passing of former international Jimmy Nicholson.
“The Association sends its sincere condolences to Jimmy’s family circle at this sad time.”
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