View source for Charlie Nicholas

{{short description|Scottish footballer (born 1961)}}
{{for|the Hull and Darlington forward|Charlie Nicklas}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Charlie Nicholas
| image = 
| caption = 
| fullname = Charles Nicholas<ref name=Hugman>{{Hugman|14569|access-date=2 April 2020}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1961|12|30|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Glasgow]],<ref name=Hugman/> Scotland
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=10}}<ref>{{cite book |title=Rothmans Football Yearbook 1987–88 |editor-first=Peter |editor-last=Dunk |publisher=Queen Anne Press |location=London |date=1987 |page=[https://archive.org/details/rothmansfootball00lond/page/46 46] |isbn=978-0-356-14354-5 |url=https://archive.org/details/rothmansfootball00lond/page/46}}</ref>
| position = [[Forward (association football)|Forward]]
| youthyears1 = 
| youthclubs1 = [[Celtic Boys Club]]
| youthyears2 = 1979–1980
| youthclubs2 = [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]
| years1 = 1979–1983
| clubs1 = [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]
| caps1 = 74
| goals1 = 48
| years2 = 1983–1988
| clubs2 = [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]
| caps2 = 151
| goals2 = 34
| years3 = 1988–1990
| clubs3 = [[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]]
| caps3 = 77
| goals3 = 30
| years4 = 1990–1995
| clubs4 = [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]
| caps4 = 112
| goals4 = 37
| years5 = 1995–1996
| clubs5 = [[Clyde F.C.|Clyde]]
| caps5 = 31
| goals5 = 5
| totalcaps = 445
| totalgoals = 154
| nationalyears1 = 1980–1984
| nationalteam1 = [[Scotland national under-21 football team|Scotland U21]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Scotland U21 - Nicholas, Charlie|url=http://www.fitbastats.com/scotlandu21/player.php?playerid=74|website=FitbaStats|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref>
| nationalcaps1 = 6
| nationalgoals1 = 2
| nationalyears2 = 1983–1989
| nationalteam2 = [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Scotland - Nicholas, Charles|url=http://www.fitbastats.com/scotland/player.php?playerid=915|website=FitbaStats|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref>
| nationalcaps2 = 20
| nationalgoals2 = 5
| nationalyears3 = 1987
| nationalteam3 = [[Scotland national football B team|Scotland B]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Scotland B - Nicholas, Charlie|url=http://www.fitbastats.com/scotlandb/player_caps_domestic.php?playerid=65|website=Fitbastats|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref>
| nationalcaps3 = 1
| nationalgoals3 = 0
| nationalyears4 = 1990
| nationalteam4 = [[Scottish League XI]]
| nationalcaps4 = 1
| nationalgoals4 = 0
}}
'''Charles Nicholas''' (born 30 December 1961)<ref name="CNP"/> is a Scottish former professional [[Association football|footballer]]. A [[Forward (association football)|striker]], Nicholas is best known for his spells at [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] and [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]. He won 20 international [[Cap (sport)|caps]] for [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]], including playing at the [[1986 FIFA World Cup]].

Nicholas began his career at Celtic, and by the age of 21 was considered the most exciting emerging talent in British football. With several English clubs keen to sign him, he joined Arsenal in the summer of 1983. He spent over four years there, and scored both their goals in their [[1987 Football League Cup Final|League Cup Final]] win over [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] in 1987. Nicholas fell out of favour at Highbury later that year, and moved back to Scotland to join [[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]]. He won two Cup Finals in his time at Pittodrie, before rejoining Celtic in 1990. His second spell at Parkhead was less successful than his first, but he spent five seasons there before moving on to [[Clyde F.C.|Clyde]] for one season before retiring from playing.

Since retiring he has worked in the media, most recently on the [[Sky Sports]] show [[Soccer Saturday]], until August 2020.

==Club career==

===Celtic===
Born in [[Cowcaddens]], [[Glasgow]], Nicholas grew in the [[Maryhill]] area of the city (specifically the [[Wyndford]] estate) where he was a childhood friend and neighbour of fellow footballer [[Jim Duffy (footballer)|Jim Duffy]].<ref>[https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/14384017.charlie-nicholas-and-jim-duffy-return-to-childhood-home-in-wyndford-to-launch-housing-investment/ Charlie Nicholas and Jim Duffy return to childhood home in Wyndford to launch housing investment], Evening Times, 25 March 2016</ref><ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48413180 Liverpool's Andy Robertson: The people & places behind Scotland defender's rise], BBC Sport, 30 May 2019</ref> He began his career as a youth with the [[Celtic Boys Club]], before signing for [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] in 1979.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Celt|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FO1AAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WqcMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3502%2C2688842|access-date=2 December 2015|work=Evening Times|date=14 August 1979|page=32}}</ref> He made his first team debut at 17 years of age on 14 August 1979 in a [[Glasgow Cup]] tie against [[Queen's Park F.C|Queens Park]], scoring Celtic's second goal in a 3–1 win.<ref name="debut">{{cite news|last=Davidson|first=Alan|title=Charlie Celts' darling!|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Fe1AAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WqcMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5575%2C2891176|access-date=2 December 2015|work=Evening Times|date=15 August 1979|page=33}}</ref> Aside from his goal, the youngster displayed alertness and confidence.<ref name="debut" /> He made his second appearance in the next round of the same competition on 22 August, opening the scoring in a 3–0 win over [[Clyde F.C.|Clyde]] and providing the assist for [[Bobby Lennox]] to score Celtic's third goal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic make it an Old Firm final|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=G8tAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=D6YMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5842%2C4947357|access-date=2 December 2015|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=23 August 1979|page=18}}</ref> Nicholas returned to playing for the reserves again for the rest of the season. His next first team outing was in July 1980 in a [[Drybrough Cup]] tie against [[Ayr United F.C.|Ayr United]]. Celtic lost 1–0 in a poor showing, although Nicholas continued to impress with his quick and busy play.<ref>{{cite news|last=Davidson|first=Alan|title=Blasting for Celts|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=5Ro-AAAAIBAJ&sjid=ckoMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6008%2C2822900|access-date=2 December 2015|work=Evening Times|date=28 July 1980|page=22}}</ref>

His first appearance for Celtic in a major competition came on 16 August 1980 when he replaced the injured [[Frank McGarvey]] during the second half of Celtic's 3–0 win away against [[Kilmarnock F.C.|Kilmarnock]] in the league.<ref>{{cite news|last=Paul|first=Ian|title=One-touch Celtic keep fans happy|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TvM9AAAAIBAJ&sjid=9UgMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5219%2C3054435|access-date=3 December 2015|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=18 August 1980|page=13}}</ref> Nicholas began to feature regularly for Celtic, and on 30 August scored his first goals in major competition when he netted twice during a 6–1 win over [[Stirling Albion F.C.|Stirling Albion]] in the [[Scottish League Cup]].<ref name="bip" /><ref name="s8081">{{cite web|title=Games Involving Nicholas, Charlie in season 1980/1981|url=http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player_games.php?playerid=2739&page=8|website=FitbaStats|access-date=3 December 2015}}</ref> Playing up front alongside one of either Frank McGarvey or [[George McCluskey]], he went on to score 20 goals in 23 games up to the end of December 1980.<ref name="s8081" /> He continued to score regularly after the turn of the year,<ref name="s8081"/> including two goals against [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] in February 1981 as Celtic came from behind to win 3–1 and go top of the league.  Manager [[Billy McNeill]] praised Nicholas, stating "It's a wonderful thing for a youngster to score twice in one of those &#91;[[Old Firm]]&#93; games",<ref>{{cite news|last=Baillie|first=Rodger|title=Celtic 3 - 1 Rangers|url=http://image.wikifoundry.com/image/3/6abd668a5655c35cca0d8b0c1c044a04/GW1020H1216|access-date=3 December 2015|work=Sunday Mirror|date=22 February 1981}}</ref> adding that "The world is going to hear a lot more about Charlie [Nicholas]".<ref>{{cite news|last=Reynolds|first=Jim|title=Charlie is their daling|url=http://image.wikifoundry.com/image/1/zdyw2uUxZlxUqwD-O-TcoA268144/GW1013H773|access-date=3 December 2015|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=23 February 1981}}</ref> He finished the season with a total of 28 goals, the last of which he scored in a 1–0 win over Rangers at [[Ibrox Stadium|Ibrox]] in April 1981, and Celtic went on to clinch the [[Scottish Football League Premier Division|Scottish Premier Division]] title days later with a win away at [[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]].<ref name="lg81">{{cite news|last=Reynolds|first=Jim|title=Celtic take a title bow|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WLdAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wqUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3491%2C5444118|access-date=3 December 2015|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=23 April 1981|page=24}}</ref> Nicholas' form saw him win the 1981 [[PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year|Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year]] Award.<ref name="yp1981">{{cite book|last=White|first=John|title=The Celtic Football Miscellany|date=2006|publisher=Carlton Books|isbn=1844421627|page=66}}</ref>

The following season saw Nicholas play less regularly, having lost his place in the side to McCluskey. Worse, he suffered a broken leg in a friendly match against [[Greenock Morton F.C.|Morton]] in January 1982 and missed the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite news|last=Davidson|first=Alan|title=Celtic flag blow|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bA8-AAAAIBAJ&sjid=70kMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6028%2C2488432|access-date=3 December 2015|work=Evening Times|date=18 January 1982|page=24}}</ref>

Nicholas returned to the team for the start of [[1982–83 in Scottish football|season 1982–83]] in August 1982, playing in all six matches of the group stages of the [[1982–83 Scottish League Cup]], scoring seven goals as Celtic qualified with ease, including a four-goal haul in a 7–1 rout of [[Dunfermline Athletic F.C.|Dunfermline]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Games involving Nicholas, Charlie in season 1982/1983|url=http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player_games.php?playerid=2739&page=6|website=FitbaStats|access-date=4 December 2015}}</ref> Celtic, and Nicholas, continued their goalscoring form into the league campaign, and by mid September Nicholas had amassed a total of 16 goals. Celtic faced [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]] in the first round of the [[1982–83 European Cup|European Cup]] in September 1982. Nicholas scored a penalty in the first leg at Parkhead, which finished 2–2 on the night.<ref>{{cite news|last=Reynolds|first=Jim|title=Cruyff-inspired Ajax old Celtic|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VsNAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BKYMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3806%2C3081708|access-date=9 June 2015|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=16 September 1982|page=18}}</ref> Celtic went into the second leg as underdogs, but an outstanding goal by Nicholas put Celtic ahead in Amsterdam. In a move also involving [[Paul McStay]] and Frank McGarvey, Nicholas received the ball from McGarvey and ran into the Ajax penalty box. He evaded two tackles from Ajax defenders before curling an excellently placed left-foot finish past goalkeeper [[Piet Schrijvers]].  Ajax later scored themselves, but a last minute winner from George McCluskey saw Celtic progress 4–3 on aggregate. Nicholas later said of his goal, "That was probably my all-time favourite goal. My greatest game."<ref>{{cite news|last=Reynolds|first=Jim|title=Late McCluskey goal takes Celtic through a European classic|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YMNAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BKYMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2443%2C5551851|access-date=9 June 2015|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=30 September 1982|page=20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Watch Charlie Nicholas score what he describes as his favourite goal EVER for Celtic against Ajax in 1982|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/watch-charlie-nicholas-score-what-6458710|access-date=3 December 2015|work=Daily Record|date=17 September 2015}}</ref>

Nicholas was now being described as the most outstanding young player to emerge in Scotland since [[Kenny Dalglish]].<ref name="bip" /> He displayed an excellent touch and great vision on the ball and possessed a strong shot with both feet.  The only asset he lacked was a turn of pace, although his other attributes covered for that. His partnership up front with Frank McGarvey helped Nicholas become the leading goalscorer in Scotland and one of the best strikers in the British game.<ref name="bip" /> On 4 December 1982, he opened the scoring for Celtic in their 2–1 win over Rangers in the [[1982 Scottish League Cup final|Scottish League Cup final]].<ref name="cup82">{{cite news|last=Davidson|first=Alan|title=Celts cruelly expose the Rangers failing|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=wAc-AAAAIBAJ&sjid=oEkMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5402%2C1176869|access-date=4 December 2015|work=Evening Times|date=6 December 1982|page=30}}</ref> After New Year, Nicholas became the centre of intense media speculation linking him with a move to England; with television, radio and newspapers journalists travelling north to cover Nicholas' goalscoring exploits. The Celtic star was featured regularly on the Saturday lunch-time television show [[Saint and Greavsie]] which showed Nicholas' latest goals.<ref name="bip" /> Despite his prolific goalscoring, the uncertainty over his future at Celtic appeared to unsettle the team towards the end of the season and they ended up losing the league to Dundee United.<ref name="bip" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bate |first1=Adam |title=Champagne Charlie: The story of Charlie Nicholas' rise at Celtic and the role of Billy McNeill and Danny McGrain in his 48-goal season |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/story-telling/11095/12037292/charlie-nicholas-at-celtic-exclusive-interview-reflecting-on-his-time-at-parkhead |access-date=1 November 2021 |work=Sky Sports |date=30 July 2020}}</ref> In the final league match of the season, Nicholas scored twice from penalty kicks as Celtic recovered from a 2–0 deficit at half-time against Rangers to win 4–2. At the end of the game he ran behind the goal to wave what appeared to be his "goodbyes" to the Celtic fans.<ref name="bip" />

He finished the season with 48 goals<ref name="bip" /> and won both the [[PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year|Scottish PFA Player of the Year]] and [[SFWA Footballer of the Year|Scottish Football Writers' Player of the Year]] awards.<ref name="poy83">{{cite news|title=Charlie Nicholas|url=https://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=PIlhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=9qUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2268%2C3113580|access-date=4 December 2015|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=16 May 1983|page=17}}</ref> The weeks that followed the end of the season saw [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]], [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] and [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] all being strongly linked with signing Nicholas.<ref name="bip" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Nicholas not in any hurry|url=https://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=c8JAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_KUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4370%2C274270|access-date=4 December 2015|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=1 June 1983|page=24}}</ref> Liverpool's Kenny Dalglish and [[Graeme Souness]], whom Nicholas knew from being with in the [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]] international squad, made strenuous efforts to persuade Nicholas to come to Anfield.<ref name="bps" />  [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] and [[Inter Milan]] were also interested in signing the Celtic player.<ref name="bps">{{cite web|title=Charlie Nicholas: A Most Wanted Man|url=http://backpagepress.co.uk/charlie-nicholas-a-most-wanted-man/|website=Back Page Sports Stories|access-date=4 December 2015}}</ref>

===Arsenal===
[[Terry Neill]] signed Nicholas for [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] on 22 June 1983 for a transfer fee of £750,000 (£{{Inflation|UK|750000|1983|r=-4|fmt=c}} today), making him at the time the second most expensive export from the Scottish league.<ref>{{cite news|last=Traynor|first=James|title=The Gunners show off their new sniper|url=https://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=hsJAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_KUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2423%2C4895071|access-date=2 December 2015|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=23 June 1983|page=9}}</ref> As a 21-year-old at the time of his move to Arsenal, he reportedly became the highest paid footballer in Britain and was described as being "the most exciting player to emerge in Britain since [[George Best]]".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Ju5kAAAAIBAJ&sjid=un4NAAAAIBAJ&dq=soccer%20has%20new%20best&pg=5522%2C2462764 |access-date=2 December 2012 |work=The Calgary Herald |date=26 August 1983 |title=Soccer has new Best}}</ref> He made his competitive debut for Arsenal in the opening league match of the season on 27 August 1983 at [[Arsenal Stadium|Highbury]] against [[Luton Town F.C.|Luton Town]]. Although he did not score, Nicholas turned in an impressive performance and helped his side to a 2–1 win. Former Scotland international [[Ian St John]] said that Nicholas showed he was a player of "genuine class" and that there was a "buzz of excitement every time he moved on to the ball".<ref>{{cite news|last=Reynolds|first=Jim|title=Twin celebrations as Nicholas becomes the toast of Highbury|url=https://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=ycFAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=66UMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5373%2C5752885|access-date=2 December 2015|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=28 August 1983}}</ref> Two days later, Nicholas scored his first goals for his new club in a 2–1 win away at [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolves]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Molineux madness as two-goal Nicholas lives up to publicity|url=https://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=ORA-AAAAIBAJ&sjid=9UkMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3541%2C6025006|access-date=2 December 2015|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=30 August 1983|page=18}}</ref>

However, he failed to score again until [[Boxing Day]].<ref name="BBC"/><ref name="arprofile">{{cite web|title=Profiles - Charlie Nicholas|url=http://www.arsenal.com/history/profiles/505/charlie-nicholas|website=Arsenal|access-date=2 December 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208042635/http://www.arsenal.com/history/profiles/505/charlie-nicholas|archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref> By this time Arsenal had endured a slump in form and were lying sixteenth in the First Division, resulting in the sacking of manager Terry Neill on 16 December 1983.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arsenal sack Neil in bid to end slide|url=https://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=78FAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8aUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5809%2C3546720|access-date=2 December 2015|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=17 December 1983}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4_5jAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7-YDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6624,9775153&dq=terry+neill&hl=en |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=29 December 1983 |page=23 |access-date=4 December 2015 |title=The day the marble halls cracked under pressure}}</ref> The festive period saw Nicholas return to scoring form: He scored twice in a 4–2 win over [[North London derby|North London]] rivals [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] on Boxing Day, endearing himself to the supporters.<ref name="arprofile" /> Nicholas scored again upon the following day from a penalty kick in a 1–1 draw against [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]], his first goal scored at Highbury.<ref>{{cite news|title=The referee books nine and Fashanu strikes back|url=https://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=9sFAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8aUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5666%2C4903116|access-date=2 December 2015|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=28 December 1983}}</ref> Under new manager [[Don Howe]], Arsenal improved in the second half of the season and eventually finished in sixth place.<ref>{{cite web|title=Arsenal - 1983/84 - results|url=http://www.footballsite.co.uk/Statistics/LeagueTables/Season1983-84/ClubResults/1983-84Arsenal.html|website=Football Site|access-date=2 December 2015}}</ref> The [[1983–84 in English football|1983–84 campaign]] would prove to be Nicholas' best at Arsenal, with him scoring a sum of 11 times in the league:<ref name=SH /><ref name="CNP" /> As so, he won [[Arsenal Player of the Season|Arsenal's Player of the Year]] award for 1984.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Maidment |first=Jem |title=The Official Arsenal Encyclopedia |publisher=[[Hamlyn (publisher)|Hamlyn]] |year=2006 |isbn=9780600615491 |location=London |pages=148 |language=en}}</ref>

Nicholas's lifestyle in the capital was the subject of much tabloid speculation, earning him the nickname "Champagne Charlie".<ref name="NTC"/> In November 1984, while at Arsenal, Nicholas was given a second drink-driving ban in the space of two years, after admitting driving with excess alcohol.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19841120&id=nsBAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0KUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3002,4257903 |title=Second driving ban for Nicholas |work=The Glasgow Herald |date=20 November 1984 |access-date=2 December 2015}}</ref>

With the lack of a striker of the ilk of Frank McGarvey to play alongside at Arsenal, Nicholas barely broke double figures in the following seasons,<ref name="bip">{{cite web|title=The Bhoy in the Picture: Charlie Nicholas|url=http://celticunderground.net/the-bhoy-in-the-picture-charlie-nicholas/|website=The Celtic Underground|date=7 June 2009 |access-date=2 December 2015}}</ref> not helped that he was also often played just off the main striker.<ref name="NCH" /><ref name="RGG"/> While Nicholas could display extravagant skills, a lack of consistency restricted his impact.<ref name="arprofile" /> The arrival of [[George Graham (footballer, born 1944)|George Graham]] as the new manager of Arsenal in the summer of 1986 saw Nicholas no longer have an automatic place in the team.<ref name="abint">{{cite web |url=http://www.afc.co.uk/articles/20100213/former-players-interview-_2260392_1965339|title=Former Players Interviews - Charlie Nicholas|publisher=Aberdeen F.C.|access-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100504145503/http://www.afc.co.uk/articles/20100213/former-players-interview-_2260392_1965339 |archive-date=4 May 2010}}</ref> Arsenal, however, did reach the [[Football League Cup|League Cup]] [[1987 Football League Cup Final|final]] against [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] in April 1987. Liverpool's [[Ian Rush]] gave his side the lead on 23 minutes, but Nicholas equalised seven minutes later after a goal mouth scramble. In the second half, he appeared to be fouled in the penalty box by [[Gary Gillespie]], but the referee ignored Arsenal's claims for a penalty. With seven minutes left, Nicholas received a cross from [[Perry Groves]] and shot at goal. The ball took a deflection off [[Ronnie Whelan]], and went into the goal having deceived [[Bruce Grobbelaar]]. Arsenal held on to win 2–1. With this Wembley brace Nicholas thus became a club hero.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Paul|first1=Ian|title=Charlie de Goal's cup of cheer|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SRA1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=sKULAAAAIBAJ&pg=3408%2C1187442|access-date=16 January 2016|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=6 April 1986}}</ref><ref name="cup87">{{cite web|title=Career defining League Cup goals: Charlie Nicholas|url=http://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/arsenal/career-defining-league-cup-goals-charlie-nicholas#OoZEg3xZVsFFIUij.97|website=Football FanCast|date=14 December 2012 |access-date=2 December 2015}}</ref>

Nicholas was linked with a return to [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] in 1987, but this did not materialise.<ref name="dons88">{{cite news|last1=Reynolds|first1=Jim|title=Nicholas vows to help Dons take Celtic's place at the top|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UTpAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UlkMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2703%2C669074|access-date=13 December 2016|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=6 January 1988|page=18}}</ref> He was dropped from the Arsenal team four games into the start of the [[1987–88 in English football|1987–88]] season, in favour of [[Perry Groves]] as the strike-partner for new signing [[Alan Smith (footballer born 1962)|Alan Smith]].<ref name="cup87" /> He spent the rest of his time at Highbury playing for their [[Reserve team|reserves]].<ref name="dons88" />

Nicholas was ranked at number 28 in the club's list of the '50 Greatest Gunners of all time'. Altogether he scored 54 goals in 184 matches for Arsenal.<ref name=SH>{{cite web|url=http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/arsenal-fc/charlie-nicholas-5487/league-appearances_a16995/|title=Charlie Nicholas|website=Sporting Heroes.net}}</ref><ref name="NCH"/>

===Aberdeen===
Nicholas joined [[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]] in January 1988 for a transfer fee of £400,000 (£{{Inflation|UK|400000|1988|r=-4|fmt=c}} today),<ref name="NCH"/> stating his desire to get his career back on track.<ref name="dons88" /> After a slow start at [[Pittodrie Stadium|Pittodrie]] (three goals in 16 league games in the [[1987–88 in Scottish football|1987–88 season]]), he rediscovered his form and scored 16 league goals in the [[1988–89 in Scottish football|1988–89 season]],<ref name="dons" /> finishing joint top-scorer in the league alongside Celtic's [[Mark McGhee]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Scottish Football League - Highest Goalscorers|url=http://www.myfootballfacts.com/Scottish_League_Top_Goalscorers.html|website=My Football Facts|access-date=13 December 2016}}</ref>

He maintained his form into what transpired to be his final season, [[1989–90 in Scottish football|1989–90]], and in October 1989 picked up his first silverware since returning to Scotland, as Aberdeen defeated [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] 2–1 in the [[Scottish League Cup]] Final.<ref name="dons" /> The arrival of Dutch forward [[Hans Gilhaus]] in November 1989 saw the pair immediately form a good partnership up front.<ref name="dons"/><ref name="hans">{{cite news|last=Forsyth|first=Paul|title=Hans Gillhaus recalls Aberdeen highlights|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/aberdeen/hans-gillhaus-recalls-aberdeen-highlights-1-3613384|access-date=13 December 2016|work=The Scotsman|date=23 November 2014}}</ref> The two helped Aberdeen win the [[Scottish Cup]], both scoring their penalty kicks in Aberdeen's penalty-shoot win over Celtic in May 1990.<ref name="hans" /><ref name="bip" /> In all, Nicholas played 104 games for ''The Dons'' in two and a half years, scoring 36 goals.<ref name="dons">{{cite web |url=http://www.afcheritage.org/Team/CurrentSquad/player_show.cfm?player_id=144&Season=1988-89 |website=Aberdeen FC Heritage Trust |title=Charlie Nicholas |access-date=4 December 2015}}</ref>

Looking back on his time in an interview for Aberdeen's Red Matchday magazine, Nicholas stated "Looking back with hindsight, I know I should never have left Aberdeen when I did".<ref name="chaz">{{cite web |url= https://www.afc.co.uk/2021/12/29/afc-archive-signing-charlie-nicholas/|title= AFC Archive &#124; Signing Charlie Nicholas|date= 29 December 2021}}</ref>

===Return to Celtic===
In summer 1990, Nicholas returned to Celtic.<ref name="bip" /> His comeback season at [[Celtic Park|Parkhead]] saw him playing a total of 14 games and scoring six goals within the league. The arrival of new manager [[Liam Brady]] at Celtic in 1991 saw an improvement in fortune for Nicholas, and he went on to score 21 league goals during [[1991–92 in Scottish football|season 1991–92]]. In March 1992 he scored two outstanding goals in consecutive weeks.<ref name="bip" /> On 21 March he opened the scoring at Ibrox in a 2–0 win over Rangers; taking a long ball from a [[Chris Morris (footballer)|Chris Morris]] free kick, he volleyed home a powerful shot past goalkeeper [[Andy Goram]].<ref name="bip" /> A week later on 28 March, he ran across the Dundee United defence 25 yards out and suddenly chipped the ball past an unsuspecting Alan Main.<ref name="bip" /> Despite his goalscoring, Celtic again failed to win any silverware. He lost his place in the team halfway through [[1992–93 in Scottish football|1992–93]] as Celtic bought [[Frank McAvennie]], but regained his place the following season as McAvennie fell out of favour.

Nicholas was released by manager [[Lou Macari]] in May 1994, although after Macari was sacked a month later, Nicholas was subsequently re-signed by new manager [[Tommy Burns (footballer)|Tommy Burns]]. However, in 1994–95 he played in only 12 out of 36 league games and was unable to score a single goal. He was left out of the [[1995 Scottish Cup Final]] against Airdrie and Celtic released him again, so he moved on from the club for the last time. In five years back at Celtic he had played 114 league games and scored 37 league goals.<ref name="bip" />

===Clyde===
In July 1995 Nicholas joined [[Clyde F.C.|Clyde]] on a free transfer, where he spent one season and scored five times in 31 league games before retiring as a player.<ref name=SH />

==International career==
Nicholas was first capped by [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]] at senior level on 30 March 1983, near the end of his first spell at Celtic. He was on the scoresheet in a 2–2 draw with [[Switzerland national football team|Switzerland]] at [[Hampden Park]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Reynolds|first=Jim|title=Scots' Hampden fightback in vain|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sMFAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7qUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4488%2C6288669|access-date=11 September 2017|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=31 March 1983|page=22}}</ref> He was in Scotland's squad for the [[1986 FIFA World Cup|1986 World Cup]], playing in the group matches against [[Denmark national football team|Denmark]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Reynolds|first=Jim|title=Unlucky Scots have mountain to climb|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=srZAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=uKUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4228%2C1154491|access-date=11 September 2017|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=5 June 1986|page=22}}</ref> and [[Uruguay national football team|Uruguay]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Reynolds|first=Jim|title=Ten men put Scotland out of World Cup|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=urZAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=uKUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4494%2C3602455|access-date=11 September 2017|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=14 June 1986|page=20}}</ref> He won the last of his 20 senior caps for Scotland on 26 April 1989 in a 2–1 win over [[Cyprus national football team|Cyprus]] at Hampden Park. The last of his five goals for Scotland had come on 17 October 1984 in a 3–0 win over [[Iceland national football team|Iceland]] at Hampden Park early in the World Cup qualifying stages.<ref name=SH />

==Career after retirement==
Nicholas previously worked as a pundit on the [[Sky Sports News]] programme [[Soccer Saturday]] and [[Sky Sports]]' coverage of Scottish football. He is also a part-time newspaper columnist. In April 2010 Nicholas criticised Celtic's majority shareholder [[Dermot Desmond]]. He accused Desmond and the board of presiding over the worst Celtic squad he had ever seen. Nicholas criticised Desmond's handling of the club, accusing him of treating the Glasgow club like "a toy", and failing to invest properly in the playing staff.<ref>{{cite news |last=Marshall |first=Alan |date=27 April 2010 |title=I had phone call from Dermot Desmond after criticising Celtic, reveals Charlie Nicholas |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/phone-call-dermot-desmond-after-1057385 |newspaper=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]] |location=[[Glasgow]] |access-date=7 September 2015}}</ref>

In January 2014, Nicholas was inducted into the [[Scottish Football Hall of Fame]].<ref name=SFHOF />

==Personal life==

Nicholas is a practising Catholic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sconews.co.uk/feature/52942/standing-on-the-shoulders-of-celtic-giants/|title=Standing on the shoulders of Celtic giants}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref>{{cite web|title=Celtic player Nicholas, Charlie|url=http://www.fitbastats.com/celtic/player.php?playerid=2739|website=FitbaStats|access-date=10 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Charlie Nicholas|url=https://www.11v11.com/players/charlie-nicholas-29176/|website=11 v 11|access-date=10 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Player archive - Charlie Nicholas|url=https://backoffice.afc.co.uk/sotic/player_show.cfm?player_id=144&Season=1988-89|website=Aberdeen FC|access-date=10 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1995-1996 Fixtures |url=https://www.clydefc.co.uk/match/fixtures/1995/ |website=Clyde FC |access-date=31 October 2021}}</ref>
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National Cup
!colspan="2"|League Cup
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Other{{efn|Appearances in [[Glasgow Cup]], [[Drybrough Cup]] and [[Scottish Challenge Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]
|[[1979–80 Celtic F.C. season|1979–80]]
|[[Scottish Premier Division]]
|0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||2||2||2||2
|-
|[[1980–81 Celtic F.C. season|1980–81]]
|Scottish Premier Division
|29||16||5||3||7||6||4||3||2||0||47||28
|-
|[[1981–82 Celtic F.C. season|1981–82]]
|Scottish Premier Division
|10||3||0||0||4||3||1||0||0||0||15||6
|-
|[[1982–83 Celtic F.C. season|1982–83]]
|Scottish Premier Division
|35||29||3||4||11||13||4||2||0||0||53||48
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!74!!48!!8!!7!!22!!22!!9!!5!!4!!2!!117!!84
|-
|rowspan="6"|[[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]
|[[1983–84 Arsenal F.C. season|1983–84]]
|[[Football League First Division|First Division]]
|41||11||1||1||4||1||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||46||13
|-
|[[1984–85 Arsenal F.C. season|1984–85]]
|First Division
|38||9||3||1||3||2||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||44||12
|-
|[[1985–86 Arsenal F.C. season|1985–86]]
|First Division
|41||10||5||4||7||4||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||53||18
|-
|[[1986–87 Arsenal F.C. season|1986–87]]
|First Division
|28||4||4||4||6||3||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||38||11
|-
|[[1987–88 Arsenal F.C. season|1987–88]]
|First Division
|3||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||3||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!151!!34!!13!!10!!20!!10!!0!!0!!0!!0!!184!!54
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Aberdeen F.C.|&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Aberdeen&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]]
|[[1987–88 Aberdeen F.C. season|1987–88]]
|Scottish Premier Division
|16||3||6||2||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||22||5
|-
|[[1988–89 Aberdeen F.C. season|1988–89]]
|Scottish Premier Division
|28||16||5||1||3||1||1||0||colspan="2"|–||37||18
|-
|[[1989–90 Aberdeen F.C. season|1989–90]]
|Scottish Premier Division
|33||11||5||2||5||0||2||0||colspan="2"|–||45||13
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!77!!30!!16!!5!!8!!1!!3!!0!!0!!0!!104!!36
|-
|rowspan="6"|Celtic
|[[1990–91 Celtic F.C. season|1990–91]]
|Scottish Premier Division
|13||6||0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||14||6
|-
|[[1991–92 Celtic F.C. season|1991–92]]
|Scottish Premier Division
|37||21||3||0||2||2||4||2||colspan="2"|–||46||25
|-
|[[1992–93 Celtic F.C. season|1992–93]]
|Scottish Premier Division
|16||2||0||0||1||0||3||0||colspan="2"|–||20||2
|-
|[[1993–94 Celtic F.C. season|1993–94]]
|Scottish Premier Division
|35||8||0||0||3||1||4||0||colspan="2"|–||42||9
|-
|[[1994–95 Celtic F.C. season|1994–95]]
|Scottish Premier Division
|11||0||0||0||4||1||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||15||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!112!!37!!3!!0!!11!!4!!11!!2!!0!!0!!137!!43
|-
|[[Clyde F.C.|Clyde]]
|[[1995–96 in Scottish football|1995–96]]
|[[Scottish Football League First Division|Scottish First Division]]
|31||5||4||2||0||0||colspan="2"|–||1||0||36||7
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!445!!154!!44!!24!!61!!37!!23!!7!!5!!2!!578!!224
|}

{{notelist}}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="6"|[[Scotland national football team|Scotland]]<ref name="SFA">{{SFA Profile|id=9896}}</ref>
|1983||7||3
|-
|1984||3||2
|-
|1985||2||0
|-
|1986||6||0
|-
|1987||1||0
|-
|1989||1||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!20!!5
|}

:''Scores and results list Scotland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Nicholas goal.''

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Charlie Nicholas
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
!scope="col" class="unsortable"|{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
| align="center"|1 || 30 March 1983 || [[Hampden Park]], [[Glasgow]], Scotland || {{fb|SUI}} || align="center"|2–2 || align="center"|2–2 || [[UEFA Euro 1984 qualification]] || rowspan="5"|<ref name="SFA"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/scot-intres1985.html |title=Scotland - International Matches 1981-1985 |first1=Alan |last1=Brown |first2=Gabriele |last2=Tossani |date=17 October 2019 |access-date=27 December 2019}}</ref>
|-
| align="center"|2 || 16 June 1983 ||[[Commonwealth Stadium (Edmonton)|Commonwealth Stadium]], [[Edmonton]], Canada || {{fb|Canada}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|3–0 || [[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
|-
| align="center"|3 || 12 October 1983 || Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland || {{fb|BEL}} || align=center|1–1 ||align=center|1–1 || UEFA Euro 1984 qualification
|-
| align="center"|4 || 12 September 1984 || Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland || {{fb|YUG}} || align="center"|6–1 || align="center"|6–1 || Friendly
|-
| align="center"|5 || 17 October 1984 || Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland || {{fb|ISL}} || align="center"|3–0 || align="center"|3–0 || [[1986 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|}

==Honours==
'''Celtic'''
*[[Scottish Football League Premier Division|Scottish Premier Division]]: [[1980–81 Scottish Premier Division|1980–81]],<ref name="lg81" /> [[1981–82 Scottish Premier Division|1981–82]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Charlie Nicholas|url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/charlie-nicholas_prs192237/person.shtml|website=Eurosport|access-date=16 May 2018}}</ref>
*[[Scottish League Cup]]: [[1982 Scottish League Cup Final|1982–83]]<ref name="cup82" />

'''Arsenal'''
*[[Football League Cup]]: [[1987 Football League Cup Final|1986–87]]<ref name="cup87" />

'''Aberdeen'''
*[[Scottish Cup]]: [[1990 Scottish Cup Final|1989–90]]<ref name="bip" />
*[[Scottish League Cup]]: [[1989 Scottish League Cup Final|1989–90]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Traynor|first=James|title=Bett the light of bold Aberdeen|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VDlAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=S1kMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3514%2C3023084|access-date=4 December 2015|work=The Glasgow Herald|date=23 October 1989|page=19}}</ref>

'''Individual'''
*[[PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year|Scottish PFA Player of the Year]]: 1983<ref name="poy83" />
*[[SFWA Footballer of the Year|Scottish Football Writers' Player of the Year]]: 1983<ref name="poy83" />
*[[PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year|Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year]]: 1981<ref name="yp1981" />
*[[Arsenal Player of the Season]]: [[1983–84 Arsenal F.C. season|1983−84]]<ref name=":42">{{Cite book |last=Maidment |first=Jem |title=The Official Arsenal Encyclopedia |publisher=[[Hamlyn (publisher)|Hamlyn]] |year=2006 |isbn=9780600615491 |location=London |pages=148 |language=en}}</ref>
*[[List of Scottish football champions|Scottish Premier Division Golden Boot]]: [[1982–83 Scottish Premier Division|1982–83]], [[1988–89 Scottish Premier Division|1988–89]] (shared)<ref name="goals">{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/scottops.html|first1=Alan|last1= Brown|first2= Simon|last2= Preston|first3= Roberto |last3= Di Maggio|title=Scotland - List of Topscorers|publisher=[[RSSSF]]|date=9 June 2016}}</ref>
* ''[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]'' Golden Shot: [[1982–83 in Scottish football|1982–83]]<ref>{{ cite news | url = https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0003741/19930327/063/0063 | title = PARTNER | newspaper = Daily Record | access-date = 7 May 2022 | date = 15 March 1993 | via = British Newspaper Archive }}</ref><ref>{{ cite web | url = https://www.mediastorehouse.co.uk/memory-lane-prints/mirror/1400to1499-01468/charlie-nicholas-1983-first-daily-record-golden-21900269.html | title = Framed Print of Charlie Nicholas 1983 First ever Daily Record Golden SHot award winner cup trophy | publisher = Media Store House | access-date = 8 May 2022 }}</ref>
*[[European Golden Shoe]]: third place (1983)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/gboot.html|website=RSSSF|title=Soulier d'Or (Golden Boot Awards)|access-date=4 December 2015}}</ref>
*[[Scottish Football Hall of Fame]]: 2014<ref name=SFHOF>{{cite web|url=http://scottishfootballhalloffame.co.uk/charlie-nicholas/|title=Charlie Nicholas|website=Scottish Football Hall of Fame}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name="BBC">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/6295031.stm |work=BBC Sport |title=Were you there?|date=31 January 2007 }}</ref>
<ref name="CNP">{{cite web |url=http://jkarlsson.netfirms.com/players/n/nicholas_c/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726054728/http://jkarlsson.netfirms.com/players/n/nicholas_c/|archive-date=26 July 2011|title=Charlie Nicholas' Profile|publisher=Gunnermania|access-date=22 February 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="NCH">{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/gunners-greatest-players-28.-charlie-nicholas |website=Arsenal.com |title=Greatest 50 Players - 28. Charlie Nicholas |access-date=22 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020015914/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/gunners-greatest-players-28.-charlie-nicholas |archive-date=20 October 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="NTC">{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/155/unhoused-import-pages/arsenal-s-a-to-z...n-is-for-neill |title=Arsenal's A to Z...N is for Neill |website=Arsenal.com |access-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227154000/http://www.arsenal.com/155/unhoused-import-pages/arsenal-s-a-to-z...n-is-for-neill |archive-date=27 February 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="RGG">{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal-land.co.uk/history/?col=360|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213085302/http://www.arsenal-land.co.uk/history/?col=360|archive-date=13 December 2007|title=1986-1987 Remembered: George Graham's Arsenal win the League Cup|first=Shay|last=Guiney|publisher=Arsenal Land|date=1 December 2007|access-date=22 February 2014}}</ref>}}

==External links==
* {{Soccerbase|5845}}

{{Navboxes
|bg= gold
|fg= navy
|title= Awards
|list1=
{{Scottish First Division top scorers}}
{{Arsenal F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{SPFA Young Player of the Year}}
{{SPFA Players' Player of the Year}}
{{SFWA Footballer of the Year}}
{{Scottish Football Hall of Fame}}
}}
{{Scotland Squad 1986 World Cup}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nicholas, Charlie}}
[[Category:1961 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Maryhill]]
[[Category:Scottish men's footballers]]
[[Category:Footballers from Glasgow]]
[[Category:1986 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:Aberdeen F.C. players]]
[[Category:Arsenal F.C. players]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:Celtic F.C. players]]
[[Category:Clyde F.C. players]]
[[Category:Scotland men's B international footballers]]
[[Category:Scotland men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Scotland men's under-21 international footballers]]
[[Category:Scottish Football League players]]
[[Category:Scottish Football League representative players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:Scottish Football Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:Scottish league football top scorers]]