Goalkeeper Nick signed from Plymouth Argyle on loan in December 1995, with the move being made permanent for £40,000 a month later.

An Arsenal apprentice, he made his League debut on loan at Bristol Rovers in 1986, and joined Swindon Town on a free in July 1987.

A highly regarded goalkeeping coach, Nicky was handed a coaching role by boss Alan Pardew and subsequently retired from playing after suffering a recurrent back injury.

In October 2000 he took over from John Stephenson to become Director of the highly-regarded Reading FC Youth Academy, and was appointed the Club's first-ever Director of Football in September 2003.

He has continued successfully in that role, and oversees all transfer and contract negotiations.