Nicholls was unfit during the pre-season due to injuries and the infamous tour to America did not help. He started the season in the centre of the park and was soon made captain after the departure of Alexander.
Nicholls was well out of his depth and never looked 100% fit. Irvine's arrival alongside the return from injury of Paul Mckenna saw Nicholls lose the captaincy and place in the side.
He rarely got a sniff at first team football and this summer was well down the pecking order with Mckenna, Carter, Chaplow, Nicholson and Jarrett all vying for a midfield slot. Nicholls has now left which may mena an opening for Irvine to strengthen in another area of the pitch.