Vale royalty hangs up boots.

[Dallas Crane]

The Vale had a club legend retire today. Dave Nicholls hung up the boots after a astonishing 45 years consecutive playing years service at the Vale, an amatuer league record by miles. Played right through the lean years for the vale, been playing over 35's for the past 17 years, coached plenty of junior teams, c teams and the womens team, definately a career worth admiring and celebrating. The key to such a long loyal career, would be he generally loves the game and the club, doesn't get involved in any crap that may happen, and enjoyed every year he had played. Also scored a quality hatrick today, just to show he still could keep going. Great day had by all.

[bert]

All the best champ you have been an inspiration to many and a great bloke to boot, enjoy feeling good on a monday,tuesday, wed etc.

[You Too]

A Champion feat by a league legend.

[olympiakos]

bloody hell good effort!

[pecker]

Dave Nicholls you are are a legend

Thats all I have to say

[swannsong]

Well in Sir Dave Nicholls !

[Fenian]

I recall Dave scoring many quality goals on a friday night after work at Bridgestone. It's a shame he was never was an electrician! Great bloke. Up the Villa! All the best.

Eoin

[Tony Adams]

one of the best guys going around in the amateur league!

[LosMerengues20]

Never met the guy but what an achievement!! And what a way to leave the game with a hat-trick, well done.

[Push It]

Well done Dave enjoy your Retirement Champ!

[swannsong]

Because king NUGGETT we have recognized Sir Dave Nicholls

[KING NUGGETT]

Because king NUGGETT we have recognized Sir Dave Nicholls

Good on ya then

[villaman]

Dallas
How many Horse's Arse awards has he won over the years? Dave was always there with encouragement before, during and after the matches. Good luck too a true club man. Up the Villa

[Davinci Code]

Played with Dave many moons ago. Top notch bloke. Good luck to him