Released by Colchester United at the end of the 1998/99 season after making 31 league appearances, Nicky came to Carrow Road on trial the following July. Impressing in reserve clashes with Arsenal and Ipswich, Bruce Rioch was undecided whether to offer a contract to the versatile midfielder.

Rioch decided not to take Nicky on and he joined Leyton Orient for a brief spell before moving back to Essex and joining Rymans League side Heybridge Swifts. Nicky was transfer-listed by the Swifts in January 2001 and joined Chelmsford City the following month. Nicky rejoined the Swifts in September 2001 but moved to Braintree in the summer of 2002. At the beginning of 2003, Nicky left Braintree to join Wivenhoe. This role was upgraded to Player / Assistant Manager in June 2003.