The Seasiders have been without a manager since the departure of Tom Austin to Pitching In Isthmian League Premier Division side Brightlingsea Regent last month.

An experienced coach who has also played at the highest level, Nicholls began his career as a youngster at Chelsea.

Having risen through the club's ranks, he went on to make 36 Premier League appearances for the Blues between 1995 and 2001.

Spells at the likes of Partick Thistle, Torquay United, Hamilton Academical, Clydebank, Maidenhead United, Northwood, Hendon, Walton Casuals and Southall followed, before he began his coaching career at North Greenford United in 2011, although he did have a season as assistant manager at Hendon in 2004/05.

Clacton spoke to many outstanding candidates for the role, but Nicholls stood out as the right appointment to work with and further develop their players individually and collectively.

The Club are very lucky to have great people involved like 1st team coach Glenn Eldridge and the reserve management team of Lionel Toms and Ollie Leroux who looked after things while the club took the time needed to make the right appointment.

Nicholls has not long moved to the area so does not know the club, players or the Thurlow Nunn League but has an extensive knowledge of the game following a career that saw him play at the highest level, as well as being an experienced coach.

He has already been introduced to the squad and has one training session on Thursday, December 3rd before an important game away at Ilford on Saturday the 5^th December in the Buildbase FA Vase.