Tom Andrew Nichols (born 28 August 1993) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for League Two club Gillingham. Having come through Exeter City's academy, Nichols made his first-team debut for the club in May 2011. Whilst at Exeter City, he had loan spells at Dorchester Town, Hereford United and Bath City before establishing himself as a first team player in League Two. He joined Peterborough United of League One on a four-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee on 1 February 2016, but joined Bristol Rovers on a three-year contract in summer 2017. Following a loan spell at Cheltenham Town in the second half of the 2019–20 season, he was released by Bristol Rovers at the end of his three-year contract in summer 2020, and subsequently signed for League Two side Crawley Town on a one-year contract. He joined Gillingham in January 2023. Early and personal life Nichols was born in Wellington and attended Court Fields School. His father ran the King's Arms pub in Wellington. He supported Sunderland as a child. Career Exeter City Nichols joined Exeter City from local club Twyford Spartans as a youth at the under-11 age group. He signed his first professional contract in April 2011, aged 17. He made his professional debut on 7 May 2011, coming on as a half-time substitute for Bertrand Cozic in a 2–1 League One victory away to Sheffield Wednesday in the final match of the 2010–11 season. Nichols made his first appearance of the 2011–12 season as a 76th-minute substitute in a 2–0 League Cup win at home to Yeovil Town. He scored his first professional goal in a 2–1 victory against Chesterfield at St James Park on 27 August 2011, the eve of his 18th birthday. On 7 January 2012, it was announced that Nichols had joined Conference South side Dorchester Town on a one-month loan. He made his debut for Dorchester Town that same day in a 3–0 win over Thurrock, with Nichols scoring his first goal for the club after coming on as a substitute. In response to Nichols' debut appearance, Dorchester Town manager Alan Knight stated: "It was an encouraging performance and it was nice that he got his goal." After scoring three goals in three games for Dorchester Town, his loan was extended by a further month in February 2012. He returned to Exeter City in April 2012, having made