April 28, 1990, remains one of the finest days in Exeter City's history as, on the back of an incredible home record, we secured our first title in our club's history. During this month we will be taking a look back - in alphabetical order - of the main players in that title winning side. This time we look at a reliable and versatile player who made 20 appearances during the title winning campaign.
JIM McNICHOL
DEFENDER
89/90 APPEARANCES: 33
GOALS: 8
Jim McNichol was in his second spell at Exeter City during the 1989/90 season having re-signed for them just before the campaign got under way.
The Scottish-born defender started his career as an apprentice at Ipswich Town and went onto to make his first Football League appearance for Luton, having joined the Hatters in July 1976.
It was with Brentford though where he started to make a name for himself, turning out 155 times for the west London club and scoring 22 goals. During that time he won seven caps for the Scottish under-21 team.
He signed for Exeter in July 1984 but, after a two-season stay which brought 87 appearances and 10 goals, he then joined local rivals Torquay United. He will be best remembered during his time at Plainmoor for being bitten by a police dog at the end of a vital relegation match and in the time added on for the stoppage, the Gulls scored to avoid the drop.
However, at City, he is best remembered for his contributions during the title winning season where he made over 33 appearances but also netted a crucial eight goals in the campaign.
He rejoined Torquay United in July 1991, but went on to have a testimonial match at SJP when Exeter City hosted West Ham United at St James Park in May 1992.
This article has been created using material from the Grecian Archive and ECFC Museum as part of the 'Celebrating our Heritage' programme, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and supported by the University of Exeter.