Nicky Southall
A versatile and hard-working English midfielder who became a cult favorite at Gillingham for his crucial goals and dedicated service.
Born 1972 (age 54)·English footballer·Birthday: January 28·Generation X
Biography
Nicky Southall’s career is a testament to the value of adaptability and loyalty in the lower tiers of English football. A midfielder known for his engine and a potent right foot, he found his true home at Gillingham, where he enjoyed two separate spells that endeared him to the Priestfield faithful. Southall wasn't a flashy star, but a reliable operator who could dictate play from the center, deliver dangerous set-pieces, and chip in with important goals. His most famous moment came in the 2000 Second Division play-off final, where his performance was instrumental in securing Gillingham's historic promotion. He later moved into coaching and management, often at his beloved Gillingham, demonstrating a deep commitment to the club that defined his playing days.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Nicky was born in 1972, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Nicky Was Born
The biggest hits of 1972
#1 Movie
The Godfather
Best Picture
The Godfather
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Nicky's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1972Born
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1977Started school
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1985Became a teenager
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1988Could drive
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1990Could vote
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1993Turned 21
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2002Turned 30
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2012Turned 40
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 50
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 54 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a key role in Gillingham's promotion to the second tier of English football (then Division One) via the 2000 play-off final.
- Made over 250 appearances for Gillingham across two spells, scoring many memorable goals from midfield.
- Had a professional career spanning 18 years, playing for several clubs including Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest.
- Later served as a coach and caretaker manager for Gillingham's first team.
Did You Know?
He scored Gillingham's first-ever goal in the second tier of English football (then Division One) in August 2000.
Southall began his career as an apprentice at his hometown club, Grimsby Town.
He holds a UEFA A coaching license and has worked extensively in youth development.
“You give everything for the shirt, and the fans give it back to you.”
