Geordie Nicol was born in Saltcoats, Scotland, and played in Scottish Junior football before joining Manchester United in January 1928. He moved on to Brighton & Hove Albion in May 1929, and was their leading scorer in the 1930-31 season with 31 goals in all competitions.
He had a season in the Irish League with Glenavon before returning to England to play for Gillingham and then for French club RC Roubaix.