Due to a change in circumstances off the pitch, Nicky has made the decision to retire from football to solely focus on other professional endeavours.

The 34-year-old very quickly endeared himself to supporters at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium after signing for the Reds in June 2023.

During his time in West Sussex, the tricky winger frequently conjured up a multitude of magical moments, immortalising himself in the Club’s history books in the process.

Undoubtedly the pinnacle of his Worthing career was his swerving effort from distance against former side Dorking Wanderers on Boxing Day 2024, which was chosen as the Club’s Goal of the Season last campaign after receiving over 30% of votes from supporters.

Wheeler also scooped up our Supporters’ Player of the Season award for the 2024/25 campaign, after providing eight goal contributions in 43 National League South appearances.

This season, the winger has contributed with a goal and two assists, including sweeping home a crucial equaliser in the thrilling 3-3 draw against Maidstone United back in August with customary composure.

Our home match against current league leaders Hornchurch on 29th November is set to be his last game in football after an 18-year career.

Nicky commenced his sporting journey at Charlton Athletic, spending seven years in their academy before being released and taking a break from football. Several spells in Sussex followed as he spent time with Burgess Hill Town, Lewes and Eastbourne Borough, with a title-winning stint at Billericay Town sandwiched in between.

The winger went on to play an integral part in two more promotions, this time into the National League. His first came at Woking, before also helping Dorking Wanderers into the fifth tier in 2022.

Since signing with the Club in 2023, Nicky has been a model of consistency and was one of the experienced members in the dressing room of multiple record-breaking seasons.

Our number 11 is approaching a century of appearances for the Rebels with 97 in the record books so far, 76 of those being starts. In the twilight of his career, Nicky has been utilised in more defensive-minded positions, as he was deployed at wing-back for the large majority of games at Woodside Road.

On his retirement, Nicky revealed: “It’s the right time. It’s a decision I have had to make after speaking to friends and family – it’s a hard one to accept.”

“I’ve honest loved it here. The fans are amazing – so many of them I speak to now as friends.” 

“I’ve always said to myself I want to walk away on a high. I always wanted to leave the football before it left me,” Nicky concluded.

There will be multiple opportunities to give Nicky the reception he deserves, with home games against Hemel Hempstead, AFC Totton and Hornchurch his final three matches in football in front of the Woodside faithful.

Nicky, congratulations on a phenomenal career and thank you for your impeccable service at Worthing Football Club. Good luck for your future endeavours, you will always be welcome back at Woodside Road!