Having seen his contract at Sixfields expire earlier in the week, Nicholls was quick to conclude a permanent move to Exeter City on an 18-month deal after impressing on loan with the Grecians.
The fixture list means is first game as a fully-fledged Exeter player is the home game against Northampton on Saturday.
Nicholls told the Exeter Express & Echo that he is looking forward to meeting some familiar faces.
He added however: "If I do play I will be looking to get the win over them."
For the Cobblers, midfielder Jason Taylor has signed a permanent deal until the end of the season after joining on loan initially in time to play against Southend United last weekend.