The former Aberdeen star was Alan Irvine's first summer signing and he is relishing his Preston challenge, boasting an ever-present league record.

"It was time for a change and I wish I had done it earlier, because I'm loving it at Preston," said the 29-year-old midfielder.

"Aberdeen tried to persuade me to stay, but I'd made my mind up six months before to leave.

"I felt the time was right to try something new. Coming to Preston has proved a fabulous move."

Despite three-straight losses Nicholson, who has scored three times in the league this term, is convinced that Preston can make a serious push for promotion.

He added: "There is no reason why we can't have a go, especially with the talent we've got.

"We've got the right man in charge to push on, but we're all disappointed with the last three results.

"The Wolves defeat was a massive disappointment, and we felt Swansea was our big opportunity to get back on track, but it didn't happen.

"We've conceded some bad goals in our last three fixtures and must improve at Watford tomorrow.

"Of course confidence is a massive factor, but our belief is still very strong.

"We have good players here, and we've got to deal with what's happened and try to put it right.

"We know how we can perform when we do the right things, and we like to pass the ball well.

"We didn't carried away when we went to the top of the league last month, and we are not too down because things haven't gone our way recently.

"It is the way we react now, if we get the right result at Watford we'll be right back on track."

Nicholson graduated from Glasgow Rangers' academy before joining Dunfermline eight years ago, and in a five-year spell with the East End Park club he forged a solid reputation, playing more than 200 games.

When he was transferred to Aberdeen in 2005 for £260,000, Nicholson made an immediate impact helping the Dons clinch a third-place SPL finish.

"All this is a completely different experience, the Championship is such a tight and demanding league," he said.

"I don't think there's too much difference between the SPL and the Championship, though.

"Maybe the boys down here are a bit more comfortable on the ball, but this league is more physical.

"It is a real challenge to be up against players you've never played against before and just another aspect to deal with."

Irvine snapped up Nicholson's team-mate Michael Hart weeks after he took charge at Deepdale and then made Nicholson his second Aberdeen target.

"Michael played at right-back and I was just in front of him at Aberdeen, so we struck up a good understanding.

"I spoke to Michael before I came to Deepdale and he said Preston's a great set-up with a top manager.

"That's what I found and I'm very impressed with the club.

"The manager is extremely thorough in his preparation, and works with a real sense of purpose.

"He is not a manager who rants and raves, but when we have played poorly he says his piece. There's so much potential here and I think there can be exciting times ahead."

Focus on Watford in Friday's Lancashire Evening Post