HIS infamous prank on Steven Gerrard has been watched by more than six million on YouTube.

But the cheeky Chelsea mascot who comically pulled away from shaking hands with the Liverpool legend is hoping to come face to face with him again.


Jake Nickless – who was just five when he came to national attention – has signed for Essex club Billericay Town and he is aiming to make it as a pro.

But his new boss, ex Spurs and Wolves star turned radio presenter, Jamie O’Hara, has wasted little time in winding up the 20-year-old.

Taking to Twitter O’Hara said: “This lad scored two goals for me yesterday and is actually a decent little player ? cheeky git though I remember this ?”

Recalling his prank Nickless said: "I can’t really remember that much about it because I was only five at the time.

“Looking back I don’t really like to speak about it to be honest and I keep quiet about it really.

“When I saw Jamie O’Hara tweet about it the other day I thought oh god because then everyone is like oh you’re him, you’re him!

“It’s one of those things and it was just a laugh when I was kid.

“I can’t believe people still mention it really but it would be nice to make my own name and be remembered for that rather than what happened back then.

“I’ll take it slowly but hopefully I can continue to develop and get into the first team at some point this season.”

And Nickless would welcome another meeting with Gerrard who now manages Scottish Premier League side Rangers.

Nickless, who is based in West London, said: “You never know maybe I might get to play against a team managed by Steven Gerrard.

“That would be great and I’d definitely shake his hand this time."

Nickless is now firmly focused on his own playing career and is thrilled to have joined the National League South side after working hard throughout lockdown.

“I’ve been training hard since the start of lockdown,” said Nickless.

“A lot of people in football saw it as a negative but I tried to look at the positives and use it to get fit and ready for pre-season.”

Nickless had been playing for North Greenford before the coronavirus pandemic cut short the season.

But he is now keen to make the most of his opportunity at New Lodge and the attacking midfielder is thrilled to have already worked his way into the first team squad.

Nickless said: “I believe in myself but I didn’t expect to push on here as quickly as I have.

“I thought I would be with the 23s for a few months and then maybe get called in by Jamie (O’Hara) after that but it’s been really good.”

Nickless scored twice for Billericay against Barking last weekend and is already enjoying working with Town boss O’Hara.

The youngster said: “It’s really good with Jamie.

“It’s been a good experience so far and I’m enjoying pre-season but it’s all about getting minutes for the start of the season really.”

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