Mark Nightingale is another example of the link between Norwich and Bournemouth for whom he began his footballing career in 1972 as a apprentice before turning professional in July 1974. 49 games for the Cherries were followed by a move to Crystal Palace in June 1976. He failed to break into the first team at Selhurst Park and Palace sold him to Norwich in July 1977. He made his debut the following month against Burnley in the League Cup but was never a first team regular and even had a spell in Hong Kong with Bulova. By the time he rejoined Bournemouth in August 1982, he had played just 39 games for the Norwich City first team, seven of which were as substitute. Dean Court was a more successful venue for Mark's midfield skills and in the next four years, had played 150 games for Bournemouth.

He returned to East Anglia in August 1986 with Peterborough making 78 appearances for the Posh. He moved into non-league football in August 1988 with Kettering Town before stepping down to join King's Lynn in July 1990. After a spell with with Warboys Town of the Jewson Eastern Counties League, Mark is now with Bearings United of the Peterborough League (Canaries Flying Everywhere by Mike Davage in the Norwich City 2000/01 Official Club Handbook)