In May 1996, Nash was signed by Crystal Palace manager Dave Bassett for an initial fee of £35,000 (rising to £45,000 after ten first-team games, and including a 10% sell-on fee), in what was a club record transfer for Clitheroe. He made his professional debut in the First Division on 21 September, in a 6–1 victory at Reading.
In May 1996, Nash was recruited by Crystal Palace manager Dave Bassett for an initial fee of £35,000 (rising to £45,000 after ten first-team games and including a 10% sell-on clause), establishing the club's highest transfer record at Clitheroe. He made his professional debut on September 21st in a match against Reading.