He started his career in 2002 when he signed his first professional contract with Bury. He left the club in 2005, when he joined Preston North End for two seasons. Nugent joined Portsmouth in 2007, and later joined Burnley for the 2009–10 season, before returning to Portsmouth for one final season in 2010. He signed for Leicester City in 2011, where he played for the club for four seasons, before joining Middlesbrough in 2015. After helping Middlesbrough secure promotion to the Premier League, Nugent joined Derby County after his starting position at Middlesbrough was put in jeopardy. Nugent signed for Tranmere Rovers on loan from Preston North End for the remainder of the 2020/21 season.