Post by: ez on February 25, 2024, 02:41:06 PM
Post by: VILLA MOLE on February 25, 2024, 02:43:11 PM
Post by: LeeB on February 25, 2024, 02:45:25 PM
(Cue Thor's hammer)
RIP Chris.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 25, 2024, 02:47:42 PM
Post by: maidstonevillain on February 25, 2024, 02:47:56 PM
I was in the crowd almost directly behind him when he scored at Old Trafford. Still makes me smile everytime I think about it.
Post by: thick_mike on February 25, 2024, 02:50:58 PM
Post by: Steve67 on February 25, 2024, 02:56:30 PM
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on February 25, 2024, 02:58:41 PM
Post by: dave shelley on February 25, 2024, 03:00:42 PM
Post by: Deano's Mullet on February 25, 2024, 03:01:40 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 25, 2024, 03:02:39 PM
One of the most memorable goals in our history.
Post by: ez on February 25, 2024, 03:02:48 PM
Post by: Villafirst on February 25, 2024, 03:05:50 PM
Post by: Flamingo Lane on February 25, 2024, 03:06:36 PM
Post by: Clampy on February 25, 2024, 03:12:50 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on February 25, 2024, 03:17:06 PM
Post by: Legion on February 25, 2024, 03:17:57 PM
Post by: TopDeck113 on February 25, 2024, 03:18:54 PM
Two more personal memories. One is a car journey when my mate's dad who was driving subjected me, his son and another friend of mine to a twenty minute rant about the sale of Chris to Southampton and his replacement being a loser in that League Cup final. Apparently, it was decision that showed that it was time for Saunders to go and that whoever Ken McNaught was, he wasn't to lace Chris Nicholl's boots. A rant that my mates and I would refer back to in the subsequent four or five years...
The other memory, which I'm sure I've shared before, is from my primary school summer fete. I guess Chris can't have been with Villa that long and no doubt was arm-twisted into opening proceedings and then signing autographs for us kids. Anyway, I didn't have a "proper" autograph book, but my mum gave me a small handbag notebook she had spare. Needless to say, the floral design on the front was the excuse for much piss-taking by my contemporaries in the queue for a signature. Anyway, when it came to getting the book signed, Chris asked me my name, wrote me a message along with his signature and - I like to think he'd heard some of the comments from the other kids - as he passed the book back to me, said that it was a very nice book. Either way, with a few words, a Villa player made the seven or eight-year old me very happy and after he left us throughout the rest of his playing and then managerial career, whenever I heard his name mentioned I had a warm glow because of that moment.
Post by: Villan For Life on February 25, 2024, 03:25:04 PM
RIP Chris.
Post by: astonvilla82 on February 25, 2024, 03:32:16 PM
Post by: Leicester_Villian on February 25, 2024, 03:43:59 PM
Post by: Brend'Watkins on February 25, 2024, 03:54:58 PM
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on February 25, 2024, 04:00:50 PM
When they talk about Aston Villa legends, Chris is at the top table as far as I am concerned
Same here. As others have said, a great player, great man. That goal, together with P.Withe's Rotterdam shin-in, was probably the most memorable Villa goal in all my Villa supporting years. What he was thinking, I have no idea but like others, I was fortunate to be right behind the goal.
RIP Big Chris and thanks for everything.
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on February 25, 2024, 04:01:09 PM
Post by: Bernie on February 25, 2024, 04:05:59 PM
Thanks for the memories Big Chris and RIP.
Post by: Pat McMahon on February 25, 2024, 04:10:35 PM
The 1975 final was the first trophy we won in my lifetime but a tiny part of me was annoyed at Mel Machin for punching away Nicholl’s header as it would have been one of the all time great headed goals at Wembley. That would have given him the distinction of being the only Villa player to score in 2 league cup finals for us.
He also seemed very down to earth and self deprecating when interviewed - an all round good guy. RIP Chris
Post by: olaftab on February 25, 2024, 04:26:31 PM
That's sad news. Chris was an absolute rock and a leader in the teams that gained promotion from the old third and then second divisions, and won two league cups. I was there at the game at Filbert Street when he scored all four goals, but of course the crowning glory of his time at Villa was that goal - glorious in its execution, and made all the more memorable by the occasion, the importance of the goal so late in the game following incessant pressure on the Everton goal, and for the explosion of noise that erupted on the ball nestling in the net. RIP Chris Nicholl, and thank you for everything.This for me as well. RIP Chris.
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on February 25, 2024, 04:29:56 PM
There will be a lot around the football world who will have memories of Big Chris. He was involved in management as well, most notably at Southampton. Two players who he gave league debuts to were Shearer and Le Tissier.
Post by: Exeter 77 on February 25, 2024, 04:34:08 PM
Post by: BC Villain on February 25, 2024, 04:34:33 PM
Disappointed that nothing has been put out by the club yet
Post by: aj2k77 on February 25, 2024, 04:48:16 PM
"..for a team that have been behind for so long Villa's play is still orderly and composed"
(Cue Thor's hammer)
RIP Chris.
Villa's version of ''they think it's all over''. The line and goal will stick with me forever. I wasn't born but have seen it so many times thanks to my old man.
Post by: stubbsyandy on February 25, 2024, 05:12:02 PM
Post by: robleflaneur on February 25, 2024, 05:12:32 PM
My father in law had a movie reel of the wonder goal.
R.I.P Legend.
Post by: Border villan on February 25, 2024, 05:13:42 PM
Post by: MalcolmP on February 25, 2024, 05:41:02 PM
Post by: kipeye on February 25, 2024, 05:41:44 PM
"..for a team that have been behind for so long Villa's play is still orderly and composed"Watched that one all the way in...
(Cue Thor's hammer)
RIP Chris.
Post by: Rotterdam on February 25, 2024, 05:42:32 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on February 25, 2024, 05:56:41 PM
Sad news. I knew he'd been in poor health for while.
Disappointed that nothing has been put out by the club yet
Less then 2 hours after announcement and it is also a Sunday when Villa are not playing. Press team would be a bit bare today and the twitter person is probably too low down the chain to do anything like a pronouncement of his own bat.
Post by: DeKuip on February 25, 2024, 06:04:22 PM
Post by: garyellis on February 25, 2024, 06:10:29 PM
Saw his debut at Rotherham .Ian Ross had also signed for us.This was the start of the road to Rotterdam.Buying a £70k centre half and still in the old third division. Rotherham was full of Villa and you are 100% correct the road to Rotterdam had commenced. I loved Big Chris RIP and thanks for the memories.
My father in law had a movie reel of the wonder goal.
R.I.P Legend.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 25, 2024, 06:27:29 PM
A real Villa hero and that goal is one of the great Villa moments R.I.P. Chris.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 25, 2024, 06:31:47 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on February 25, 2024, 06:38:30 PM
Post by: Godfrey Brian on February 25, 2024, 06:43:21 PM
Post by: ironmaidenmania on February 25, 2024, 06:50:50 PM
Post by: Kevin Dawson on February 25, 2024, 06:54:27 PM
Post by: Virgil Caine on February 25, 2024, 06:56:04 PM
Post by: Hookeysmith on February 25, 2024, 06:58:55 PM
Pleased that I am old enough to have seen him play
Post by: Richard E on February 25, 2024, 06:59:16 PM
Post by: maidstonevillain on February 25, 2024, 07:04:06 PM
There’s a tribute on Pravda now.
But not Southampton or Walsall yet.
Post by: Legion on February 25, 2024, 07:05:11 PM
Post by: amfy on February 25, 2024, 07:15:43 PM
I used to love it when I had a race there and would hear his voice shouting ‘Go on Anne!’ - the only Villa player I can say cheered ME on!
Post by: steamer on February 25, 2024, 07:16:15 PM
Was at the ,4 goals for Chris game and will never forget, that belter in the net.
Condolences to his family.
Post by: JD on February 25, 2024, 07:20:17 PM
Post by: manic-road on February 25, 2024, 07:37:21 PM
Post by: Villan For Life on February 25, 2024, 08:07:30 PM
He used to live in Basset in Southampton backing onto the Sports Centre and he would often watch my running group training and chat to me and my dad (who is a running coach) about Villa.
I used to love it when I had a race there and would hear his voice shouting ‘Go on Anne!’ - the only Villa player I can say cheered ME on!
That’s a fantastic story
Post by: Scratchins on February 25, 2024, 08:17:08 PM
Before his health made it necessary to move to the south coast the Walsall fans were very caring of him. He used to wander off, caused by his illness and they would alert the fans site for search parties to find him and take him home. HEITS
Post by: rob_bridge on February 25, 2024, 08:40:28 PM
That Goal was Folklore to those my age and younger in the pre VCR age.
It will never disappoint mo matter how many times it is replayed.
Post by: FrankyH on February 25, 2024, 08:58:56 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/FJq8NBm/86224.jpg) (https://ibb.co/FJq8NBm)
I showed Charlie Aitken this picture a few years later , when I blagged hospitality ( one of the championship seasons) . Charlie scanned the picture , picked out Big Chris and immediately said , "you know what our back-line only let 32 goals in the 71/72 season." Definitely genuine affection between the two Villa greats.
Post by: 144 Hard Boiled Eggs on February 25, 2024, 08:59:32 PM
Post by: Three Spires Villa on February 25, 2024, 09:00:10 PM
Post by: N'ZMAV on February 25, 2024, 09:03:26 PM
Post by: Legion on February 25, 2024, 09:11:45 PM
Ummed and Ahhed about posting this pic.. what the hell (Charity game at Villa Park, Charlie was my manager , but got to talk to Chris Nicholl as well). Chris & Charlie were all I expected and more. True Gentlemen, humble and just all round great blokes
(https://i.ibb.co/FJq8NBm/86224.jpg) (https://ibb.co/FJq8NBm)
I showed Charlie Aitken this picture a few years later , when I blagged hospitality ( one of the championship seasons) . Charlie scanned the picture , picked out Big Chris and immediately said , "you know what our back-line only let 32 goals in the 71/72 season." Definitely genuine affection between the two Villa greats.
Charlie was my manager as well! Chris was in charge of the opposition. We lost 2-3. Both were absolute gentlemen.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on February 25, 2024, 09:34:56 PM
Another hero gone. I was at Leicester and Old Trafford but I think I'm correct in saying that I saw him score in a night match at Shrewsbury just after he joined us? A 1-1 draw I think? Great memories.
Ooh yes, there's a memory. I went to that game, with my dad and sister. I remember being car sick on the way there.
Post by: dave shelley on February 25, 2024, 09:36:47 PM
Another hero gone. I was at Leicester and Old Trafford but I think I'm correct in saying that I saw him score in a night match at Shrewsbury just after he joined us? A 1-1 draw I think? Great memories.
You certainly did, I saw it too.
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on February 25, 2024, 09:39:59 PM
Another hero gone. I was at Leicester and Old Trafford but I think I'm correct in saying that I saw him score in a night match at Shrewsbury just after he joined us? A 1-1 draw I think? Great memories.
2nd game after his debut at Rotherham.
This link even has some press cuttings report on the game towards the bottom.
https://www.avfchistory.co.uk/game/3174
Post by: Steve kirk on February 25, 2024, 09:42:11 PM
RIP Chris
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on February 25, 2024, 09:53:28 PM
Post by: Baldy on February 25, 2024, 09:56:54 PM
Post by: not3bad on February 25, 2024, 10:05:29 PM
Post by: Witton Warrior on February 25, 2024, 10:22:07 PM
Post by: Villa Lew on February 25, 2024, 10:39:33 PM
RIP Chris
Post by: astonvilla82 on February 25, 2024, 11:23:42 PM
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on February 26, 2024, 12:15:29 AM
I did see him at a function at Villa Park years ago; but his playing career was before my time.
There's far too few Villa captains that have won anything, so he deserves a good send off at our next home game.
Post by: simboy on February 26, 2024, 08:13:00 AM
Such a tragedy that the sport which made him a hero to many thousands every weekend caused him so many problems in his future life. It is, after all is said and done only a game.
RIP Chris Nicholl.
Post by: Paul.S on February 26, 2024, 08:17:25 AM
Post by: darren woolley on February 26, 2024, 11:07:20 AM
Post by: Grande Pablo on February 26, 2024, 11:15:35 AM
Most Fridays Nicholl would be in there eating on his own assuming he had digs nearby when he was Walsall manager.
My youngest was a terror, but he took the him to talk to him (& us), & it became a regular chat most weeks as to how both Villa & Walsall were getting on.
RIP.
Post by: john e on February 26, 2024, 11:50:12 AM
magnificent Captain
Leighton Phillips was my first villa captain as a fan, Chris Nicholl came soon after and became a firm favourite with me
I do hope he wasn’t as lonely in his later years than it seems suggested
RIP Captain, the old Trafford goal will live forever
Post by: simon ward 50 on February 26, 2024, 11:55:46 AM
Post by: dave.woodhall on February 26, 2024, 12:04:44 PM
Great player
magnificent Captain
Leighton Phillips was my first villa captain as a fan, Chris Nicholl came soon after and became a firm favourite with me
I do hope he wasn’t as lonely in his later years than it seems suggested
RIP Captain, the old Trafford goal will live forever
While he was living locally Walsall supporters kept an eye on him and if he wandered off they'd be putting out alerts.
Post by: maidstonevillain on February 26, 2024, 12:17:39 PM
I think this is OK to post, and not too Eastieish. I think it is from about 3 years ago.
https://www.abbeyfield.com/blog/special-honour-for-southampton-resident-chris/
Post by: PGW on February 26, 2024, 12:48:16 PM
It seems that we must have taken about 20000 to Leicester that day, 2 great memories Leicester and Old Trafford will top the memories of many
Villans of our age.
I have read through these 6 pages and i have happily shed tears to acknowledge the part that this man had in our clubs great history and folklore.
Fitting that he passed on League Cup final day.
The club had better do a fitting tribute to celebrate his life and passing.
Post by: Somniloquism on February 26, 2024, 03:40:54 PM
Post by: Villan For Life on February 26, 2024, 04:16:01 PM
Wasn't he featured on the BBC programme about players and dementia?
Yes Shearer included him in his Dementia, Football & Me documentary. As far as I can recall he interviewed Chris Nicholl in the Black Eagle, Hockley.
Post by: Mister E on February 26, 2024, 04:30:57 PM
Another rock who was instrumental in our 70s march to greatness. RIPThat captures my thoughts exactly.
RIP.
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on February 26, 2024, 05:36:53 PM
His family apparently moved him back to Southampton a few years ago.
I think this is OK to post, and not too Eastieish. I think it is from about 3 years ago.
https://www.abbeyfield.com/blog/special-honour-for-southampton-resident-chris/
That's great, Maidstone, thanks for posting. It's so good to see the man with a big smile on his face and looking healthy. There's one line on there that both surprised and delighted me..
“I’ve remained a follower of some of the clubs I played for, particularly Aston Villa. I’m glad I got the chance to play there, as it was my dad’s club too and a part of our family. It was great to go back to him and tell him that Villa wanted to sign me.”
Post by: The Moose on February 26, 2024, 05:55:04 PM
RIP Chris
Post by: martin o`who?? on February 26, 2024, 07:04:12 PM
Post by: JD on February 27, 2024, 06:57:43 AM
Terribly sad news. A true Villa legend and a genuinely lovely man. I really hope we give him the send off he deserves.
Hope he gets a great send off this weekend as he played for Luton before he signed for Villa.
Post by: baddowvillans on February 27, 2024, 10:44:02 AM
Post by: astonvilla82 on February 27, 2024, 10:56:45 AM
Post by: dcdavecollett on February 29, 2024, 01:20:43 AM
An archetypal Crowe/Wylie signing: good enough for where the team were in 1972 and more than good enough to play in one of the best Villa sides of recent decades five years later.
I'm proud to say I met him at a book-signing.
Thanks for the memories, Chris.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 29, 2024, 03:25:40 AM
RIP big man.
Post by: passport1 on February 29, 2024, 07:36:40 AM
Post by: Dick Edwards on February 29, 2024, 09:56:46 AM
Post by: Legion on February 29, 2024, 11:05:26 AM
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 03, 2024, 09:29:08 AM
Can't folks just show respect for a minute in honour?
On television, a few voices were heard shouting. The commentator also mentioned it as it was noticeable.
Now I'm not sure why these people aren't instantly thrown out of the ground.
Post by: Richard E on March 03, 2024, 09:30:41 AM
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 03, 2024, 09:45:04 AM
It interrupted my prayer and I wasn't even at the game.
Post by: LeeB on March 03, 2024, 09:56:53 AM
It was removed about half an hour later, but it betrayed a significant level of ignorance.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 03, 2024, 09:59:19 AM
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 03, 2024, 10:13:32 AM
It's a time for honouring and expressing gratitude. Be it outlining what needs to be done, with applause or quiet.
It should be mentioned that following the period anyone found to be disrespectful will be removed from the area.
I believe it's terrible behaviour and that the players' families especially and supporters who are especially fond of a player have to go through hearing foolish people disrespect or lack of information or interest for some spoiling that at a time when the stadium should be the calmest, most reflective, and a time for being it prayer and /or reflection of memories.
Post by: Scratchins on March 03, 2024, 10:21:48 AM
Post by: Legion on March 03, 2024, 10:25:22 AM
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 03, 2024, 10:34:12 AM
Nichol was a player who represented both clubs so it was somewhat fateful and poignant to have the fixture and that seemingly it was largely honoured despite the few not being respectful.
May he rest in peace.
Post by: Risso on March 03, 2024, 11:04:25 AM
From the TV you could hear a few noises, which then gets booed and makes the whole thing sound worse. Don't know if the noise was from late arrivals not knowing what was going on. Can't imagine anyone would intentionally show disrespect.
No, unfortunately we've just got some away fans who have sub-knuckledragger from SHA levels of intelligence, and for them it's more important to be a twat than show respect. There were a few idiots in the away end who were deliberately being absolute fucking wankers. I wish they'd piss off and support somebody else, they're an embarrassment.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 03, 2024, 11:05:58 AM
I believe that all football teams should make it very apparent in advance not just on screen and announcement and in programme but by including it on the printed or digital ticket.
It's a time for honouring and expressing gratitude. Be it outlining what needs to be done, with applause or quiet.
It should be mentioned that following the period anyone found to be disrespectful will be removed from the area.
I believe it's terrible behaviour and that the players' families especially and supporters who are especially fond of a player have to go through hearing foolish people disrespect or lack of information or interest for some spoiling that at a time when the stadium should be the calmest, most reflective, and a time for being it prayer and /or reflection of memories.
Most tickets were already sold when the news came in of his passing. However the minutes appreciation/ cheering for their life is better as it drowns out any accidental / intentional disrespect.
Post by: wittonwarrior on March 03, 2024, 11:36:01 AM
Post by: Risso on March 03, 2024, 11:37:05 AM