Post by: BC Villain on July 20, 2020, 06:15:58 PM
https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/walsall-fc/2020/07/20/fundraiser-launched-after-chris-nicholls-tracker-watch-stolen/
Post by: Allan C on July 20, 2020, 06:56:51 PM
Post by: brentastonb6 on July 20, 2020, 10:38:07 PM
Just thinking back to his goal in the 1977 League Cup Final , second replay , was sufficient for me to contribute.
Well done Saddlers for organising this .
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 21, 2020, 01:30:42 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on July 21, 2020, 06:31:08 AM
When I explained that I knew who he was because I am a Villa fan his words were, “ well your parents bought you up the right way son “
Glad to see people are still donating, hopefully they can find some ways to help Chris with the extra money.
Be good if we could all chip in.
Post by: darren woolley on July 21, 2020, 10:32:55 AM
Post by: tomd2103 on July 21, 2020, 09:26:22 PM
Very sad news why do these scumbags do it I hope Karma as her revenge on those lowlife scum.
Having come across him a few years ago during his time as a manager, I would have liked to see those scrotes try that with him back then. Really nice guy but one of the most intimidating people I have met when it came to football.
Post by: Legion on July 21, 2020, 10:16:36 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 22, 2020, 12:16:53 AM
Post by: in exile on July 22, 2020, 09:32:17 AM
Chris Nicholl and Ian Ross made a big fuss of us and took time after training to introduce the other players to us for autographs and pictures. I still have a film undeveloped somewhere.
Chris was a real gentleman and I will never forget him for what he did.
It is a great shame that he is suffering and that he went through this horrible ordeal.
I wish him nothing but the best.
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on July 24, 2020, 07:20:33 PM
So sad - I believe his immediate family live in Hampshire - I hope the PFA and ex clubs are looking out for him
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 24, 2020, 07:25:13 PM
Update - someone very close to me met with Chris today - they went for coffee together - Chris ok and safe but his short term memory is much impaired - he was shown pictures of Andy Gray, John Deehan and asked for prompts/hints so he could remember/ identify them
So sad - I believe his immediate family live in Hampshire - I hope the PFA and ex clubs are looking out for him
To their total credit it seems he can't leave the house without Walsall supporters tracking him.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 24, 2020, 11:59:47 PM
Post by: Legion on July 25, 2020, 12:12:48 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on July 25, 2020, 06:18:57 AM
From what i've seen Walsall fans have been fantastic with him.That’s so good to know, very well done them.
Post by: brian green on July 25, 2020, 07:50:45 AM
Post by: Legion on September 27, 2020, 05:05:50 PM
Quote
Independent saddlers supporters association
Ref Chris Nicholl,
It is with sadness that we announce with the full permission of the Nicholl family to do so
that Chris Nicholl has had to leave the Walsall area , and is now residing. Back in Southampton short term with his immediate family ,
This follows an incident on Thursday, which. Saw Chris. Suffer a particularly nasty. Incident due to his illness Finally getting the better of him and putting him in a very vulnerable position
( please do not ask for details as they will not be disclosed )
The family of Chris have sorted a more suitable. Level of care for him, That even tho secure, Will see him still be able to play his golf, It slo has its own leisure facilities, a cinema. And even a built in pub lol. , Everything Chris could ever require whilst in a fully safe and secure. Place, It's actually like a quality hotel. So as said. A brilliant place for Chris
During the time. Issa. And the wider. Wfc fan base where looking out for and assisting Chris. Special bonds where formed. And both me. The Mrs Jane. And Dave josebury are greatly . Upset at him having to leave. Walsall, but fully understand the. Need for it being right for Chris, as his illness has took another step, and the current facility no longer met his needs
No matter how many journeys me Jane. And Dave josebury. Made to rescue him. ( and there where many lol ) No matter how many meals we supplied for him or the hours sat. Watching the golf and football. Or taking. Him to meet fans who adored him , it would never repay that night he gave us in bury, and he went from a guy who was hero worshiped to a truly special freind,
He never lost that quick witted banter, and it was a pleasure to be in his company And. Even tho he's now returned to his. Family he will never be forgotten in Walsall
From all involved with the independent saddlers supporters association, we wish you nothing but the. Best. Gaffer, and we will be down to visit you as often as possible , you won't get rid of us that easily big man
I'm sure every saddler echoes. Our thoughts and we thank each and everyone of you. Who ever contacted us to alert us at times Chris was lost and confused and to the many. Who gave him lifts home You Also played your part and should be proud of your input to looking. Out for a Walsall legend
I'm going to thank a few now. who also helped Issa out. Whilst looking out for the gaffer, they never courted publicity but it ,s only right they get credit for there actions And these are ex players of Walsall FC. So at the Risk of embarrassing them here goes.
A massive thank you to. Skip. Martin oconor , Darren wrack, Chris marsh, Stuart Ryder. Wayne Thomas, Kev Wilson, Jimmy walker. Scott houghton. You all stepped up when asked. And this is why you will always be legends. Of Walsall. FC
We must also thank all involved with Walsall football club who also. Played there part enduring whilst slowed. Before. Behind closed door games took place always ensured. Chris was looked after on match days
Special thank you to Dave josebury who also had a special bond with Chris. And spent many hours with him. And to my Mrs Jane who drove. To collect Chris on many occasions and became his. Chief cook and taxi driver lol, And last but not least Micky Evans. Who dropped everything on Thursday and took Chris home to Southampton on Thursday. When Chris was at a particular bad place with his illness , And also Paul cooper who also provided. Many an emergency lift.
So gaffer from all, of us we wish you nothing but the best and hope your new place improves your golf handicap lol ( just dont let that wacka beat you lol
We will never forget you. And thank you for. That unforgettable night in bury it will never be forgotten. Either
Post by: four fornicholl on September 27, 2020, 05:17:44 PM
Post by: Villan For Life on September 27, 2020, 05:23:32 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 27, 2020, 05:30:52 PM
I started going down the villa as a kid in the early 80s so a few short years after the Nicholl era, but watched plenty of videos of him and that team over the years. Also had the pleasure of seeing him speak along with Gary Shaw and Tony Morley at a fans doo at a tennis club in Boldmere, 3 or so years ago, around our first year after relegation. Although his memory was obviously slipping a bit, he was really funny, told some great anecdotes and happily purring about that league cup final goal against Everton.
All the best to him in his new surroundings.
Post by: dave shelley on September 27, 2020, 06:48:41 PM
Post by: colin69 on September 27, 2020, 07:13:57 PM
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 27, 2020, 07:47:51 PM
Post by: Steve kirk on September 27, 2020, 07:50:28 PM
Post by: Hookeysmith on September 28, 2020, 12:32:41 PM
I was there in 77 with my Dad behind the goal (on the other side though) when the exorcet was launched.
A gentle man and a gentleman. Hope he suffers no more with a hideous disease
Post by: in exile on September 29, 2020, 11:38:55 AM
If ever the PFA needed a reason to support older players its stories like this.Fully agree with everything in this post.
I was there in 77 with my Dad behind the goal (on the other side though) when the exorcet was launched.
A gentle man and a gentleman. Hope he suffers no more with a hideous disease
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 29, 2020, 11:52:53 AM
Have the villa helped him our do you think? Is it all through the FPA?
Sadly, I think that helping former players is now lower down the list of priorities for the Villa than it has been for a long time.
Post by: in exile on September 29, 2020, 12:24:29 PM
Post by: Legion on January 07, 2021, 11:18:16 PM
Post by: Louzie0 on January 07, 2021, 11:31:45 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 08, 2021, 07:37:34 AM
Post by: Moonraker on January 08, 2021, 10:18:24 AM
Post by: nigel on January 08, 2021, 04:32:10 PM
I shook his hand and mentioned’That Goal’ in ‘77
“ I was there, Chris, I will always remember that goal”
“I remember you” he replied “I was actually aiming at you to line up my shot” 😂
Post by: tomd2103 on June 04, 2021, 02:32:33 PM
Details below:
https://stayhappening.com/e/ace-foundation-chris-nicholl-trophy-E2ISTM32FP4
Post by: ROBBO on June 04, 2021, 09:54:36 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on June 04, 2021, 11:55:14 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/QnzZkNN/Screenshot-20210604-234207.png) (https://ibb.co/QnzZkNN)
Nice shot taken from the game tonight.
Post by: dcdavecollett on June 05, 2021, 01:43:21 AM
Though often referred to as 'Big Chris Nicholl' in the media, he wasn't massively tall but the real spring in his legs enabled him to tower over his opponents.
A mighty header of a football!
Post by: Percy McCarthy on June 05, 2021, 08:11:49 AM
Post by: Damo70 on June 05, 2021, 11:41:57 AM
He used to play tennis at David Lloyd in Great Barr years ago. Very tidy player. I "warmed up" with him once, hitting a few shots while he was waiting for his partner. I don't think he was that warm by the end but I was knackered. Top bloke and always said "hello" after that when I saw him. I probably stuck in his mind as the worst player he ever faced...
I seem to recall Chris Nicholl was fairly well seeded on the veterans tennis circuit at one point.
Post by: Bad English on June 05, 2021, 11:55:37 AM
Post by: Dave P on June 05, 2021, 11:58:02 AM
Post by: pooligan on June 05, 2021, 01:43:05 PM
Post by: dcdavecollett on June 06, 2021, 01:28:08 AM
We were watching Villa v Derby reserves at George's Park and he needed to get past us for some reason.
"I'm SO sorry to disturb you, but I wondered if I could just sneak past you?"
Post by: eamonn on June 06, 2021, 01:38:10 AM
Good to see Deano with Chris. Heritage is so important.
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 30, 2021, 10:19:24 AM
Dean said he loves one nil wins .
And then went on to say his old assistant manager Nicol would love a one nil victory
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 30, 2021, 10:35:54 AM
Always remember that absolute thunderbolt LCF replay goal, and the 2-2 thing.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 30, 2021, 11:32:25 AM
Always remember that absolute thunderbolt LCF replay goal, and the 2-2 thing.
Both 70s memories of mine too. I believe I saw him at the Saints v Wolves game on Sunday looking pretty well all things considered.
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 30, 2021, 11:43:44 AM
I used to love CN when I was a kid.That was the only time I saw a Villa win at Old Trafford.
Always remember that absolute thunderbolt LCF replay goal, and the 2-2 thing.
Post by: dave shelley on September 30, 2021, 12:50:50 PM
Post by: wittonwarrior on September 30, 2021, 05:45:27 PM
The other thing that sticks in mind was his reception he got when he returned with Southampton