Chris Nicholl

[ChicagoLion]

I am sure there was another thread on here on this subject.

[Moonraker]

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...

[nigel]

Met Chris in the Holte suite after a game.
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” 😂

[tomd2103]

For anyone at a loose end tonight, there is a match tonight for him at Rushall Olympic.  Combined Midlands XI v Southampton XI. 

Details below:
https://stayhappening.com/e/ace-foundation-chris-nicholl-trophy-E2ISTM32FP4

[ROBBO]

I remember him well as Mr reliable in defence, for those that are not old enough to remember, the old leather footballs were a health hazard especially for players like myself who's main claim was being good in the air. The balls during winter were like canonballs whenever there was frost around, and heavy when wet, but you were still expected to attack the ball. Ofter wondered whether that has had an effect on the health of some of the older players. I am happy he is in a good place now, just wish all those suffering were able to be as well looked after.

[tomd2103]

Nice shot taken from the game tonight.

[dcdavecollett]

Marvellous centre-half, Chris.

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!

[Percy McCarthy]

Loved him playing for us. Took quite a while for Ken McNaught to convince many of us that he was an adequate replacement.

[Damo70]

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.

[Bad English]

Wasn't that Chris Evert?

[Dave P]

I remember when I was a young teenager in the mid 90s and I’d go and watch the reserves at Bescot. I was a keen autograph hunter and there was always random managers knocking about watching those games. Most would sign but Chris Nicholl actually took me aback when he started chatting to me. I was a bit starstruck as I knew he’s scored a goal in a cup final for us. It’s amazing how things like that stick with you. The late Ray Wilkins was another one who took the time to chat.

[pooligan]

Chris Nicholl ,one of my favourite Villa players of all time. Smashing bloke, i use to see him quite often in the Whitehouse Common of Sutton and he always had time for a chat . I  can picture the first time i set eyes on him in a Villa shirt It was at Rotherham on his debut and as he ran on to the pitch he looked like he was seven foot tall

[dcdavecollett]

Ray Wilkins was remarkably courteous.

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?"

[eamonn]

Poor aul Ray. Had his demons.

Good to see Deano with Chris. Heritage is so important.

[Footy-Vill]

Dean Smith referenced CN in his after match Man Utd and the 1-0 win.
Dean said he loves one nil wins .
And then went on to say his old assistant manager Nicol would love a one nil victory