Chris Nicholl RIP

[Paul.S]

Terribly sad news. A true Villa legend and a genuinely lovely man. I really hope we give him the send off he deserves.

[darren woolley]

Really sad news RIP Legend.

[Grande Pablo]

Lovely guy.  When our kids were young we used to use the Toby Carvery on Walsall Broadway on a Friday night as a 'treat' into the weekend, as the outlaws had the kids in the week just around the corner.

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.

[john e]

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

[simon ward 50]

HEITS

[dave.woodhall]

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.

[maidstonevillain]

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/

[PGW]

It looks from comments here how highly thought of Chris was. A fine player and as already mentioned one of the few Villa captains to lift silverware.
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.

[Somniloquism]

Wasn't he featured on the BBC programme about players and dementia?

[Villan For Life]

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.

[Mister E]

Another rock who was instrumental in our 70s march to greatness. RIP

That captures my thoughts exactly.
RIP.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

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.”

[The Moose]

As others have said, Chris was part of that magnificent mid 70s team, so many lasting memories. Only met him once, had a couple of complimentary tickets off him at Hull City!
RIP Chris

[martin o`who??]

I remember when players being called up for their country was still a source of pride for fans and reading of him scoring on his debut for Northern Ireland and being so pleased for him - but Old Trafford was just something else. Thanks Chris, you were a bloody nugget mate.

[JD]

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.