Chris Nicholl RIP

[Kevin Dawson]

Really sad news. Along with Ray Graydon, he was my first Villa hero. I can still remember being about 6 or 7, playing football in the playground, and pretending to be Chris Nicholl, as well as commentating whilst I was playing. I fell over and scraped my knee, and went off saying, 'Chris Nicholl, goes off for treatment, what a game he's had'. I was lucky enough to meet him a couple of times. What a man, what a player. I was also at Old Trafford when he scored that goal. RIP Skipper.

[Virgil Caine]

I am aware that some of us are of a certain age but it is depressing seeing all your old football heroes pass away. I was at Old Trafford when Chris slammed that one into the net and it seems like yesterday. RIP Chris,  a professional footballer in every sense.

[Hookeysmith]

Pure gentleman and a great servant

Pleased that I am old enough to have seen him play

[Richard E]

There’s a tribute on Pravda now.

[maidstonevillain]

There’s a tribute on Pravda now.

But not Southampton or Walsall yet.

[Legion]

Former NI and Saints defender Nicholl dies at 77 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68395058

[amfy]

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!

[steamer]

Very sad
Was at the ,4 goals for Chris game and will never forget, that belter in the net.
Condolences to his family.

[JD]

Very sad news. Loved Chris Nicholl a wonderful player for Villa. Condolences to his family. RIP big man. 

[manic-road]

Sad news, another Villa legend gone.

[Villan For Life]

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

[Scratchins]

Sad news but happy memories of a great Villa hero. I was at the 2-2 and That goal at Old Trafford is still clear in my mind’s eye. Like others, I found him to be a lovely man on the few times that I was lucky enough to meet him.
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

[rob_bridge]

Very sad -day. Rest easy Big Man. My Dad and Cousin met him at 140 year anniversary.

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.

[FrankyH]

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





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.

[144 Hard Boiled Eggs]

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.