Chris Nicholl RIP

[Three Spires Villa]

I had the great pleasure of meeting him, and I asked him about that goal, I said to him my old fella said you were on the half way line, son, he said I was in the car park when I hit it 😆

[N'ZMAV]

HEITS

[Legion]

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.

Charlie was my manager as well! Chris was in charge of the opposition. We lost 2-3. Both were absolute gentlemen.

[Flamingo Lane]

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.

[dave shelley]

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.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

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

[Steve kirk]

Very sad news, Chris Nicholl was an integral part of Villa’s fight back and eventual return to the top flight, I was at the Leicester game and his 4 goals plus at Old Trafford for the wonder goal and his lovely expression after he scored, he was a great centre back, superb in the air, a leader who gave everything for the team
RIP Chris

[Abbeyfealeavfc]

RIP Chris and condolences to the family and friends.

[Baldy]

RIP Chris and thanks for the memories.

[not3bad]

A great captain for Aston Villa during the late 1970s.one of our truly golden periods. And a great goal in the 1977 cup final. Rest in Peace Chris and God Bless you, one of my earliest Aston Villa heroes.

[Witton Warrior]

Oh man. Was there at OT and will never forget "that" shot. Thank you for all the fun in the 70's Big Chris

[Villa Lew]

Very sad news, will never forget that night at Old Trafford, a great Villa man.

RIP Chris

[astonvilla82]

Had a lovely mention on BBC Northern Ireland news, showing the goal against Everton at Old Trafford, forgot he played for Northern Ireland

[Tokyo Sexwhale]

RIP Chris

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.

[simboy]

Chris Nicholl was the first centre half I could name at the Villa, watching  him through the promotions from 3rd division to 2nd and then the first Saunders team. I still reckon that 76/77 team was the best team I ever saw play at Villa Park and he was an integral part.

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.