25 February 2024 , 19:21
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Ex- Aston Villa and Southampton star Chris Nicholl has died at the age of 77.
His daughter Cathy confirmed his passing in an emotional post on social media. She wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that we write this. Chris Nicholl (our dad) sadly passed away peacefully on Saturday evening in hospital.
“He fought a very long battle with CTE, caused by his dedication to football. Words can't describe how much we'll miss him. No funeral arrangements have made yet. He’s made his final transfer.”
"We are saddened to learn of the passing of Chris Nicholl," the Irish Football Association wrote in tribute. "He played 51 times for us, including the 1982 World Cup in Spain. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."
Aston Villa also had some kind words. They wrote: "Aston Villa is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Chris Nicholl, who has died at the age of 77. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Chris' family and friends at this difficult time."
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Nicholl began his career with Burnley before going on to represent Halifax Town and Luton. He then moved to Aston Villa in 1972 and went on to play over 200 games for the side. As a Villan, he twice won the League Cup, while he also reached the final of the competition with his next employers Southampton.
The former defender would stay with the Saints for six years until 1983 before rounding off his career with Grimsby Town. Nicholl was also a 51-time Northern Irish international and played for the side at the 1982 World Cup.
Chris Nicoll represented the Northern Ireland side at the 1982 World Cup (Getty Images)
Chris Nicholl during his time with Aston Villa (Getty Images)Share your tributes to Chris Nicholl using the comments section below
After hanging up his boots, Nicholl would return to Southampton as manager. He was wildly hailed as bringing players such as Matt Le Tissier, Alan Shearer and Tim Flowers into the side.
Following his time with Southampton, he also had a stint with Walsall ahead of a spell as Northern Ireland's assistant manager under Lawrie McMenemy. Nicholl's family believe that his time as a footballer contributed to his death.
In a 2017 BBC documentary, he revealed to Shearer: "My memory is in trouble. Everyone forgets regular things, where your keys are. But when you forget where you live, that's different. I've had that for the last four or five years, it is definitely getting worse. It bothers me."
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