Former Aston Villa, Southampton and Northern Ireland star Chris Nicholl has died on the age of 77.
The England-born defender got here by the ranks at Burnley earlier than becoming a member of non-league Witton Albion, Halifax Town, Luton Town and later Grimsby Town – however he’s greatest remembered for his stint at Villa and Southampton – the place he would later handle the latter.
Nicholl made his Northern Ireland debut in 1974 on the age of 28 however would go on to win 51 caps and rating thrice – together with on his debut. He performed all 5 video games for his nation within the 1982 World Cup and received his ultimate cap on his thirty seventh birthday in October 1983.
A press release on Northern Ireland’s Twitter account learn: “We are saddened to study of the passing of Chris Nicholl. He performed 51 occasions for us, together with the 1982 World Cup in Spain. Our ideas are together with his household and buddies right now.”
(Image: Bob Thomas Sports Photography)
Nicholl’s former membership Villa, who he performed 210 occasions for, additionally posted a message of condolence on their official membership platform, studying: “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.”
In a separate submit, alongside a video of him scoring within the 1977 League Cup ultimate and successful the trophy, Villa added: “A two-time promotion and League Cup winner – Chris Nicholl’s achievements in claret and blue will never be forgotten. He was a dominant figure at the heart of the Aston Villa defence for over five seasons, making 252 appearances and scoring 20 goals. Rest in peace, Chris.”
(Image: EMPICS Sport)
The former defender beforehand opened up about his worrying battles with dementia to his former participant Alan Shearer, who he introduced into the Saints squad as a youngster, again within the 2017 BBC documentary ‘Dementia, Football and Me’, the place he revealed he was “brain-damaged from heading balls”.
He added: “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.”