Chris Nicholl dead at 77: Tributes pour in after ex-Northern Ireland, Southampton and Aston Villa star passes away
- Aston Villa and Southampton icon Chris Nicholl has died aged 77
- Nicholl also played for Northern Ireland in the 1982 World Cup final
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Former Northern Ireland and Aston Villa defender Chris Nicholl has died aged 77.
Nicholl played for Villa, Southampton, Halifax Town, Luton Town and Grimsby Town in a celebrated career at some of England’s top clubs.
Born in Wilmslow, Nicholl chose to represent Northern Ireland at international level and went on to make 51 appearances for his country after making his debut in 1974.
The 77-year-old went on to enjoy a celebrated 19-year career in professional football and was part of the team that reached the World Cup final with Northern Ireland in 1982.
Nicholl is best remembered for his spells at Villa and Southampton, with careers at both clubs seeing him make over 200 appearances for both clubs.
Former Northern Ireland and Aston Villa defender Chris Nicholl has died aged 77
Nicholl is best remembered for his spells at Villa and Southampton, with careers at both clubs seeing him make over 200 appearances for both clubs.
The experienced professional later built a successful management career after retiring from playing.
Nicholl began his coaching spell at Southampton between 1985 and 1991 before moving to Walsall where he spent three years at the club.
He later joined the Northern Ireland team as an assistant manager from 1998 to 2000.
Nicholl later built a successful management career after retiring from playing
Nicholl later revealed that he suffered from dementia as a result of his time in football, which involved heading heavier balls than are used in the modern game.
Aston Villa posted a heartfelt tribute in the news of his passing, stating: ‘(We are) deeply saddened by the passing of former player Chris Nicholl, who has passed away at the age of 77.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Chris’ family and friends at this difficult time.
‘A gritty, uncompromising centre-half, he was powerful in the air and had excellent positional sense. He was a dominant figure at the heart of Villa’s defense for over five seasons.’