Chris Nicholl: former Northern Ireland defender has died aged 77
Former Northern Ireland defender Chris Nicholl has died at the age of 77.
He had been been living with dementia, specifically chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which he attributed to brain damage caused by repeatedly heading balls over his lengthy career.
His passing was confirmed in a family statement on his daughter Cathy’s Facebook account.
Nicholl made his international debut in 1974 and won 51 caps for Northern Ireland.
The defender was part of the Northern Ireland team which reached the World Cup finals in 1982.
Born in England, Nicholl played for Burnley, Aston Villa, where he won two League Cup winning medals and Southampton where he made 228 appearances.
He also managed Southampton, between 1985 and 1991 - taking over from former Northern Ireland manager Lawrie McMenemy.