Northern Ireland’s 1982 World Cup hero Chris Nicholl dies at 77

Chris Nicholl (back left) with the Northern Ireland team before the famous 1-0 victory over Spain in 1982

Chris Nicholl, a key member of Northern Ireland’s famous 1982 World Cup team, has died at the age of 77.

Defender Nicholl won 51 caps for his country, scoring three goals. He produced a world class display in Northern Ireland’s famous 1-0 win over host nation Spain at the 1982 World Cup, a result that went down in football folklore.

He also served as assistant manager of the national team during Lawrie McMenemy’s reign between 1998 and 2000.

The Nicholl family stated that they believe his time as a footballer contributed to his death.

His daughter Cathy Nicholl said: “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.”

1Scotland striker Kenny Dalglish (right) is kept in check by Chris Nicholl. (Photo by SNS Group via Getty Images)

Nicholl started his career at Burnley, before playing for Witton Albion, Halifax Town and Luton Town.

He joined Division One club Aston Villa in 1972, playing over 200 league games in a five-year stint. He captained the side to victory over Everton in the 1976/77 League Cup after two final replays. Nicholl scored a 35-yard dipping shot in the second replay.

He signed for Southampton in June 1977, where he played 228 league appearances in six years before rounding off his playing career with a season at Grimsby Town.

He was appointed Southampton manager in 1985, spending six seasons in The Dell hotseat. He gave first