Chris Nicholl celebrates his 68th birthday today.

With a record of being instantly promoted with every team he’d signed for, he joined Saints in 1977 and immediately helped them back into the top flight.

During his 268 game career at The Dell, he scored nine goals.

The Northern Ireland international is not just noted for his playing days at Saints – after a spell at Grimsby he succeeded Lawrie McMenemy as Saints manager in 1985, a post he held for six seasons.

Although lacking experience, he brought through exciting youth players such as Alan Shearer, Matt Le Tissier and Rod Wallace into the first team.

He currently manages charity side Aston Villa Old Stars.