FORMER Saints players and staff have paid tribute to former player and manager Chris Nicholl, who passed away on Sunday.

The news was shared on Facebook by his daughter Cathy Nicholl, who said he had passed away in hospital, aged 77.

Nicholl had fought a long battle with CTE (Chronic traumatic encephalopathy), a brain disorder likely caused by repeated head injuries. 

READ MORE: Former Southampton FC manager and player Chris Nicholl dies

As a player, Nicholl joined Southampton in June of 1977 and went on to make 228 appearances for the club. He later returned to the club in 1985 as manager following Lawrie McMenemy’s resignation.

Alan Shearer, who made his debut for Southampton under Nicholl, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to say: "RIP Chris Nicholl. You believed in me and gave me my chance. Thank you."

Franny Benali also wrote: "Such sad news that my first Southampton manager Chris Nicholl has passed away.

"A man I have so much to be thankful for. Offered me my first pro contract and gave me my first team debut. Many happy memories. RIP Gaffer."

Daily Echo: Saints celebrate their victory over Leeds United in the 1-0 second leg of the League Cup semi-final. Malcolm Waldron and Chris Nicholl. January 31, 1979.Saints celebrate their victory over Leeds United in the 1-0 second leg of the League Cup semi-final. Malcolm Waldron and Chris Nicholl. January 31, 1979. (Image: Echo)

Matt Le Tissier, who also played under Nicholl, said: "The thoughts and prayers of my family go out to the family of my first manager Chris Nicholl who has sadly passed away.

"I’ll always be eternally grateful to Chris for having the faith in me as a 17 year old boy to give me my opportunity to prove I was good enough to be a professional footballer. Gone but never forgotten."

Former Saint Tommy Widdrington, who is now manager of Aldershot Town, wrote: "I heard about this and my heart sank.

"The Boss, the most frightening figure I’ve ever come across, gave me my first contract. Negotiation wasn’t an option. I learnt so much from Chris, stuff I use today! RIP."

Daily Echo: Manager Chris Nicholl unleashes a verbal volley on October 9, 1985.Manager Chris Nicholl unleashes a verbal volley on October 9, 1985. (Image: Newsquest)

Southampton kit man Mark Forbes paid tribute, saying: "A sad weekend. 

"All I can imagine is the Good Lord needed a fantastic midfielder and centre-half. RIP to QPR maestro Stan Bowles and our very own Southampton's Chris Nicholl.

"I had the pleasure of spending time with Chris recently. He had a smile and twinkle in his eye when we spoke."

Neil Maddison, who played over 150 times for Saints between 1988 and 1997, recalled: "So sad to hear Chris Nicholl has passed away. Gave me my debut away to Wimbledon ie the Crazy Gang.

"He was hard as nails but an absolute gentleman. Thoughts go out to his family. Going to miss you Gaffa. RIP."