Charity football event launched for Walsall legend Chris Nicholl

The 74-year-old, who also was a League Cup winner with Aston Villa in the 1970s, suffers from dementia and recently moved out of his assisted living in the Black Country to live with family in Southampton.

The legendary former Saddlers manager had a six-year spell as a player with Southampton and is fondly remembered on the south coast.

Now, former Walsall player Wayne Thomas and his Ace Foundation have put together a charity match pitting Midlands legends against Southampton legends.

Nicholl and his family will be in attendance, alongside another Walsall favourite in Ray Graydon.

Several Southampton heroes will make the trip to the Black Country, including Matt Le Tissier, to play against a long list of Midlands legends including Martin O'Connor, Tony Daley and Darren Byfield.

Thomas said: "Ace events are proud to present a football legends game for the patron of our foundation Chris Nicholl.

"The Chris Nicholl Trophy will be hosted at Rushall Olympic and will host lots of stars from the past from Midlands teams and Southampton.

"The Nicholl family, including Chris, are all attending and so is Ray Graydon and his family.

"It will be a brilliant local event that people can enjoy and will raise monies for worthy causes."

The game will be played at Rushall Olympic's ground on Friday June 4 with a 7.30pm kick-off time. The money raised will be divided between the Ace Foundation and Saints Foundation.

Tickets are already on sale and have been popular among fans. The venue will have 50 per cent capacity and Covid restrictions.

Supporters can buy tickets by visiting: www.list.co.uk/event/1648015-chris-nicholl-trophy.