Express & Star

Former Saddlers manager Chris Nicholl taken to watch game in executive box

A former Saddlers manager who is living with dementia was taken to meet fans and watch a game in the executive box.

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Former Saddlers manager Chris Nicholl with young fans Charlie Shaw and brother Oliver

Chris Nicholl became the manager of Walsall FC early in the 1994-95 season and they were promoted from Division Three as runners-up and quit in May 1997.

He is now living with dementia in an assisted living home and members of the Independent Saddlers Supporters Association decided to lend a hand and transport him to the games.

David Beckett, chairman of the association, said: "It had come to our attention that Chris was in an assisted living accommodation and he wanted to attend the games but they didn't have the staff to take him and sit at the game and take him back.

"So we took him to the Railway Club before the home game against Bradford City on Saturday and he had a meet and greet with fans.

"Then we went down to the stadium and Walsall FC provided a place for him in the executive box then we picked him back up afterwards and took him back.

Chris Nicholl

"It's something we will try and continue in conjunction with the club, he really enjoyed it.

"We try to do a bit to make life a little bit better for him."

On November 22 the association is holding a fundraising event at the Railway Club on Wednesbury Road, with all money going towards a Christmas party at Chris's assisted living accommodation.

Doors open at 7pm and Chris will be recollecting the year Walsall FC were promoted, before an Elvis tribute act will perform followed by a singer.

For more information visit the Independent Saddlers Supporters Association on Facebook.