Independent saddler supporters association
Ref Chris Nicholl update
Firstly. Thank you to all those who have been messaging enquiring about how the gaffer is.
As many off you know. Chris has been staying with his daughter Cathy , down in Southampton whilst awaiting to go into a specialist
Dementia centre, And has been. Enjoying of late. Being visited and taken out by Many of his ex players from his Southampton days. And. Being regularly visited. By our own sir Ray , as well has. Having quality time with his family and grandkids
Sadly after speaking with Cathy. This morning. The gaffers illness has reached. It’s next level. And the time has come. Where. He has to. Go into the next level of care and he will be. Moving into. Said specialist centre. Within the next week
This is the right move for Chris. At this point in time, As he will be in a specialist. Centre, Which will meet all his needs, And although he won’t be able to. Go anywhere unaccompanied , any longer, Friends and family will still be taking him out and about as soon as restrictions have lifted
They are even setting. Him up within the grounds his own. Driving nets, For his golf practice. ( spoilt as ever lol ) But God help the member of staff who accompanies him on his daily walks As there going to be knackered lol
Not going into any details but. As many of. You. Already know. Through personal. Experience. The cost of these homes is astronomical and the quality. And level of care provided in the one the gaffer is going to is top class, so you can imagine the cost
We at Issa are already planning. With the involvement of the gaffers. Family, A. Fun day at the railway club in the summer. ( If restrictions are lifted by then )
The day will involve lots of activities. As well as a football game. Which. Will feature many ex saddlers. And. Some ex international footballers. , And also some older ex saddlers. Who tho. Can no longer play. Will still play a part in the day
Monies raised. Will. Go towards. Paying. an amount towards. The gaffers care. ( it’s the least we can do as a thank you for the memories he provided us with. ) And To. help others within our community Who are also suffering with. This terrible condition
We welcome the input of any saddler fan who wishes to play a part in the day itself. Wether that be by. The way of. Sponsorship of the event or. A small donation of some sort. Or even just the ticket cost. All help will be gratefully recieved
In the meantime. If and when. Restrictions are lifted. There’s a few of us planning to go down and visit the gaffer. And sir Ray ,
And even tho we have been informed. The gaffer may no longer recognise us. It’s still a journey we are intent on making.
He may not remember us. But we. Will never forget that one night in bury
To that end I’m sure every saddler fan will join all of us at Issa. In wishing the. Gaffer nothing but the very best.
Once a saddler always. A saddler. Chris
