The Battle Goes on For Paul McGrath

[villajk]

What a very sad read.

I sincerely hope Paul manages to sort himself out but after so many attempts I don't hold out much hope.

Good Luck Paul.

[rjp]

You can pick up his book for about £7 now.  Having got it about 9 months ago I can definitely recommend it to anyone who hasn't read it.  It's a really interesting read and there's a fair bit of Villa in it too.

I also hate that song other than the first original verse, I just refuse to join in on the rest.  As someone once said to me 'you can't control the actions of other people, you can only set a good example for them to follow'.

[Clampy]

A sad read. Anyone who has also read the book will probably wonder how's he's still alive today. I hope he pulls himself through it.

As for the song, i honestly don't think it ever set out to offend. I think it started out with the good intention of honouring him, but like it's been suggested, changing the words is probably now appropriate.

[hipkiss92]

what about 'off the piss my lord'?

[PeterWithesShin]

I may well be in a minority of one, but having grown up in the environment of an alcoholic, I have zero sympathy for him, but plenty for his family and the effect his lifestyle choice will have had on their lives.

Just because he was the best player i've ever seen wear a Villa shirt, won't suddenly make me change my views on alcoholism.

[KevinGage]

The song has it's origins in those early periods in 1994 when he went 'missing.'

Supporters of other clubs might have given a player who walked out on his club and abandoned his duties merciless abuse, but Paul was always held in high regard and will probably be the best player many Villa fans see wearing C&B in their lifetime.

I'm pretty certain the 'on the piss' reference is as much to do with the state of those singing it as it is McGrath but I would have hoped that the song had died a natural death at this stage. It's dull and the 'empty seats' part in particular leaves us wide open to ridicule from other clubs.

Any internet moral minority attempt to outlaw it will most likely fail, but I wonder if those who sing it would still feel comfortable doing so were he to pass away.

[garyshawsknee]

My thoughts on the song changed after I read the book,I didn't realise what a struggle is life has been and still is. I think we should just sing 'Paul McGrath my lord',as he was and still is the best player who has played for us in my lifetime.

 After he's book was released you kinda hope it helped him with his inner demons,but unfortunately it seems like it hasn't. I hope to God that we dont all wake to read a terrible newspaper headline about his demise.

[PaulWinch again]

Such a shame, good luck to him.

[Matt C]

Didn't want to read that.

Come on Paul.

[PaulMcGrathsNo5Shirt]

Paul McGrath is my footballing hero. I'm honoured to have met on a couple of occassions. I hope he can get through this time of his life for his and his familes sake who have also suffered.
Sadly I fear that won't happen as the bottle means more to him. Tragic.

[cdbearsfan]

Very worrying. Good luck Paul.

[not3bad]

I may well be in a minority of one, but having grown up in the environment of an alcoholic, I have zero sympathy for him, but plenty for his family and the effect his lifestyle choice will have had on their lives.

I also grew up in this environment and yet I do have sympathy.  *shrug*

[Lizz]

Someone should take him to a ward full of people dying from liver failure. I had the misfortune of seeing my aunt end up like that and it's enough to put you off alcohol for life.

I don't believe addiction can be cured that easily, unfortunately. If it could, it would.

[regular_john]

Keep in mind, addiction of any form is often the symptom of a much deeper problem. Nobody goes out and consciously aims to become an alcoholic, it happens as a result of some other issue.

[Quiet Lion]

That was hard to read.

His autobiography paints a picture of a tragic man and he hasn't got a hold of the illness since then. I really wish him all the best