Post by: HertsVilla on September 20, 2013, 03:02:11 PM
For those interested the interview is available to listen here: http://www.newstalk.ie/paul-mcgrath-off-the-ball-roadshow
Post by: Villan For Life on September 20, 2013, 03:09:01 PM
He wasn't the quickest on the pitch but what he lacked in pace he made up for with a wonderful footballing brain and an ability to anticipate what the opposition forwards would do next.
One of the best players that I've seen in a Villa shirt in over 30 years.
Post by: The Man With A Stick on September 20, 2013, 03:09:32 PM
Post by: spk on September 20, 2013, 03:16:52 PM
Post by: Simon Ward on September 20, 2013, 03:29:14 PM
The way he read the game better than anyone else, for me. His knees were shot, but he didn't need to be quick.
As with all great players it is their reading of the game that sets them apart!
Post by: FrankyH on September 20, 2013, 03:56:19 PM
Post by: DrGonzo on September 20, 2013, 07:43:19 PM
Post by: Legion on September 20, 2013, 08:03:31 PM
Post by: PaulMcGrathsNo5Shirt on September 20, 2013, 08:13:12 PM
Having coached a lot of kids, the only analogy I could give was Paul looked like a 16 year old playing against 12 year olds. Head and shoulders he was better than everyone.
Post by: Navin R Johnson on September 20, 2013, 08:25:22 PM
I remember once when he was in his prime with us our defence was all at sixes and sevens, scattered to the four winds (ring a bell?) and the opposition centre forward cruised through and side footed the ball towards our empty net. Paul ghosted out of nowhere and cleared our line. Now this for me is the special bit.
He stood up, looked up at the Holte and smiled at us.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 20, 2013, 08:28:05 PM
Others have summed it up well.
Some are born great, some achieve greatness, some have greatness thrust upon them.
McGrath is all three.
Post by: Legion on September 20, 2013, 08:29:46 PM
Post by: Legion on September 20, 2013, 08:30:24 PM
Post by: olaftab on September 20, 2013, 08:36:54 PM
Post by: silhillvilla on September 20, 2013, 08:44:16 PM
Post by: DrGonzo on September 20, 2013, 11:22:10 PM
Post by: KevinGage on September 21, 2013, 02:10:28 AM
I'm sure I seen him backheel the ball off the goaline at WHL once. Overhead kicks out of his own area and that weird little flick up he used to do that always caught forwards out were commonplace too.
BFR dedcribed it best: It's as if someone had given him the script of the game beforehand.
Post by: rob_bridge on September 21, 2013, 08:21:18 AM
The game in NYC when they beat Italy 1-0 is the finest CB performance I have ever seen. Colossall.
One R Baggio. Well and truely owned.
Post by: rob_bridge on September 21, 2013, 08:23:31 AM
Best Villa Player ever (in my opinion). As H&V wrote when he left 'Better Than All Rest'
Post by: gervilla on September 21, 2013, 09:00:59 AM
Post by: Rimmy Jimmer on September 21, 2013, 09:27:56 AM
Read his books .....they are pretty good too.
Post by: LeeB on September 21, 2013, 10:04:59 AM
Post by: thick_mike on September 21, 2013, 10:16:50 AM
Post by: LeeB on September 21, 2013, 10:28:39 AM
The only other player I have seen live with the same presence on the pitch was Ruud Gullit. He looked like a Dad having a kick around with six year olds.
Spot on with that, Gullit was the only one who's come close.
Post by: TonyD on September 21, 2013, 10:59:57 AM
Post by: Damo70 on September 21, 2013, 11:10:26 AM
The game in NYC when they beat Italy 1-0 is the finest CB performance I have ever seen. Colossall.
I think I am right in saying he picked up some sort of virus or infection in his shoulder just before we beat United in the final and it severely restricted him in that game. It hadn't actually cleared up by the time the World Cup came around so, just like at Wembley, he played against Italy in great discomfort and basically with just one arm.
Post by: richardhubbard on September 21, 2013, 03:05:27 PM
I cannot remember the game but it was he was in 1 on 1 with a striker and he had given the guys 5 yards and the other the player in his pocket within seconds.
The way he read the game was immense and was a very very special talent
Post by: Salsa Party Animal on September 21, 2013, 07:46:57 PM
Post by: Exeter 77 on September 21, 2013, 09:06:04 PM
Full list here (http://www.worldsoccer.com/features/the-greatest-xi-how-the-panel-voted)
Post by: LeeB on September 21, 2013, 09:18:07 PM
There was a poll in an issue of World Soccer this summer which had canvassed the opinion of journalists worldwide on the best team ever. They rated Paul McGrath as the joint fifth best centre-back of all time behind Beckenbauer, Moore, Baresi and Passarella and level with John Charles and Fabio Cannavaro.
Full list here (http://www.worldsoccer.com/features/the-greatest-xi-how-the-panel-voted)
That's the kind of company he belongs in.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 21, 2013, 09:51:37 PM
There was a poll in an issue of World Soccer this summer which had canvassed the opinion of journalists worldwide on the best team ever. They rated Paul McGrath as the joint fifth best centre-back of all time behind Beckenbauer, Moore, Baresi and Passarella and level with John Charles and Fabio Cannavaro.
Full list here (http://www.worldsoccer.com/features/the-greatest-xi-how-the-panel-voted)
That's the kind of company he belongs in.
Spot on and spooky. I did a tribute in the fanzine when he left and wrote that he was as good as Moore, Beckenbauer and Baresi.
Must have been back in the days when I gave a fuck about other teams' players.
Post by: KevinGage on September 21, 2013, 09:56:54 PM
That would be a 34 year old, only half fit McGrath.
Post by: Dave Clark Five on September 21, 2013, 09:57:23 PM
There was nobody in the world better than him whilst he was with us. Nobody.
There was a poll in an issue of World Soccer this summer which had canvassed the opinion of journalists worldwide on the best team ever. They rated Paul McGrath as the joint fifth best centre-back of all time behind Beckenbauer, Moore, Baresi and Passarella and level with John Charles and Fabio Cannavaro.
Full list here (http://www.worldsoccer.com/features/the-greatest-xi-how-the-panel-voted)
That's the kind of company he belongs in.
I said the same to a West Ham fan last night. Bobby Moore could win the ball effortlessly. The forward would then be sidestepped and Moore, with all the time in the world, would put it on a sixpence. It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to watch them.
Post by: rob_bridge on September 21, 2013, 10:12:35 PM
He was good, too good for most if not all. Thankfully he was not too good to play for us. He even made Kevin Moran, Phil Baab, Derek Mountfield, Shaun Teale, Kent Neilson look like good or very good players. He also assisted Ugo and Southgate on their path to being considered very very good Premier League players.
He may be bettered one day at Villa. I hope so but doubt it.
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 21, 2013, 10:53:08 PM
He'd probably been retired 5 years at this point.
Post by: usav on September 21, 2013, 11:54:16 PM
Post by: Leighton on September 22, 2013, 12:18:39 AM
Best ever. By a mile.
Post by: brontebilly on September 22, 2013, 02:01:28 AM
After that game in '94, some of the Italian players were asked who out of the Irish side could play in Serie A. Maldini, Baresi and Baggio all said McGrath.
That would be a 34 year old, only half fit McGrath.
To be fair a young Roy Keane was by far the best midfielder on view that day.
Wasn't a great Irish side apart from those two, Bonner was past it in goal, Staunton on left wing and the non entity Tommy Coyne up front.
Post by: Irish villain on September 22, 2013, 02:12:08 AM
After that game in '94, some of the Italian players were asked who out of the Irish side could play in Serie A. Maldini, Baresi and Baggio all said McGrath.
That would be a 34 year old, only half fit McGrath.
To be fair a young Roy Keane was by far the best midfielder on view that day.
Wasn't a great Irish side apart from those two, Bonner was past it in goal, Staunton on left wing and the non entity Tommy Coyne up front.
Houghton and Townsend were decent. Coyne, Jaysus!
Post by: rob_bridge on September 22, 2013, 08:46:20 AM
After that game in '94, some of the Italian players were asked who out of the Irish side could play in Serie A. Maldini, Baresi and Baggio all said McGrath.
That would be a 34 year old, only half fit McGrath.
To be fair a young Roy Keane was by far the best midfielder on view that day.
Wasn't a great Irish side apart from those two, Bonner was past it in goal, Staunton on left wing and the non entity Tommy Coyne up front.
Houghton and Townsend were decent. Coyne, Jaysus!
Townsend was excellent that day to be fair. Coyne LOL
Post by: thick_mike on September 22, 2013, 10:12:01 AM
Post by: brontebilly on September 22, 2013, 11:29:34 AM
After that game in '94, some of the Italian players were asked who out of the Irish side could play in Serie A. Maldini, Baresi and Baggio all said McGrath.
That would be a 34 year old, only half fit McGrath.
To be fair a young Roy Keane was by far the best midfielder on view that day.
Wasn't a great Irish side apart from those two, Bonner was past it in goal, Staunton on left wing and the non entity Tommy Coyne up front.
Houghton and Townsend were decent. Coyne, Jaysus!
Razor was coming to the end by then. Keane, Sheridan, Townsend was a very strong midfield trio.
4 Villa players started that day, 7 AC Milan players finished the game for the Italians.
McGrath was superb in the 2-0 defeat to Holland in the same tournament, scored a cracking goal too that was disallowed.
Post by: E I Adio on November 24, 2014, 07:11:12 PM
Sort of cheered me up a bit.
Post by: berneboy on November 24, 2014, 07:15:56 PM
I was at the Manor Hospital in Walsall today to see about my dodgy knee. After being shown the results of the CT scan, which included torn cartilages and a snapped cruciate ligament, ...... To emphasis his point he began his next sentence with the words, "Have you ever heard of a player called Paul McGrath?
Sort of cheered me up a bit.
All the very best to you and your knee! My knees are a mess but a recent cartilage op was very successful - I was cleaned up and my knee doesn't give away suddenly any more.
I've heard of him, by the way.
Post by: AGRIPPA on November 24, 2014, 10:55:25 PM
Post by: AGRIPPA on November 24, 2014, 11:00:16 PM
We were spoilt in the mid 90s with likes of Yorke, Atkinson but this guy the best player I ever seen in a villa shirt by miles.Oh for the love of God to remember who that player was.... That's moment is my endearing memory of him.... He looked to have no chance but made the ground and won the ball
I cannot remember the game but it was he was in 1 on 1 with a striker and he had given the guys 5 yards and the other the player in his pocket within seconds.
The way he read the game was immense and was a very very special talent
Post by: dave.woodhall on November 24, 2014, 11:02:41 PM
We were spoilt in the mid 90s with likes of Yorke, Atkinson but this guy the best player I ever seen in a villa shirt by miles.Oh for the love of God to remember who that player was.... That's moment is my endearing memory of him.... He looked to have no chance but made the ground and won the ball
I cannot remember the game but it was he was in 1 on 1 with a striker and he had given the guys 5 yards and the other the player in his pocket within seconds.
The way he read the game was immense and was a very very special talent
There was the one against QPR when he not only made a tackle that was impossible, he also won the ball and played it out. Their supporters applauded.
Post by: AGRIPPA on November 24, 2014, 11:05:54 PM
Dave... Do you recall who the player was? I seem to remember he was a very nippy playerWe were spoilt in the mid 90s with likes of Yorke, Atkinson but this guy the best player I ever seen in a villa shirt by miles.Oh for the love of God to remember who that player was.... That's moment is my endearing memory of him.... He looked to have no chance but made the ground and won the ball
I cannot remember the game but it was he was in 1 on 1 with a striker and he had given the guys 5 yards and the other the player in his pocket within seconds.
The way he read the game was immense and was a very very special talent
There was the one against QPR when he not only made a tackle that was impossible, he also won the ball and played it out. Their supporters applauded.
Post by: Drummond on November 24, 2014, 11:07:29 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on November 24, 2014, 11:09:18 PM
Dave... Do you recall who the player was? I seem to remember he was a very nippy playerWe were spoilt in the mid 90s with likes of Yorke, Atkinson but this guy the best player I ever seen in a villa shirt by miles.Oh for the love of God to remember who that player was.... That's moment is my endearing memory of him.... He looked to have no chance but made the ground and won the ball
I cannot remember the game but it was he was in 1 on 1 with a striker and he had given the guys 5 yards and the other the player in his pocket within seconds.
The way he read the game was immense and was a very very special talent
There was the one against QPR when he not only made a tackle that was impossible, he also won the ball and played it out. Their supporters applauded.
I think it was 1991-92 so it might have been Les Ferdinand.
Post by: AGRIPPA on November 24, 2014, 11:14:03 PM
Cheers... What I would give to see that againDave... Do you recall who the player was? I seem to remember he was a very nippy playerWe were spoilt in the mid 90s with likes of Yorke, Atkinson but this guy the best player I ever seen in a villa shirt by miles.Oh for the love of God to remember who that player was.... That's moment is my endearing memory of him.... He looked to have no chance but made the ground and won the ball
I cannot remember the game but it was he was in 1 on 1 with a striker and he had given the guys 5 yards and the other the player in his pocket within seconds.
The way he read the game was immense and was a very very special talent
There was the one against QPR when he not only made a tackle that was impossible, he also won the ball and played it out. Their supporters applauded.
I think it was 1991-92 so it might have been Les Ferdinand.
Post by: E I Adio on November 25, 2014, 05:08:17 PM
I was at the Manor Hospital in Walsall today to see about my dodgy knee. After being shown the results of the CT scan, which included torn cartilages and a snapped cruciate ligament, ...... To emphasis his point he began his next sentence with the words, "Have you ever heard of a player called Paul McGrath?
Sort of cheered me up a bit.
All the very best to you and your knee! My knees are a mess but a recent cartilage op was very successful - I was cleaned up and my knee doesn't give away suddenly any more.
I've heard of him, by the way.
Thanks, berneboy, nice to hear you had yours fixed.
They've started talking about replacing mine with a bionic one if you could hear them talking about it.
Post by: usav on November 25, 2014, 06:58:58 PM
Post by: Deano's Mullet on November 25, 2014, 07:05:43 PM
Post by: thick_mike on November 25, 2014, 07:11:05 PM
The tragedy is that TV companies keep the goals on file, but never keep great tackles. So much of McGrath's genius is lost.
Post by: aj2k77 on November 25, 2014, 07:12:34 PM
Post by: Villan For Life on November 25, 2014, 07:20:00 PM
God.
Post by: Steve67 on November 25, 2014, 07:25:40 PM
Post by: Legion on November 25, 2014, 07:27:10 PM
Best defender Earth has ever seen. Fantastic player. Not one of the current bunch, Benteke apart, comes anywhere close to being worthy of a shirt after Paul McGrath has worn one. Jeez how we've fallen.
Benteke does not even come close. None of the current squad do.
Post by: Deano's Mullet on November 25, 2014, 07:29:15 PM
I remember the tackle on Les Ferdinand he was through one on one, McGrath was nowhere...then somehow he was sliding in and he put his foot on the ball and stood up in one movement with the ball at his feet. Ferdinand continued running in on goal thinking he still had the ball.
The tragedy is that TV companies keep the goals on file, but never keep great tackles. So much of McGrath's genius is lost.
I remember the 1992-93 game vs QPR at home, Ferdinand was tackled two or three times by McGrath and Teale, still somehow managed to hold onto the ball, go round Spinksy and there was Teale to clear it off the line. McGrath never had a finer partner than Shaun Teale and yes that includes Ehiogu and Southgate.
Post by: Deano's Mullet on November 25, 2014, 07:31:15 PM
Mcgrath header at Forest, think it was under Big Ron, wild celebrations.
the one at home against Forest the same season was better, BFR described him as "coming right out of the clouds" when he scored the winning header. The winner at Forest was vital at that point in the title race and he'd only been named PFA player of the year a day or too before I believe.
Post by: Hookeysmith on November 25, 2014, 08:07:42 PM
Post by: Steve67 on November 25, 2014, 08:18:01 PM
Post by: Legion on November 25, 2014, 08:19:58 PM
What I perhaps should have said is that Benteke is the only one from the current squad worth watching in comparison. Not compared him directly to McGrath. That's just crazy talk!!
Fair enough point.
Post by: barrysleftfoot on November 25, 2014, 08:52:16 PM
2 things about God.....was he quick?........i don't know, i never saw him have to sprint, he was always there.Don't know if he was quick or not, he didn't need to be.
2ndly, his heading.When he headed the ball out it would reach the half way line, every other defender i have ever seen would be happy to get it just out the penalty area.
Magnificent player, and an absolute honour and joy to see such a fine player in a Villa shirt.
Post by: AV82EC on November 25, 2014, 09:27:53 PM
Post by: rob_bridge on November 25, 2014, 09:34:33 PM
There is only one contender for the best ever.
Post by: dave.woodhall on November 26, 2014, 12:56:47 AM
There are many contenders for Villa's second best player.
There is only one contender for the best ever.
Billy Walker.
Post by: newtonsballs on November 26, 2014, 01:09:12 AM
Post by: dave.woodhall on November 26, 2014, 01:11:52 AM
Eric Houghton?
He said Billy Walker was the best, and he'd have known.
Post by: E I Adio on November 26, 2014, 02:02:27 AM
Eric Houghton?
He said Billy Walker was the best, and he'd have known.
So did my dad and he'd have known as well.
Post by: OzVilla on November 26, 2014, 04:45:34 AM
Dave... Do you recall who the player was? I seem to remember he was a very nippy playerWe were spoilt in the mid 90s with likes of Yorke, Atkinson but this guy the best player I ever seen in a villa shirt by miles.Oh for the love of God to remember who that player was.... That's moment is my endearing memory of him.... He looked to have no chance but made the ground and won the ball
I cannot remember the game but it was he was in 1 on 1 with a striker and he had given the guys 5 yards and the other the player in his pocket within seconds.
The way he read the game was immense and was a very very special talent
There was the one against QPR when he not only made a tackle that was impossible, he also won the ball and played it out. Their supporters applauded.
I think it was 1991-92 so it might have been Les Ferdinand.
I remember him giving Ronnie Rosenthal and 5 yard head start at Anfield in 92/93 in a 1-0 win and him taking the ball effortlessly off him and clearing.
That night on MOTD John Motson described it on commentary by saying "Paul McGrath, what a colossus he is". I've never forgot that. I could give countless other examples if I wanted to.
For those younger Villa fans who never saw him play it'd be easy to think we're all over egging this, getting overly nostalgic about a player in a "it was better in my day'' kind of way.
Believe me when I say we're not. A superb player.
Post by: rob_bridge on November 26, 2014, 09:19:37 PM
There are many contenders for Villa's second best player.
There is only one contender for the best ever.
Billy Walker.
This is a Paul McGrath thread.
Post by: dave.woodhall on November 26, 2014, 10:15:03 PM
There are many contenders for Villa's second best player.
There is only one contender for the best ever.
Billy Walker.
This is a Paul McGrath thread.
And we're known for keeping to the subject on here.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on November 26, 2014, 10:18:17 PM
Truly staggering, an absolute masterclass in defending.
Post by: dave shelley on November 26, 2014, 10:28:53 PM
Eric Houghton?
He said Billy Walker was the best, and he'd have known.
So did my dad and he'd have known as well.
So did mine. Always kept telling me each time I got a new hero.
Post by: SteveN on November 27, 2014, 08:41:58 AM
I tend to think of best in position, McGrath certainly the best defender, McParland as the best forward and I'm struggling with a definite choice for midfield - Rioch? Possibly a favourite rather than the best.
Post by: richard moore on November 27, 2014, 08:50:37 AM
Eric Houghton?
He said Billy Walker was the best, and he'd have known.
So did my dad and he'd have known as well.
So did mine. Always kept telling me each time I got a new hero.
So does my dad and my grandad used to say the same as well though I can only just remember him and his house in Erdington, long before Spaghetti Junction and all that appeared
Post by: Dr Butler on November 27, 2014, 12:24:50 PM
Eric Houghton?
He said Billy Walker was the best, and he'd have known.
So did my dad and he'd have known as well.
So did mine. Always kept telling me each time I got a new hero.
So does my dad and my grandad used to say the same as well though I can only just remember him and his house in Erdington, long before Spaghetti Junction and all that appeared
Billy Walker ? maybe...but I feel a bit left out as our Dad said it was Trevor Ford and he was from Stechford (my Dad that is, not Trevor)...:)
UTV
The Doc
Post by: Holte L2 on November 27, 2014, 12:32:42 PM
Makes the hairs stand up on my neck just thinking about him. He bloody loved playing for us too.
Post by: Villafirst on November 27, 2014, 01:32:22 PM
For me the best central defender of all time, for any club.Magnificent defender.
2 things about God.....was he quick?........i don't know, i never saw him have to sprint, he was always there.Don't know if he was quick or not, he didn't need to be.
2ndly, his heading.When he headed the ball out it would reach the half way line, every other defender i have ever seen would be happy to get it just out the penalty area.
Magnificent player, and an absolute honour and joy to see such a fine player in a Villa shirt.
McGrath was very quick over the first 10 yards - vital for a defender against quick forwards.
Post by: CorkVilla on November 27, 2014, 09:34:10 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on November 28, 2014, 01:01:09 AM
Eric Houghton?
He said Billy Walker was the best, and he'd have known.
So did my dad and he'd have known as well.
So did mine. Always kept telling me each time I got a new hero.
So does my dad and my grandad used to say the same as well though I can only just remember him and his house in Erdington, long before Spaghetti Junction and all that appeared
Billy Walker ? maybe...but I feel a bit left out as our Dad said it was Trevor Ford and he was from Stechford (my Dad that is, not Trevor)...:)
UTV
The Doc
My Grandad always used to talk about Trevor Ford and his heading ability.
Post by: Dave on December 09, 2015, 10:05:50 AM
Paul McGrath (http://www.football365.com/news/profile-of-an-icon-paul-mcgrath)
Quote
On November 5, 1989, Paul McGrath played 90 minutes for Aston Villa in a 6-2 league win over Everton. The game was unusual for McGrath in that the central defender played with sweatbands on both wrists.
Few of the 17,637 in Villa Park would have noticed McGrath’s sartorial tweak. Nor too Robert Millward of the Birmingham Mail. ‘Aston Villa produced their own box of fireworks to set Villa Park alight with thoughts of another League championship,’ the Birmingham Post reporter wrote.
In fact, those sweatbands were covering up a series of cuts on McGrath’s wrists, caused by a Stanley knife a few days earlier. “I was in trouble with the club,” McGrath says. “I’m drunk and ashamed, on the edge of my bed, and reaching for the knife. I remember the blood pouring across the floor and the screaming of the nanny looking after our boys.”
Football has a significant problem with the treatment of its players. The ability to kick a ball in a pleasing manner is mistaken for a skin thick enough to protect you from depression and addiction. Most supporters don’t care what occurs in a player’s private life, but woe betide them if it impacts on their ability to perform. So goes the repeated mantra of the comments section: ‘They’ve got so much money, how can they be depressed?’ A reminder, as if it should be needed – mental stability cannot be bought. Players are not robots.
McGrath was a superb footballer, but that should not be his lasting legacy. Instead he is an emphatic reminder of the frailty of sportspeople. Mental illness does not pick and choose its victim according to pre-set criteria; it is an indeterminate beast.
There is no greater tribute to McGrath’s excellence than that his battles with addiction never became apparent to supporters of Manchester United, Aston Villa or Ireland. Yet even that compliment is soaked in pathos. His ability to hide his problems only caused them to fester untreated.
McGrath was a supreme defender. His grace and style made him look out of place, a Premier League-style ball-player in the blood and thunder of the First Division. His ability to read the game allowed him to avoid the physicality and aggression many of his peers relied upon. McGrath’s elegance made him extremely popular among his own supporters, but also opposition players and supporters. He was the footballer’s defender, the perfect antidote to the grit and gruel of English football’s 1980s.
Signing his first professional deal aged 21 at St Patrick’s Athletic in Dublin, a year later McGrath had signed for United and started at Old Trafford in England’s top flight. Perhaps this rapid rise helped to sculpt his addiction. The gentle, quiet Irishman was never comfortable with the trappings of fame.
Having flourished under Ron Atkinson at Old Trafford, winning the FA Cup in 1985 and gaining popularity with supporters, McGrath was eventually shifted out of the club by Alex Ferguson, who had doubts about his persistent knee injuries. The Scot was also trying to break up the club’s drinking culture. By that stage, it had become a way of life for McGrath.
“He was an exceptionally skilful and stylish defender, with marvellous innate athleticism,” Ferguson says. “A man whose abilities stood comparison with those of any central defender in the game.”
If McGrath was appreciated at Old Trafford, he was revered at Villa Park, winning PFA Player of the Year in 1993 and lifting the League Cup twice. Despite his knee problems and personal issues making training between games almost a non-entity, McGrath played 252 times for Villa. His name is still sung.
The summer of 1994 brought McGrath’s most memorable individual performance. With injections to counter the effects of a shoulder injury, the defender could hardly move his upper body as he took to the field in the Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. By the end of the match McGrath had established himself as a national hero in Ireland, shackling Roberto Baggio to ensure a famous clean sheet and World Cup victory.
“For him the word big is appropriate,” Roy Keane recalls. “Known for his poise, his ability on the ball and his unique gift for reading the game, Paul displayed these qualities on that day. One other huge asset was his courage. When the Italians did get sight of the goal, Paul presented a final, insurmountable obstacle.”
While Jack Charlton compares McGrath to Bobby Moore, it is Andy Townsend’s description of his international team mate which most strikes a chord: “Not only was Paul a hero to the Irish nation, he was a hero to every single one of us who played with him on the Ireland team.” McGrath ended his career as Ireland’s most-capped player, and its first black captain.
A glorious on-field reputation forged, McGrath was increasingly operating on the most turbulent of stages, his life becoming broken by addiction. His incredible autobiography, Back from the Brink, remains one of the finest in its genre. It is a tale of a war against his demons, battles lost more often than they were won. This is less a description of a footballer’s life, but the tragic story of a man’s descent into the abyss.
Thankfully, addiction is no longer seen as a failure of character or moral reprehensibility. Instead many use the term ‘disease’. Categorising it as requiring medical treatment is a positive step, moving it under the remit of healthcare.
Yet even ‘disease’ does not sit comfortably. That suggests two things which may not be appropriate. Firstly that treatment is required for remedy, and secondly that treatment will help. Neither are universal truths.
Instead, we should see addiction as a transformation or alteration of the brain. The brain is built to learn behaviour, and changes over time to suit. It is is self-organising, meaning that it develops to accept repetitive behaviour.
This dictates that addiction affects individuals in vastly different ways, roughly according to three factors: development, environment and genetics. It is his here where nurture and nature combined in McGrath to such devastating consequence. He was rendered helpless against alcohol’s grasp.
McGrath’s upbringing was difficult, raised in care homes and orphanages after his mother was forced to give him up at just a few days old. The embarrassment of being a single mother of a multi-racial child in 1950s Ireland persuaded her to leave her family and head for London. Raised in Ireland, McGrath’s early childhood was filled with uncertainty, not love.
As a result McGrath was painfully shy, and puts his initial dependency on alcohol down to that fact. “I was very shy and I needed Dutch courage to help me actually go to parties,” he explained. “I would carry on drinking at the party, so I was always ahead of everyone else. I did it because I lacked confidence and had low self-esteem, maybe because I grew up in an orphanage and also because I felt different as a black fella in Dublin in the 60s, because there weren’t many of us around. The drinking seemed to ease the pressures that I felt.”
In terms of environment, McGrath has the perfect ground for this evil to breed. English football culture in the 1980s was intrinsically linked to alcohol. United’s squad had one of the most notorious in the country, but it was replicated at Liverpool, Everton and Nottingham Forest. Add in the long spells on the sidelines through his knee injuries, and an unfortunate cocktail had been made; almost literally.
“The problem was that myself and Norman Whiteside would be injured for such a length of time,” McGrath recalls. “We’d be in the gym or in the treatment room watching the other lads play and for us it was a case of, “What shall we be doing this afternoon?” Obviously, we could have been laid up in bed recuperating. But we would sort of look at each other and the conversation would develop along the lines of, “No, we can’t. We can’t. We can’t, can we? Ah, go on. Let’s go for one or two.””
The final nail in (mercifully not literal) coffin was McGrath’s own addictive personality, genetics playing a role in his decline. He admits to drinking to excess the first time he tasted alcohol aged 18. “The minute I did it for the first time I felt comfortable,” he says. “I knew then that I had a problem.” That admission hangs in the air.
The anecdotes regarding McGrath’s addiction are numerous and distressing, so we can be satisfied with just one. In an interview with the Guardian in 2006, McGrath recalls filling a pint glass with Domestos. “I drank it in one and went upstairs and waited – for oblivion or death.”
In such extreme circumstances, addiction does not just break the individual, but every personal connection they have formed. McGrath has tried to commit suicide on four occasions, been divorced twice and regularly had to rebuild relationships with his children. “Nothing else matters, even your kids,” he mourned in 2011. He will never be fully recovered. Addiction never quite leaves you.
As the mind wanders, it’s impossible not to think how good McGrath could have been with perfect knees. Yet that pales into the realms of meaningless when you consider his alcohol dependency. His brilliant form for United, Villa and Ireland is the wonderful silver lining to a dark cloud of addiction.
There is a sad irony to McGrath’s lasting reputation. He will forever be known as ‘God’ at Villa Park, but his struggles with mental illness prove him to be as mortal as you or I. No amount of talent, money or fame could change that. If anything, it only made the fall more drawn out and the landing more painful.
Post by: dave shelley on December 09, 2015, 01:02:30 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on December 09, 2015, 01:04:35 PM
I was at that 6-2 match against Everton. It was on my first trip home since we left in 1986. I though we were on the cusp of something good. I saw Gareth Barry for the first time I think, at that match and thought: there's a great player in the making.
He was nine at the time.
Post by: dave shelley on December 09, 2015, 01:07:38 PM
Post by: LeeS on December 09, 2015, 01:20:54 PM
I was at that 6-2 match against Everton. It was on my first trip home since we left in 1986. I though we were on the cusp of something good. I saw Gareth Barry for the first time I think, at that match and thought: there's a great player in the making.
He was nine at the time.
Maybe he was a mascot...
Post by: Chris Jameson on December 09, 2015, 01:56:21 PM
Post by: rob_bridge on December 09, 2015, 02:01:20 PM
I was at that game, don't think there was 20,000 there, it was live on ITV on a Sunday afternoon. I can remember the Holte End asking Keown the score at 6-0.
McGrath played in midfield IIRC. He absolutely slaughtered Norman Whiteside who had moved to Everton (and unable to reverse or slow his decline)
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 09, 2015, 02:02:07 PM
Post by: ClaretAndBlueBlood on December 09, 2015, 03:03:44 PM
I was at that 6-2 match against Everton. It was on my first trip home since we left in 1986. I though we were on the cusp of something good. I saw Gareth Barry for the first time I think, at that match and thought: there's a great player in the making.
He was nine at the time.
always very good for his age though
Post by: peter w on December 09, 2015, 03:23:35 PM
Post by: bob on December 10, 2015, 08:55:12 AM
"SIX?!"
Now look.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 10, 2015, 10:31:16 AM
Post by: rob_bridge on December 10, 2015, 10:52:24 AM
I think his stature was increased because many were genuinely surprised, thrilled, and in awe that someone that good was playing for us. People pick their best XIs all the time but I'd wager he would be the only player everyone would pick not involved in 82.
The other thing was I thought we could get 3 good years out of him. The fact he played 250+ games and carried on at that level was incredible. He was still our best player in one of our best post war teams at the age of 35/6 in 1995-96 season.
Post by: bob on December 10, 2015, 11:39:15 AM
It's hardly like we were scoring 6 on a regular basis. I reckon that was the first six goal haul for us in the league since 1978, then there were the 7 against Wimbledon in '95 and I can't think of another until Derby away. So we've scored six in a league game 5 times in 40 years by my reckoning, if I haven't forgotten one.
er ok thanks cool story bro
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 10, 2015, 11:45:18 AM
Post by: Dave on December 10, 2015, 12:03:04 PM
People pick their best XIs all the time but I'd wager he would be the only player everyone would pick not involved in 82.
I bet there are loads of people who wouldn't pick McGrath or anybody involved in 1982.
Anybody younger than 20 will never have seen any of them play. Much like your 'best XI' might not contain anybody from the first sixty years of our history.
I wouldn't pick anybody from 1982, any more than I might pick John Devey or Harry Hampton.
Post by: godzvilla on December 10, 2015, 12:07:26 PM
Incidentally , we beat Leics City away, only 10 years ago in 2004 , 5 -nil.......Godzvilla!
Post by: Holte L2 on December 10, 2015, 12:32:38 PM
Just to go back a few years, I remember being at Villa Park when we beat Charlton 11-1 ( 1959 ) and Leicester City 8-3 ( 1962 ). 23 goals in 2 games !.
Incidentally , we beat Leics City away, only 10 years ago in 2004 , 5 -nil.......Godzvilla!
We scored 5 past Wimbledon in 1997 as well.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 10, 2015, 12:43:18 PM
I was at that 6-2 match against Everton. It was on my first trip home since we left in 1986. I though we were on the cusp of something good. I saw Gareth Barry for the first time I think, at that match and thought: there's a great player in the making.
I was at that match, too.
My main memories are Ormondroyd playing an absolute blinder out wide, being fucked off that we let Everton score twice, and it being on telly live (which sounds 'yeah, big deal' nowadays but back then it really was).
Post by: Bad English on December 10, 2015, 01:12:25 PM
And of course the 17,637 attendance:
Post by: Clark W Griswold on December 10, 2015, 01:12:51 PM
I was at that 6-2 match against Everton. It was on my first trip home since we left in 1986. I though we were on the cusp of something good. I saw Gareth Barry for the first time I think, at that match and thought: there's a great player in the making.
I was at that match, too.
My main memories are Ormondroyd playing an absolute blinder out wide, being fucked off that we let Everton score twice, and it being on telly live (which sounds 'yeah, big deal' nowadays but back then it really was).
Everton had won the league 18 months earlier, it was phenomenal and remains one of the best games I've been to. Gareth Barry made his debut nearly a decade later though :-)
Post by: Dr Butler on December 10, 2015, 01:17:40 PM
And of course the 17,637 attendance:
you bugger...I have just posted that video in the Villa memories section :)
UTV
The Doc
Post by: Chris Jameson on December 10, 2015, 01:21:38 PM
Just to go back a few years, I remember being at Villa Park when we beat Charlton 11-1 ( 1959 ) and Leicester City 8-3 ( 1962 ). 23 goals in 2 games !.
Incidentally , we beat Leics City away, only 10 years ago in 2004 , 5 -nil.......Godzvilla!
We scored 5 past Wimbledon in 1997 as well.
Didn't we stick seven past them in the nineties as well?
Post by: joe_c on December 10, 2015, 02:31:57 PM
Post by: kieron on December 10, 2015, 06:42:49 PM
You know, that sound a tradesman makes when he's here to tell you your boiler's fucked or your bath's leaking into your kitchen and it's going to cost you your pay cheque to fix it.
I've never had that feeling of confidence in one of our players ever since. He was unique. Simply irreplaceable.
Post by: FrankyH on December 10, 2015, 06:46:55 PM
My overriding feelings/memories of Sir Paul, standing on the Holte as a 14/15/16 year old(ish) lad, was that I'd always exhale with clear degree of calmness when the ball was close to him, rather than inhale with that swift intake of breath.
You know, that sound a tradesman makes when he's here to tell you your boiler's fucked or your bath's leaking into your kitchen and it's going to cost you your pay cheque to fix it.
I've never had that feeling of confidence in one of our players ever since. He was unique. Simply irreplaceable.
This, I think the nearest a player has got to installing that confidence in Villa fans is Laursen , but as you say Macca was unique.
Post by: brontebilly on December 10, 2015, 07:37:31 PM
My overriding feelings/memories of Sir Paul, standing on the Holte as a 14/15/16 year old(ish) lad, was that I'd always exhale with clear degree of calmness when the ball was close to him, rather than inhale with that swift intake of breath.
You know, that sound a tradesman makes when he's here to tell you your boiler's fucked or your bath's leaking into your kitchen and it's going to cost you your pay cheque to fix it.
I've never had that feeling of confidence in one of our players ever since. He was unique. Simply irreplaceable.
This, I think the nearest a player has got to installing that confidence in Villa fans is Laursen , but as you say Macca was unique.
Laursen gave his all for the cause but had nowhere near the class of McGrath. Id argue Southgate and Mellberg to mention two were better defenders than Laursen for us. I seem to remember Laursen getting sold with dummy's a lot, spending a lot of his time on the ground and being a bit last ditch generally.
McGrath, and then Dwight Yorke for me, over the past 25 years watching the club stand out as exceptional past players. Gareth Barry wouldnt be far behind, didnt have the ability of those two but consistently a top player for us over a long time. Young and Benteke of a more recent vintage maybe the next tier down.
you look at the crew we have today and just shake your head
Post by: Dave on December 10, 2015, 07:45:13 PM
Laursen gave his all for the cause but had nowhere near the class of McGrath. Id argue Southgate and Mellberg to mention two were better defenders than Laursen for us. I seem to remember Laursen getting sold with dummy's a lot, spending a lot of his time on the ground and being a bit last ditch generally.Quite right - Laursen was amazing at the last ditch "throw yourself in front of the ball" type defending, but the best defenders should never be in a position to need to do that.
McGrath (and others cut from the same cloth - Baresi, Maldini, Cannavaro) hardly ever needed to throw themselves anywhere because they'd calmly taken possession of the ball five seconds earlier.
Post by: peter w on December 10, 2015, 08:32:54 PM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on December 10, 2015, 08:37:15 PM
Laursen gave his all for the cause but had nowhere near the class of McGrath. Id argue Southgate and Mellberg to mention two were better defenders than Laursen for us. I seem to remember Laursen getting sold with dummy's a lot, spending a lot of his time on the ground and being a bit last ditch generally.Quite right - Laursen was amazing at the last ditch "throw yourself in front of the ball" type defending, but the best defenders should never be in a position to need to do that.
McGrath (and others cut from the same cloth - Baresi, Maldini, Cannavaro) hardly ever needed to throw themselves anywhere because they'd calmly taken possession of the ball five seconds earlier.
I vaguely recall an England game yonks back. Bulgaria or Romania, can't remember if it was Hagi or Stoichkov that Southgate kept in his pocket. One tackle he made in the game. His partner, the king of the last-ditch, Sol Campbell, made something like 16. The reason why it's (sort of) stuck in my mind all these years was the following day's press reports, which gave Campbell MotM, whilst our Gareth's contribution earned him a score of about 4 out of 10. It was a moment in time which summed up for me what the general British attitude was, and still is, towards how a centre-half should be. I used to love the Italian on Channel 4, along with watching the great man around that time, and to see the likes of McGrath and Baresi plying their trade, well, it was art.
Post by: eamonn on December 10, 2015, 10:11:13 PM
Post by: rob_bridge on December 11, 2015, 08:28:39 AM
The English fans and press almost to a man doted on JT as he threw himself in front of the ball - usually because of his piss poor positional play. He ain't good enough to wipe McGrath's arse.
Post by: dave shelley on December 11, 2015, 09:10:47 AM
Post by: john e on December 11, 2015, 09:19:17 AM
that's the memory of McGrath for me the hundreds of occasions when I just thought 'how did he do that'
Post by: rob_bridge on December 11, 2015, 09:47:30 AM
I honestly can't think of (m)any since other than Maldini when he moved from LB.
Post by: Chris Jameson on December 11, 2015, 12:33:08 PM
Post by: KevinGage on December 11, 2015, 12:58:37 PM
Laursen gave his all for the cause but had nowhere near the class of McGrath. Id argue Southgate and Mellberg to mention two were better defenders than Laursen for us. I seem to remember Laursen getting sold with dummy's a lot, spending a lot of his time on the ground and being a bit last ditch generally.Quite right - Laursen was amazing at the last ditch "throw yourself in front of the ball" type defending, but the best defenders should never be in a position to need to do that.
McGrath (and others cut from the same cloth - Baresi, Maldini, Cannavaro) hardly ever needed to throw themselves anywhere because they'd calmly taken possession of the ball five seconds earlier.
I vaguely recall an England game yonks back. Bulgaria or Romania, can't remember if it was Hagi or Stoichkov that Southgate kept in his pocket. One tackle he made in the game. His partner, the king of the last-ditch, Sol Campbell, made something like 16. The reason why it's (sort of) stuck in my mind all these years was the following day's press reports, which gave Campbell MotM, whilst our Gareth's contribution earned him a score of about 4 out of 10. It was a moment in time which summed up for me what the general British attitude was, and still is, towards how a centre-half should be. I used to love the Italian on Channel 4, along with watching the great man around that time, and to see the likes of McGrath and Baresi plying their trade, well, it was art.
I think you've touched on something there with Southgate.
He wasn't great in the air, particularly strong or blessed with a turn of pace.
But he read the game pretty well.
Which is why talking about McGrath reading the game well undersells him. He did that, and somehow managed to make it all look as easy as a beach kickabout.
I've seen lack of pace mentioned a few times too. It would be easy to think he had little>no pace because of his knee. But I remember more than one occasion when he needed to hit the afterburners and could do it.
I even recall a mad dart up the wing against Forest away when he crossed for us to score. He had pace when required. He just didn't have to rely on it.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on December 11, 2015, 01:04:54 PM
Maybe I'm biased but aside from Baresi as a centre half at the time late 80's - mid 90's I can't think of a Central Defender his equal.
I honestly can't think of (m)any since other than Maldini when he moved from LB.
It's been said before, but it's always worth repeating.
The best player, in the world, in his position, at that time, and he was playing for the Villa.
Fuck yeah.
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on December 11, 2015, 01:05:29 PM
I've keep thinking of that moment too KG, whenever anyone mentions his lack of pace.Laursen gave his all for the cause but had nowhere near the class of McGrath. Id argue Southgate and Mellberg to mention two were better defenders than Laursen for us. I seem to remember Laursen getting sold with dummy's a lot, spending a lot of his time on the ground and being a bit last ditch generally.Quite right - Laursen was amazing at the last ditch "throw yourself in front of the ball" type defending, but the best defenders should never be in a position to need to do that.
McGrath (and others cut from the same cloth - Baresi, Maldini, Cannavaro) hardly ever needed to throw themselves anywhere because they'd calmly taken possession of the ball five seconds earlier.
I vaguely recall an England game yonks back. Bulgaria or Romania, can't remember if it was Hagi or Stoichkov that Southgate kept in his pocket. One tackle he made in the game. His partner, the king of the last-ditch, Sol Campbell, made something like 16. The reason why it's (sort of) stuck in my mind all these years was the following day's press reports, which gave Campbell MotM, whilst our Gareth's contribution earned him a score of about 4 out of 10. It was a moment in time which summed up for me what the general British attitude was, and still is, towards how a centre-half should be. I used to love the Italian on Channel 4, along with watching the great man around that time, and to see the likes of McGrath and Baresi plying their trade, well, it was art.
I think you've touched on something there with Southgate.
He wasn't great in the air, particularly strong or blessed with a turn of pace.
But he read the game pretty well.
Which is why talking about McGrath reading the game well undersells him. He did that, and somehow managed to make it all look as easy as a beach kickabout.
I've seen lack of pace mentioned a few times too. It would be easy to think he had little>no pace because of his knee. But I remember more than one occasion when he needed to hit the afterburners and could do it.
I even recall a mad dart up the wing against Forest away when he crossed for us to score. He had pace when required. He just didn't have to rely on it.
He didn't need it very often but could bomb it over 10 yards when required.
Post by: Holte L2 on December 11, 2015, 01:09:52 PM
Just to go back a few years, I remember being at Villa Park when we beat Charlton 11-1 ( 1959 ) and Leicester City 8-3 ( 1962 ). 23 goals in 2 games !.
Incidentally , we beat Leics City away, only 10 years ago in 2004 , 5 -nil.......Godzvilla!
We scored 5 past Wimbledon in 1997 as well.
Didn't we stick seven past them in the nineties as well?
Yeah 1995
Post by: lovejoy on December 11, 2015, 01:42:31 PM
Maybe I'm biased but aside from Baresi as a centre half at the time late 80's - mid 90's I can't think of a Central Defender his equal.
I honestly can't think of (m)any since other than Maldini when he moved from LB.
Post by: dave shelley on December 11, 2015, 01:56:12 PM
Post by: Dave on December 11, 2015, 01:59:47 PM
Ciro Ferrara, Jurgen Kohler and Aldair must be up there too.Maybe I'm biased but aside from Baresi as a centre half at the time late 80's - mid 90's I can't think of a Central Defender his equal.
I honestly can't think of (m)any since other than Maldini when he moved from LB.
Fabio Cannavaro
Post by: Villa in Denmark on December 11, 2015, 02:01:34 PM
I've keep thinking of that moment too KG, whenever anyone mentions his lack of pace.Laursen gave his all for the cause but had nowhere near the class of McGrath. Id argue Southgate and Mellberg to mention two were better defenders than Laursen for us. I seem to remember Laursen getting sold with dummy's a lot, spending a lot of his time on the ground and being a bit last ditch generally.Quite right - Laursen was amazing at the last ditch "throw yourself in front of the ball" type defending, but the best defenders should never be in a position to need to do that.
McGrath (and others cut from the same cloth - Baresi, Maldini, Cannavaro) hardly ever needed to throw themselves anywhere because they'd calmly taken possession of the ball five seconds earlier.
I vaguely recall an England game yonks back. Bulgaria or Romania, can't remember if it was Hagi or Stoichkov that Southgate kept in his pocket. One tackle he made in the game. His partner, the king of the last-ditch, Sol Campbell, made something like 16. The reason why it's (sort of) stuck in my mind all these years was the following day's press reports, which gave Campbell MotM, whilst our Gareth's contribution earned him a score of about 4 out of 10. It was a moment in time which summed up for me what the general British attitude was, and still is, towards how a centre-half should be. I used to love the Italian on Channel 4, along with watching the great man around that time, and to see the likes of McGrath and Baresi plying their trade, well, it was art.
I think you've touched on something there with Southgate.
He wasn't great in the air, particularly strong or blessed with a turn of pace.
But he read the game pretty well.
Which is why talking about McGrath reading the game well undersells him. He did that, and somehow managed to make it all look as easy as a beach kickabout.
I've seen lack of pace mentioned a few times too. It would be easy to think he had little>no pace because of his knee. But I remember more than one occasion when he needed to hit the afterburners and could do it.
I even recall a mad dart up the wing against Forest away when he crossed for us to score. He had pace when required. He just didn't have to rely on it.
He didn't need it very often but could bomb it over 10 yards when required.
Definitely.
I can't even remember who it was against, but I've got a feeling it was Saunders when was still playing for Derby, gave him a 2 yard head start and beat him to the ball over 10 yards and then waltzed off up the pitch in front of the Witton Lane.
I've probably got the opposition completely wrong, the only thing I can clearly remember is this astonishing burst of pace from someone who could barely walk at times.
Post by: lordmcgrath5 on December 14, 2015, 05:39:25 PM
Post by: avfcdale on December 16, 2015, 03:40:49 PM
The next day i asked Doug Ellis for £400,000 to buy him
Graham Taylor
Post by: levico on December 16, 2015, 06:04:15 PM
Post by: oswald funkletrumpet on December 16, 2015, 06:30:14 PM
Positioning, exquisite timing, incomparable reading of the game. The best I've ever seen down the Villa. And a lovely, humble, unassuming man to boot. God.
perfect description
i have never seen a player read the game as well as he could
Post by: Tucson Villain on June 09, 2016, 01:18:06 AM
Post by: DaveD on June 09, 2016, 01:32:41 AM
His reading of the game meant he didn't often have to, and given his knees and other problems, he probably couldn't do it regularly in a game, but it was always there in dire need.
That's partly why I agree with others that I think he's the greatest I've ever seen in a Villa shirt. Admittedly I just missed Sir Brian, my first game being in 1980.
Edit : Just realised they're long standing comments, so apologies for raking over old coals.
Post by: wittonwarrior on June 09, 2016, 04:18:22 AM
The only other player I can think in terms of performances and remember he only did it in a micro period was Andy Gray.
Sorry and this might hurt people, Brian Little was not in the same bracket despite being an exceptional player, even though he was undoubtedly a big match player and unlucky England wise.
Post by: rob_bridge on June 09, 2016, 05:02:28 AM
Ciro Ferrara, Jurgen Kohler and Aldair must be up there too.Maybe I'm biased but aside from Baresi as a centre half at the time late 80's - mid 90's I can't think of a Central Defender his equal.
I honestly can't think of (m)any since other than Maldini when he moved from LB.
Fabio Cannavaro
Close but I'd go for McGrath as better. Same as Kohler et Al mentioned above.
Post by: VillaSpen on June 09, 2016, 05:35:09 AM
When I think back to the teams that he was part of I get lovely nostalgic feelings but when I watch any of those tribute videos of Paul McGrath on youtube I genuinely get choked up. One of the planet's elite footballers of the time playing for the Villa and it didn't seem strange at all back then. He just fitted the club.
Post by: Witton Warrior on June 09, 2016, 08:17:59 AM
Post by: brian green on June 09, 2016, 08:30:39 AM
Post by: Hookeysmith on June 09, 2016, 10:29:12 AM
The headed clearances to the half way line, the sublime back heals the ability to pull a ball at any height or pace under control
To read years later that in some of his better games he was actually hung over most of the time and against Derby county actually was seeing 2 balls defies belief
A true legend and I am proud and privileged to say he was ours*
*although it boils my piss when he is referred to as Manchester United's - err they said he was finished and wanted shot - lets not forget
Post by: Billy Walker on June 09, 2016, 11:18:55 AM
He had the ability to make the seemingly impossible look standard on the football pitch. Talented, fast and athletic players would be turning up to play against us at VP and we would discuss on how we could possibly stop them only for God to not give them a sniff when he had no right to be anywhere near them.
The headed clearances to the half way line, the sublime back heals the ability to pull a ball at any height or pace under control
To read years later that in some of his better games he was actually hung over most of the time and against Derby county actually was seeing 2 balls defies belief
A true legend and I am proud and privileged to say he was ours*
*although it boils my piss when he is referred to as Manchester United's - err they said he was finished and wanted shot - lets not forget
He played more times for us, became a world class player with us, won over 50 caps for Ireland with us, was PFA Footballer of The Year with us. If they want to retrospectively claim McGrath despite throwing him on the scrapheap (and trying to prevent him from signing for other clubs) then let Leeds claim Eric Cantona and Nottingham Forest claim Roy Keane.
Post by: fbriai on June 09, 2016, 11:21:00 AM
Where Paul was unique was that he reached out to the fans. Just by the way he played, the way he smiled, the way he was so unassuming while being so consummately skilled at the game. Like a man who sits down at a pub piano, plays Chopin perfectly and can't understand why everybody can't do it. In short, you really felt that he was playing the game just for you.
Wonderful description, Brian.
Post by: peter w on June 09, 2016, 11:40:24 AM
He had the ability to make the seemingly impossible look standard on the football pitch. Talented, fast and athletic players would be turning up to play against us at VP and we would discuss on how we could possibly stop them only for God to not give them a sniff when he had no right to be anywhere near them.
The headed clearances to the half way line, the sublime back heals the ability to pull a ball at any height or pace under control
To read years later that in some of his better games he was actually hung over most of the time and against Derby county actually was seeing 2 balls defies belief
A true legend and I am proud and privileged to say he was ours*
*although it boils my piss when he is referred to as Manchester United's - err they said he was finished and wanted shot - lets not forget
He played more times for us, became a world class player with us, won over 50 caps for Ireland with us, was PFA Footballer of The Year with us. If they want to retrospectively claim McGrath despite throwing him on the scrapheap (and trying to prevent him from signing for other clubs) then let Leeds claim Eric Cantona and Nottingham Forest claim Roy Keane.
Plus, he describes himself as one of us so I'm content with that. Without doubt our greatest player.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on June 09, 2016, 12:52:15 PM
Post by: peter w on June 09, 2016, 01:40:22 PM
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on June 09, 2016, 04:15:11 PM
Saw a lot of Pongo Waring, Billy Walker, John Devey, Archie Hunter etc did you PW?
I've seen them in books, does that count?
Post by: thick_mike on June 09, 2016, 04:29:58 PM
On a world stage he rates him above Bobby Moore, but below Franz Beckenbauer.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on June 09, 2016, 04:32:48 PM
My dad rates him as the best villa player and he's been going down Villa Park since before WWII.]
On a world stage he rates him above Bobby Moore, but below Franz Beckenbauer.
Yes, my dad says that Beckenbauer was the best and definitely better than Moore.
Post by: Salsa Party Animal on June 09, 2016, 04:57:26 PM
Post by: class-of-82 on June 09, 2016, 07:07:39 PM
But I think it's unfair to label any player villas greatest, we can all have our favourite player for me Alex Cropley.
Mcgraths contribution to the villa was immense but so was Evans and mcnaught,Nicholl and Ross, gray and little carrodus Graydon aitken gidman etc etc etc
So villa legend yes, villas Greatest would be a put down to the ones I have mentioned plus many more
Post by: Exeter 77 on June 09, 2016, 07:57:50 PM
He was the only player is living memory who had a legitimate claim to be the best in his position in the world while being at Villa.
He had well documented issues but was able to perform to such a level that they didn't impact on his performances - we possibly admired him more because of of the problems he was dealing (and continues to deal) with and not despite them. Even successive managers allowed him space to deal with issues both at Villa and international - prior to the almost legendary 6-2 win over Everton November 1989 McGrath had attempted suicide but Graham Taylor knew playing football was release from his problems. When Paul went AWOL before a 3rd round FA Cup game at Exeter in 1994 Ron Atkinson publicly joked that his fine would pay to take the squad to a Spanish (I think) training camp but still put McGrath in the team for the next game. Jack Charlton allowed him to play possibly the best game of his career against Italy in the 1994 World Cup despite a debilitating shoulder injury.
He appeared to be discarded by a failing Alex Ferguson, who tried to get him to retire as he possibly thought he was worth more in insurance payouts than transfer fees - who doesn't like of our our players to put one over on Ferguson?
Finally Paul McGrath obviously loved playing for Aston Villa and, from reading his tweets over the last few years feels the pain of the club's demise every bit as much as the rest of us.
I can't say he the best player ever to play for Villa but, with Gordon Cowans and Brian Little, he is definitely the most talented I've seen and, unlike some, demonstrated that talent over a long period while in claret and blue.
Post by: CT on June 09, 2016, 08:05:39 PM
When I'm coaching him, I keep referencing Paul McGrath and just keep telling him that positioning is everything and that you don't need super speed to be a World class defender.
He often looks at me puzzled as clearly McGrath is way before his time and all he's seen are players like Lescott and Richards who aren't fit to share the same blades of grass as Macca. I only wish I could sit there at a game and just watch his mastery and his reading of the game with my lad.
For me personally, the best Villa player I've ever seen.
Post by: clash city rocker on June 09, 2016, 08:26:13 PM
Post by: wittonwarrior on June 09, 2016, 08:51:08 PM
I often wonder with the likes of Brian Robson who make no mistake was top draw and Norman Whiteside why it took United nearly 30 years to win the league again. Ferguson's biggest mistake selling Paul McGrath.
Post by: four fornicholl on June 09, 2016, 08:54:54 PM
I saw Bobby Moore play and believe me Paul McGrath was head and shoulders above him. The way he would read the game was second to none.I aint complaining.
I often wonder with the likes of Brian Robson who make no mistake was top draw and Norman Whiteside why it took United nearly 30 years to win the league again. Ferguson's biggest mistake selling Paul McGrath.
Post by: Chris Harte on June 09, 2016, 08:56:38 PM
My dad rates him as the best villa player and he's been going down Villa Park since before WWII.I'd settle for that.
On a world stage he rates him above Bobby Moore, but below Franz Beckenbauer.
Saw a lot of Pongo Waring, Billy Walker, John Devey, Archie Hunter etc did you PW?Probably as much as anyone in here.
Post by: montague on June 09, 2016, 08:59:05 PM
I saw Bobby Moore play and believe me Paul McGrath was head and shoulders above him.
Behave yourself
Post by: thick_mike on June 09, 2016, 09:03:27 PM
I saw Bobby Moore play and believe me Paul McGrath was head and shoulders above him.
Behave yourself
Plenty who saw both play agree.
Post by: wittonwarrior on June 09, 2016, 09:07:29 PM
Post by: FrankyH on June 09, 2016, 09:15:10 PM
Post by: Exeter 77 on June 09, 2016, 09:15:43 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on June 09, 2016, 09:28:18 PM
Saw a lot of Pongo Waring, Billy Walker, John Devey, Archie Hunter etc did you PW?Probably as much as anyone in here.
Which is the point. He can't be undoubtedly our greatest player as none of us saw a lot of the players that may have been greater and little to no footage exists of them.
He's the best player i've seen play for us in the 40 years i've been watching us, which is different to him being the greatest player in our history.
Post by: dave.woodhall on June 09, 2016, 09:31:56 PM
Post by: dave shelley on June 09, 2016, 09:43:38 PM
Some one posted that he was of the opinion that McGrath only became world class after he joined us, I beg to differ. McGrath was world class for some years before he got here.
IIRC, he played in a World X1 v England celebratory match, FA Centenary I think, and he was as good as anyone in the team he was playing for and, certainly as good as anything England had.
Post by: brontebilly on June 09, 2016, 09:58:14 PM
I saw Bobby Moore play and believe me Paul McGrath was head and shoulders above him. The way he would read the game was second to none.
I often wonder with the likes of Brian Robson who make no mistake was top draw and Norman Whiteside why it took United nearly 30 years to win the league again. Ferguson's biggest mistake selling Paul McGrath.
United had a shower of pissheads in the team with a half arsed manager in Big Ron, burning it up every now and again in the Cups and threatening a league break through but nothing sustainable.
Ron was the same for us unfortunately, our decline after 1993 was hard to fathom under him
McGrath was absolutely class, did he play much in midfield for Villa like he did for Ireland circa 1990?
Neither Bruce or Pallister were anywhere near his class but arguably Ferguson made the right decision to get rid of McGrath
Calm, composed, powerful, timing, superb leap, great footballer all round
Post by: Villan For Life on June 09, 2016, 10:15:35 PM
My 11 yr old has been playing as a defender this season and early on would often get done for pace by speedy strikers.
When I'm coaching him, I keep referencing Paul McGrath and just keep telling him that positioning is everything and that you don't need super speed to be a World class defender.
He often looks at me puzzled as clearly McGrath is way before his time and all he's seen are players like Lescott and Richards who aren't fit to share the same blades of grass as Macca. I only wish I could sit there at a game and just watch his mastery and his reading of the game with my lad.
For me personally, the best Villa player I've ever seen.
Isn't there enough stuff on You Tube that you could use to illustrate your point?
Post by: Villan For Life on June 09, 2016, 10:16:39 PM
Just about everyone who has seen us back to World War Two say he's the best they've seen. Those who saw us before then say it was Billy Walker. Sadly I've never met anyone who talked about second-hand knowledge of earlier players. So, he's one of our two best players in the past 100 years.
Good enough for me.
Post by: Billy Walker on June 09, 2016, 11:02:01 PM
Post by: Pat McMahon on June 09, 2016, 11:56:00 PM
last 30 years scenarios
Post by: thick_mike on June 10, 2016, 12:20:02 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on June 10, 2016, 12:27:36 AM
Post by: West Derby Villan on June 10, 2016, 01:00:40 AM
Post by: Steve67 on June 10, 2016, 03:22:21 AM
The two players that have stood out for me in my three decades of watching Villa are Macca and Sid Cowans, both different class.
One might consider throwing David Platt into the mix but McGrath and Cowans are easily the best two for me too. Magical, exciting, breathtaking. I feel sorry for our younger fans who only know those not fit to wear the shirt. Bacuna, Richards et al and only know poorer times. We really have had some fabulous players.
Post by: Mister E on June 10, 2016, 07:35:35 AM
I never saw Moore play live as he was quite a bit before my time but as a measure of comparison check out the link to ITV Goals on another thread and look at the footage of Moore in games for Fulham at end of his career when he is 33 and older while playing in thd second division. Some of the errors of judgement he makes are very apparent. McGrath at the same age was still dominating some of the best strikers in the world.And, players mature at different times and go through lots of different experiences. Moore was undoubtedly well above average at the peak of his powers, probably around the 1970 World Cup time. McGrath peaked later in his career, despite his personal demons; to our eternal thanks.
Someone says that Macca and Sid are the best they've seen: I'd agree, in my 50 years of following Villa, and I'd add my favourite player - Sir Brian - to this list: my three top players.
Post by: brian green on June 10, 2016, 07:53:13 AM
Post by: Hookeysmith on June 10, 2016, 08:51:24 AM
Quote
He was the only player is living memory who had a legitimate claim to be the best in his position in the world while being at Villa.
Case closed
Post by: VicMackey on June 10, 2016, 09:11:10 AM
Post by: CT on June 10, 2016, 09:18:59 AM
There aren't so many highlight reels of excellent positional play, or timely interceptions, or using strength to ease an attacker off the ball. Harder for a defender to shine on youtube
Exactly right.
My original point was there would be nothing better to see him performing at his peak, live.
Post by: chrisw1 on June 10, 2016, 09:29:39 AM
The two players that have stood out for me in my three decades of watching Villa are Macca and Sid Cowans, both different class.
One might consider throwing David Platt into the mix but McGrath and Cowans are easily the best two for me too. Magical, exciting, breathtaking. I feel sorry for our younger fans who only know those not fit to wear the shirt. Bacuna, Richards et al and only know poorer times. We really have had some fabulous players.
Platt was incredibly effective. Not the most skillful player I have seen, but his engine, timing of runs and finishing were superb. I've seen few players at Villa who I have been as confident would score in a one on one as Platty. And that's for a midfielder. He was brilliant for us. But I agree as footballers McGrath and Sid are a different level. I also think Yorke in his pomp comes quite close.
Post by: peter w on June 10, 2016, 09:59:44 AM
Post by: Pat McMahon on June 10, 2016, 01:22:13 PM
My biggest regret is that Gary Shaw's career at the top level was so short. I honestly think he would have been world class.
Post by: wittonwarrior on June 10, 2016, 03:18:08 PM
After that he had his fall out with Saunders and before long smelt the Wolves money.
Post by: brian green on June 10, 2016, 09:06:36 PM
Post by: Quiet Lion on June 10, 2016, 10:02:56 PM
He made it all look easy
Post by: eric woolban woolban on June 10, 2016, 10:19:01 PM
Post by: Chinchilla Bathhouse on June 10, 2016, 10:20:55 PM
Post by: lovejoy on June 10, 2016, 10:33:29 PM
McGrath was easily the best player I have seen since I started watching the Villa in around 1990. Have we had a player get anywhere near the PFA player of the year since then?
He made it all look easy
Ginola
Post by: LeeB on June 10, 2016, 10:59:58 PM
McGrath was easily the best player I have seen since I started watching the Villa in around 1990. Have we had a player get anywhere near the PFA player of the year since then?
He made it all look easy
Ginola
Pires?
Post by: Dave Wall on June 12, 2016, 09:24:53 AM
McGrath was easily the best player I have seen since I started watching the Villa in around 1990. Have we had a player get anywhere near the PFA player of the year since then?
He made it all look easy
David Platt won it 1990 :)
Post by: oswald funkletrumpet on June 12, 2016, 09:41:59 AM
There were times watching McGrath when it looked like he was playing a different game to everyone else. He stood out in every game, he was so aware, so calm and utterly in command. A majestic footballer and easily the best I've seen in my time as a Villa fan.
this
ive never seen any other plaver read the game as well as him
Post by: Villa in Denmark on June 12, 2016, 10:05:49 AM
There were times watching McGrath when it looked like he was playing a different game to everyone else. He stood out in every game, he was so aware, so calm and utterly in command. A majestic footballer and easily the best I've seen in my time as a Villa fan.
this
ive never seen any other plaver read the game as well as him
At times he was so far ahead of everyone else, it was as if he'd read a script the night before.
In my life time the only other player that comes close is Sid with that uncanny ability to play a 30 yards pass without looking straight to feet of someone who hadn't been there 2 seconds before.
Post by: mr underhill on June 12, 2016, 10:29:26 AM
Post by: Quiet Lion on June 12, 2016, 11:26:52 AM
McGrath was easily the best player I have seen since I started watching the Villa in around 1990. Have we had a player get anywhere near the PFA player of the year since then?
He made it all look easy
Ginola
Pires?
Neither did it while playing for us though
Post by: old man villa fan on June 12, 2016, 12:38:53 PM
Anybody's money so the story goes. Just sell me he is said to have demanded.
Wasn't he in serious debt at the time?
Post by: Billy Walker on June 12, 2016, 01:19:01 PM
What I find sad is that McGrath is possibly the best Villa player i have seen but Manyoo fans i know don't even rate him in their top 10. He never gets in their best team of the
last 30 years scenarios
I'm not surprised as Macca reached his peak with us and there is far more of a love and connection from Villa fans towards him. I remember The Guardian doing a feature about the top fifty (I think) players for every Premier League club. If memory serves Cantona came in top (maybe second) of the Man Utd list. Would he appear top of Leeds Utd's list? I doubt it very much. These types of lists are as much to do with fans' emotions as players' abilities, I reckon.
Post by: berneboy on December 18, 2016, 03:35:31 PM
From his Twitter today: Villa I lv this club so much always will Villa Villa Villa we are the best ! UTV .
1:56 PM - 18 Dec 2016
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on December 18, 2016, 03:39:44 PM
Post by: brian green on December 18, 2016, 04:24:00 PM
Post by: Mister E on December 18, 2016, 06:59:49 PM
There were times watching McGrath when it looked like he was playing a different game to everyone else. He stood out in every game, he was so aware, so calm and utterly in command. A majestic footballer and easily the best I've seen in my time as a Villa fan.Brian Little was absolute class; unlucky not to play at the top level more in his career.
Post by: glinch on December 18, 2016, 10:35:57 PM
https://anirishmanabroad.podbean.com/e/paul-mcgrath-episode-170/ (https://anirishmanabroad.podbean.com/e/paul-mcgrath-episode-170/)
Post by: KevinGage on December 18, 2016, 11:08:57 PM
Oddly the only two other world class Villa players I have seen are also Irish. Danny Blanchflower and Peter McParland
How can you possibly forget Tony O'Cascarino and Mark Kinsella.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on December 18, 2016, 11:11:56 PM
Post by: el león Benidorm on December 21, 2016, 09:38:58 AM
Interview with McGrath on an Irishman Abroad:
https://anirishmanabroad.podbean.com/e/paul-mcgrath-episode-170/ (https://anirishmanabroad.podbean.com/e/paul-mcgrath-episode-170/)
Cheers Glinch!
Great listen whilst the office is quiet.
Hope that you and the family are well!
Tell Billy Walker to get in touch!!
Have a great Christmas Buddy!
Post by: Villa Lew on December 21, 2016, 12:53:16 PM
Oddly the only two other world class Villa players I have seen are also Irish. Danny Blanchflower and Peter McParlandSaw the great Blanchflower a few times playing for Spurs at VP but not for us and of course the great Peter Mac playing for us.
Just wondering Brian, did you see Blanchflower playing in a claret and blue shirt, if so how long have you been a Villa fan?
Post by: rob_bridge on December 21, 2016, 12:59:22 PM
Oddly the only two other world class Villa players I have seen are also Irish. Danny Blanchflower and Peter McParlandSaw the great Blanchflower a few times playing for Spurs at VP but not for us and of course the great Peter Mac playing for us.
Just wondering Brian, did you see Blanchflower playing in a claret and blue shirt, if so how long have you been a Villa fan?
My Dad saw Blanchflower at WHL when he lived in the Smoke a long time ago. Said he was a wonderful footballer.
Post by: dave shelley on March 17, 2017, 10:33:17 PM
He spoke candidly about his drinking, admitting that he binge drinks and, as he put it, is behaving himself at the moment. He admitted he was difficult to live with resulting in two divorces.
He told a funny anecdote about the night before Ireland played Italy during Italia 90. Apparently he was up in his hotel room when Ray Houghton knocked and said Jack had given permission for them to have a couple of pints and of course he didn't believe it. Turned out it was true and the boys were into it and he said strangely enough it was at a time when he was off it. He said he was the sheriff that night.
Two of his sons are Royal Marines and have just returned from Afghanistan which he admitted was a worry for him.
All in all he looked quite well; which was good to see. He always was a shy man and still is. Very uneasy on camera but managed quite well tonight.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 18, 2017, 12:24:48 AM
He was God for us, but in that match he wasn't even some form of deity, he was way beyond that, it was so staggeringly good.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 18, 2017, 01:12:22 AM
What a player.
Post by: JD on March 18, 2017, 07:15:35 AM
You mean this? It is on this topic on the first couple of pages.
Post by: four fornicholl on March 18, 2017, 07:34:54 AM
Theres one called
You mean this? It is on this topic on the first couple of pages.
"Tribute to Paul Mcgrath" which is better.
Post by: villabear on March 18, 2017, 08:07:06 AM
Theres one called
You mean this? It is on this topic on the first couple of pages.
"Tribute to Paul Mcgrath" which is better.
Here's that one. Quality not great though but he was bloody great wasn't he?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4ObXxJ6tfnk
Post by: Rico on March 19, 2017, 10:57:59 AM
I'm a bit too young to have seen Bobby Moore play, but have recently watched the film/documentary "Bo66y". Obviously I have seen footage of Bobby Moore in the past, and he looked quality. In the film he certainly looks world class, but Macca is probably the best defender I have ever seen. Some say the only world class player we have ever had. (I disagree, I'd put Sid, Brian Little and Dwight Yorke in that category.)
I remember being at the City Ground, Nottingham when we finished runners up under BFR and Macca was majestic that day. He glided where others laboured. It was the best defensive performance I have ever witnessed.
If Bobby Moore was better than Macca, then my god he must have been awesome!
Post by: dave shelley on March 19, 2017, 11:21:39 AM
The both of them were exceptional at doing the basics of football, keeping it simple. They both had this ability to read the game and find themselves in impossible positions that you thought they had no right to be in. I think McGrath was a better header of the ball and Moore had the edge in passing ability.
Bobby Moore was a leader and, I'm trying not to be biased here, McGrath wasn't, that takes nothing away from his ability. Both were unbelievably consistent. To answer your original question, I think the purists would give it to Moore but, given his injuries, lack of training and his demons, which they both had to be fair, then I would give it to McGrath I can't ever recall anyone ever skinning him.
I've been fortunate enough to have seen some wonderful footballers in my time, McGrath is without doubt the best Villa defender I have ever seen. Both players were world class without the rest of the world realising it.
Post by: thick_mike on March 19, 2017, 11:26:26 AM
Post by: PGW on March 19, 2017, 11:35:06 AM
I was privileged to have seen both. A lot of similarities, neither had sustained pace, neither were what you would call stand out during the game, it was only when you went back over the game on your way home you really appreciated their contributions.Well put Dave, i'm of an age that remembers both of these with great fondness for obvious reasons McGrath one of ours and Moore 1966 and all that.
The both of them were exceptional at doing the basics of football, keeping it simple. They both had this ability to read the game and find themselves in impossible positions that you thought they had no right to be in. I think McGrath was a better header of the ball and Moore had the edge in passing ability.
Bobby Moore was a leader and, I'm trying not to be biased here, McGrath wasn't, that takes nothing away from his ability. Both were unbelievably consistent. To answer your original question, I think the purists would give it to Moore but, given his injuries, lack of training and his demons, which they both had to be fair, then I would give it to McGrath I can't ever recall anyone ever skinning him.
I've been fortunate enough to have seen some wonderful footballers in my time, McGrath is without doubt the best Villa defender I have ever seen. Both players were world class without the rest of the world realising it.
You put it so well Dave so i'm not gonna even try and add my thoughts....you've said it.
Post by: brontebilly on March 19, 2017, 12:14:03 PM
I find it a bit tragic that a former hero has to trot out a few tall tales about his drinking habits to get a few cheap laughs on national TV.
By a distance the best Villa player I've seen. My personal favourite in a green jersey though Roy Keane was probably as effective.
Post by: dave shelley on March 19, 2017, 12:58:58 PM
Post by: four fornicholl on March 19, 2017, 01:05:36 PM
Post by: Phil from the upper holte on March 21, 2017, 07:54:53 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 22, 2017, 01:27:14 PM
There used to be (since disappeared) on youtube a clip where someone had taken that Ireland v Italy world cup match and just compiled Paul McGrath's contributions, and it was the most stunning display of defending I have ever seen.
He was God for us, but in that match he wasn't even some form of deity, he was way beyond that, it was so staggeringly good.
Amen. Unbelievable footage that was. If you didn't know you could think it was CGI.
Post by: oldhill_avfc on March 22, 2017, 10:19:13 PM
Using that as a benchmark, only Platt would come close in the sense that for Villa and England he was a high quality goal scoring midfielder. At his peak he might have squeezed into a world XI.
For Villa Cowans was their equal - in what was effectively a 1 man midfield he nearly won us a second 1st division title. He was vastly underrated and in my opinion far (far far far ad infinitum) better than the media darling that was Glenda.
Little is still my favourite ever Villa player. He epitomised the rise from the 3rd division and was key in the best attacking team I've seen. Unfortunately, if we're being truthful, he was a better manager than player, and not the best forward in the city let alone a world class player.
Post by: West Derby Villan on March 22, 2017, 10:39:11 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on March 22, 2017, 10:47:09 PM
McGrath - the best Villa player in our lifetime. Would have been a probable in a world XI and therefore world class.
Using that as a benchmark, only Platt would come close in the sense that for Villa and England he was a high quality goal scoring midfielder. At his peak he might have squeezed into a world XI.
For Villa Cowans was their equal - in what was effectively a 1 man midfield he nearly won us a second 1st division title. He was vastly underrated and in my opinion far (far far far ad infinitum) better than the media darling that was Glenda.
Little is still my favourite ever Villa player. He epitomised the rise from the 3rd division and was key in the best attacking team I've seen. Unfortunately, if we're being truthful, he was a better manager than player, and not the best forward in the city let alone a world class player.
By the time he left us and went where he went, Yorke was as good as any striker around. We got massively stiffed in that transfer fee.
Post by: oldhill_avfc on March 22, 2017, 10:50:57 PM
Added to that I suppose I focussed on players who were arguably at their peak with us, rather than another team.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on March 22, 2017, 11:50:35 PM
Can't disagree with any of this oldhill
I'm gunna. Albeit semantically.
There's no "probable" about it; McGrath was, whilst playing for us, the best player in his position in the world. Oh to be able to say that again!
As for HWWOW, it's a bit old-school Brummie-ish to decry his abilities simply because of those of one other. I think that at the time, our city bore witness to displays from two truly outstanding players, fit for any stage. The national side's failures for '74 and '78 did for them both.
Post by: itbrvilla on March 23, 2017, 07:36:08 AM
Especially when you consider who he was up against.There used to be (since disappeared) on youtube a clip where someone had taken that Ireland v Italy world cup match and just compiled Paul McGrath's contributions, and it was the most stunning display of defending I have ever seen.
He was God for us, but in that match he wasn't even some form of deity, he was way beyond that, it was so staggeringly good.
Amen. Unbelievable footage that was. If you didn't know you could think it was CGI.
Post by: eamonn on March 23, 2017, 08:03:21 AM
Having said that we did miss Dwight badly come spring '99 when Merson and Collymore had off the field issues and Dublin's meteoric start had waned.
Post by: peter w on March 23, 2017, 10:00:26 AM
Little is still my favourite ever Villa player. He epitomised the rise from the 3rd division and was key in the best attacking team I've seen. Unfortunately, if we're being truthful, he was a better manager than player, and not the best forward in the city let alone a world class player.
GET OUT!
Post by: Mister E on March 23, 2017, 10:35:12 AM
McGrath - the best Villa player in our lifetime. Would have been a probable in a world XI and therefore world class.Can't let that go. Brian Little was a class act who - with a little luck and a Villa playing more seasons in the top flight - would have become an England regular.
Using that as a benchmark, only Platt would come close in the sense that for Villa and England he was a high quality goal scoring midfielder. At his peak he might have squeezed into a world XI.
For Villa Cowans was their equal - in what was effectively a 1 man midfield he nearly won us a second 1st division title. He was vastly underrated and in my opinion far (far far far ad infinitum) better than the media darling that was Glenda.
Little is still my favourite ever Villa player. He epitomised the rise from the 3rd division and was key in the best attacking team I've seen. Unfortunately, if we're being truthful, he was a better manager than player, and not the best forward in the city let alone a world class player.
For the rest, yes!
The player most poorly served by his international manager(s) was Sid: he and Hoddle should have been paired as the England heartbeat for years, and wasn't.
Post by: St AustellAVFC on March 23, 2017, 04:14:06 PM
£12.5m for Yorke was only a year after Shearer broke the £15m British transfer record, I don't think we could have demanded much more. Risky playing a player wanting to leave cf. his much-cited "performance" at Everton on the opening day of 97/98 (was it really that bad?).
Having said that we did miss Dwight badly come spring '99 when Merson and Collymore had off the field issues and Dublin's meteoric start had waned.
That performance at Everton won me a bet with a nose friend of mine. I bet that Yorkie would start the season as a Villa player.
Post by: Clampy on March 23, 2017, 04:51:44 PM
£12.5m for Yorke was only a year after Shearer broke the £15m British transfer record, I don't think we could have demanded much more. Risky playing a player wanting to leave cf. his much-cited "performance" at Everton on the opening day of 97/98 (was it really that bad?).
I was there that day and yes, he didn't look in the slightest bit interested.
Post by: ACVilla on March 23, 2017, 05:01:27 PM
Was that when John Collins missed a penalty for them (i think it may have been his debut as well) If so I was also there but don't really remember Yorke's performance or lack thereof£12.5m for Yorke was only a year after Shearer broke the £15m British transfer record, I don't think we could have demanded much more. Risky playing a player wanting to leave cf. his much-cited "performance" at Everton on the opening day of 97/98 (was it really that bad?).
I was there that day and yes, he didn't look in the slightest bit interested.
Post by: cheltenhamlion on March 23, 2017, 06:00:52 PM
Post by: Tayls_7 on March 23, 2017, 06:16:38 PM
I do. Yorke ambled about without ever breaking into a trot, let alone a run.
Seconded. I was there. He was beyond disinterested.
Post by: willenhall villa on March 23, 2017, 10:29:02 PM
Post by: Scratchins on March 23, 2017, 10:42:10 PM
I was also at Old Trafford when he ran the length of the field to kiss the badge in front of the Villa fans - and it wasn't him who scored against us.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 23, 2017, 11:19:13 PM
Dalian Atkinson could have been better if he'd wanted it enough. Collymore had the talent to be better than both. It's a terrible shame for him, and us, what happened.
McGrath though, ultimately. Obviously.
Post by: villabear on March 24, 2017, 03:37:30 AM
Paul McGrath, I can say I saw him play for my team. I was one of the lucky ones.
The greatest.
Post by: ACVilla on March 24, 2017, 07:10:09 AM
I was at Everton and it still makes me mad that a professional player couldn't even be bothered to jog.Crikey i remember that at Old Trafford.
I was also at Old Trafford when he ran the length of the field to kiss the badge in front of the Villa fans - and it wasn't him who scored against us.
The venom that he unleashed inside me then is embarrassing when I look back.
Post by: Mister E on March 24, 2017, 07:12:36 AM
Yorke is without doubt the best attacking player I have ever seen playing for us, but he has acted like a bell-piece on several occasions since. He still has credit in the bank with me though (although if I'd been at OT that day...)Re strikers, you did not see Gray and Little, then? The best.
Dalian Atkinson could have been better if he'd wanted it enough. Collymore had the talent to be better than both. It's a terrible shame for him, and us, what happened.
McGrath though, ultimately. Obviously.
Post by: berneboy on March 24, 2017, 07:41:17 AM
Little is still my favourite ever Villa player. He epitomised the rise from the 3rd division and was key in the best attacking team I've seen. Unfortunately, if we're being truthful, he was a better manager than player, and not the best forward in the city let alone a world class player.o
So much sense but I disagree about Sir Brian. He was sheer class. I still remember the seventeen year old Brian pointing, showing the senior players where he wanted the ball. Injuries messed it up but he was a great player. Never mind Sir Brian, he should be ennobled and be Lord Brian of Aston.
Post by: brian green on March 24, 2017, 07:42:55 AM
Post by: peter w on March 24, 2017, 07:52:36 AM
Peter Mac though shouldn't be forgotten a favourite of my dad and anyone who remembers him purrs about him. Plus the last man to score for us in an FA Cup Final. I refuse to countenance any best of Villa team with Brian Little and Peter McParland - although I couldn't name in him in a best of team as i never saw him play.
Post by: JD on March 24, 2017, 07:58:34 AM
Not far behind both of them imho of players I have seen live were Alex Cropley, Andy Gray, Dennis Mortimer, Tony Morley, Gordon Cowans and Dwight Yorke.
Post by: ROBBO on March 24, 2017, 08:26:00 AM
Post by: peter w on March 24, 2017, 09:50:10 AM
Post by: oldhill_avfc on March 24, 2017, 10:34:59 AM
Little is still my favourite ever Villa player. He epitomised the rise from the 3rd division and was key in the best attacking team I've seen. Unfortunately, if we're being truthful, he was a better manager than player, and not the best forward in the city let alone a world class player.o
So much sense but I disagree about Sir Brian. He was sheer class. I still remember the seventeen year old Brian pointing, showing the senior players where he wanted the ball. Injuries messed it up but he was a great player. Never mind Sir Brian, he should be ennobled and be Lord Brian of Aston.
You disagree with me - but I'm not sure on what grounds, as I actually agree with everything you say.
He was a class act, injuries did mess him up, he was, and is a great favourite of so many of us.
But in a cold analysis, I think he managed at a higher level than he played and he who shall not be named was over his whole career the better player.
(I'll probably be banned now for being the Villa equivalent of Islamic State lol)
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 24, 2017, 10:46:09 AM
Yorke is without doubt the best attacking player I have ever seen playing for us, but he has acted like a bell-piece on several occasions since. He still has credit in the bank with me though (although if I'd been at OT that day...)
Dalian Atkinson could have been better if he'd wanted it enough. Collymore had the talent to be better than both. It's a terrible shame for him, and us, what happened.
McGrath though, ultimately. Obviously.
Nope, I'm a whippersnapper.
Post by: brontebilly on March 24, 2017, 11:52:01 AM
£12.5m for Yorke was only a year after Shearer broke the £15m British transfer record, I don't think we could have demanded much more. Risky playing a player wanting to leave cf. his much-cited "performance" at Everton on the opening day of 97/98 (was it really that bad?).
Having said that we did miss Dwight badly come spring '99 when Merson and Collymore had off the field issues and Dublin's meteoric start had waned.
Yorke's scoring record paled in comparison to Shearer at the time to be fair so it was a huge price we got for him. He was a magical player at his best but McGrath would easily surpass him in terms of his consistency over a longer period. Yorke really struggled at Villa from 92-95 presumably because BFR preferred Atkinson and Saunders?
Post by: wittonwarrior on March 24, 2017, 01:43:07 PM
In comparison to others British-Irish then perhaps who I have seen live garza pre Wembley, best, Rooney, Giles and Hudson. Moore wasn't great in the normal week in week out games but had the aura of a great leader
World wide cyrff gulett German beck and zidane.
Post by: eamonn on March 24, 2017, 02:22:19 PM
Yorke is without doubt the best attacking player I have ever seen playing for us, but he has acted like a bell-piece on several occasions since. He still has credit in the bank with me though (although if I'd been at OT that day...)
It gets brought up a lot - I'm not defending him but he was barracked constantly by some of our fans that day. It's a fairly human emotion to throw back what's been dished out.
I found his comments on joining Blose far more offensive...and hilarious.
Post by: brian green on March 24, 2017, 02:32:02 PM
Post by: mr underhill on March 24, 2017, 03:14:20 PM
Post by: brian green on March 24, 2017, 04:19:38 PM
Post by: fbriai on March 24, 2017, 04:36:53 PM
The 'backhealed volleyed' clearances, the 'no chance of catching the striker' then easily winning the ball challenges. The telling Southgate and Barry where to stand and what to do and making them look good while all the time making his job look piss easy. That effortless looking run even though his knees where knackered. The song thanking Yanited for his services (and every time he played not quite believing they had sold him). Watching the Ireland v Italy World Cup game USA 94 and seeing one of the best performances ever and thinking "he's ours he is". The shyness, dignity and humility of the man every time you heard him speak.
Paul McGrath, I can say I saw him play for my team. I was one of the lucky ones.
The greatest.
This is spot on for me.
I think that, for me, he will probably always be the greatest, regardless of who we might sign in the future. I guess this is as much to do with my age and passion for the Villa in the period in which he was with us, as anything else. I remember particularly identifying with him as I played centre-half at that time and watching him from the Holte every week was a great lesson.
What a great player.
Post by: LeeB on March 24, 2017, 04:56:06 PM
The 'backhealed volleyed' clearances, the 'no chance of catching the striker' then easily winning the ball challenges. The telling Southgate and Barry where to stand and what to do and making them look good while all the time making his job look piss easy. That effortless looking run even though his knees where knackered. The song thanking Yanited for his services (and every time he played not quite believing they had sold him). Watching the Ireland v Italy World Cup game USA 94 and seeing one of the best performances ever and thinking "he's ours he is". The shyness, dignity and humility of the man every time you heard him speak.
Paul McGrath, I can say I saw him play for my team. I was one of the lucky ones.
The greatest.
This is spot on for me.
I think that, for me, he will probably always be the greatest, regardless of who we might sign in the future. I guess this is as much to do with my age and passion for the Villa in the period in which he was with us, as anything else. I remember particularly identifying with him as I played centre-half at that time and watching him from the Holte every week was a great lesson.
What a great player.
The fortunes of the team were fairly mixed throughout his time, but his performances were not.
He's mentioned in the same breath as Franco Baresi or Paulo Maldini, which is quite right, but in my view it's they that are fortunate to be so.
I'm not so sure their performances would have matched the level of Paul's had they been playing for Villa and Ireland instead of Milan and Italy.
I also think I'll go to the grave believing he was the best I've ever seen.
Post by: fbriai on March 24, 2017, 05:02:58 PM
The 'backhealed volleyed' clearances, the 'no chance of catching the striker' then easily winning the ball challenges. The telling Southgate and Barry where to stand and what to do and making them look good while all the time making his job look piss easy. That effortless looking run even though his knees where knackered. The song thanking Yanited for his services (and every time he played not quite believing they had sold him). Watching the Ireland v Italy World Cup game USA 94 and seeing one of the best performances ever and thinking "he's ours he is". The shyness, dignity and humility of the man every time you heard him speak.
Paul McGrath, I can say I saw him play for my team. I was one of the lucky ones.
The greatest.
This is spot on for me.
I think that, for me, he will probably always be the greatest, regardless of who we might sign in the future. I guess this is as much to do with my age and passion for the Villa in the period in which he was with us, as anything else. I remember particularly identifying with him as I played centre-half at that time and watching him from the Holte every week was a great lesson.
What a great player.
The fortunes of the team were fairly mixed throughout his time, but his performances were not.
He's mentioned in the same breath as Franco Baresi or Paulo Maldini, which is quite right, but in my view it's they that are fortunate to be so.
I'm not so sure their performances would have matched the level of Paul's had they been playing for Villa and Ireland instead of Milan and Italy.
I also think I'll go to the grave believing he was the best I've ever seen.
I completely agree, Lee. In fact, I would have all three of them in my all-time XI defence. With Gigi Buffon behind them.
Post by: Drummond on March 24, 2017, 05:37:36 PM
Post by: cheltenhamlion on March 24, 2017, 05:45:25 PM
Post by: LeeB on March 24, 2017, 05:53:05 PM
Maldini, Baresi and McGrath? You wouldn't have to bother with midfield cover either.
Yes, you could just go with Sid, Platty, Daley and Morley
Post by: dave shelley on March 25, 2017, 02:09:08 AM
You would have to have seen McParland in full flow. No word of ours can do him justice. Gerry Hitchens likewise. Imagine Benteke with a bit less skill but a more determined attitude to overcome any shortcomings and, not as I recall the tallest centre-forward I have seen. My first real Villa hero's, oh for the like of those two today.
Post by: Pat McMahon on March 25, 2017, 03:56:30 AM
I no longer indulge in "best ever selections from the league or the world" but mates from other clubs always accused me of rose tinted glasses when I mention him, though they definitely agree he was a wonderful player.
I have yet to meet a Manyoo fan who would pick him in their best team.
Post by: TheMalandro on March 25, 2017, 05:33:35 AM
Nothing in the game has matched these in the last twenty years in my opinion.
Post by: Salsa Party Animal on March 26, 2017, 10:17:54 AM
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on March 26, 2017, 04:33:56 PM
I have yet to meet a Manyoo fan who would pick him in their best team.
You sound surprised.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 26, 2017, 06:51:13 PM
I wonder how do Bobby Moore and Billy Wright is compared to Paul McGrath. Billy Wright never got a booking.The more relevant comparison is Billy Wright and Gary Newbon,
It was s game of 2 halves.
Post by: TheMalandro on March 27, 2017, 07:16:25 AM
I have yet to meet a Manyoo fan who would pick him in their best team.
You sound surprised.
I wonder what percentage would even know who he is.
Post by: fbriai on March 27, 2017, 08:00:40 AM
I loved McGrath but reckon he is not so highly rated outside Villa and Ireland.
I've encountered this too, Pat. I've even had Irish fans tell me I rate him too highly. I'm unsure where the reason for this falls on the scale between my bias and their ignorance.
I do know that I watched him week in and week out, and that they didn't though.
Post by: Billy Walker on March 27, 2017, 09:43:18 AM
I loved McGrath but reckon he is not so highly rated outside Villa and Ireland.
I no longer indulge in "best ever selections from the league or the world" but mates from other clubs always accused me of rose tinted glasses when I mention him, though they definitely agree he was a wonderful player.
I have yet to meet a Manyoo fan who would pick him in their best team.
I doubt any Leeds fan would pick Eric Cantona in their best team either.
Time moves on and it is easy for new generations to forget yesteryear's legends. If Villa had been on top of the game for the past two decades and McGrath had featured heavily in the football media as a pundit, he wouldn't be relatively forgotten about outside of Villa Park and Ireland today. That doesn't take anything away from the man though. During his time at Villa he produced a standard of football that put him up there with the very, very best in world football.
When (one day) Villa are back on top of the pile and the media spotlight is back on us, there will be an opportunity to remind everyone of just how good he was. To that end, I'd love it if the Club would make him an ambassador for Villa but knowing the nature of the man, he seems happier away from the formal aspects of the game.
Post by: Big Dick Edwards on April 02, 2017, 07:43:12 PM
His legend is only enhanced when you consider that throughout his career with us he couldn't train in between games because of his knees.
AND he was an alcoholic. Just think what a player he would have been if he was fully fit and dry!
Post by: Bad English on April 03, 2017, 08:39:10 AM
You have 4 hours. Wikipedia is not allowed; dictionaries are permitted.
Post by: Big Dick Edwards on April 03, 2017, 08:18:30 PM
An interesting thought Big Dick. Who knows? Many greats in all walks of life have had demons and foibles. Are they great because of or in spite of them? Would they have been great without them?
You have 4 hours. Wikipedia is not allowed; dictionaries are permitted.
I've tried playing football after drinking. It's impossible for a mere mortal to perform adequately in such a physical game.
Post by: Diablo on April 04, 2017, 09:45:55 AM
I have yet to meet a Manyoo fan who would pick him in their best team.
You sound surprised.
He didn't win PFA player's player of the year whilst playing for them though in fairness and also united weren't winning things when he was in the team like they later went on too (which usually has a bearing).
Post by: LeeB on April 04, 2017, 10:06:40 AM
I have yet to meet a Manyoo fan who would pick him in their best team.
You sound surprised.
He didn't win PFA player's player of the year whilst playing for them though in fairness and also united weren't winning things when he was in the team like they later went on too (which usually has a bearing).
He was runner-up to Linekar though, so it wasn't like he was a squad player whilst there.
Post by: peter w on April 04, 2017, 10:47:51 AM
Post by: dave shelley on April 04, 2017, 12:21:45 PM
Plus I remember one game up there when he walked out onto the pitch with a few Villa players pre warm-up and got booed. I doubt it was because of anything on the pitch and you could see he was surprised by the booing. But that summed up on reflection why he is hardly remembered in all his awe up there as he is everywhere else.
And yet, it was, in all probability the place where he ruined his knees. All in their cause but, hey-ho what does that matter? Horrible supporters.
Post by: peter w on April 04, 2017, 01:39:42 PM
Plus I remember one game up there when he walked out onto the pitch with a few Villa players pre warm-up and got booed. I doubt it was because of anything on the pitch and you could see he was surprised by the booing. But that summed up on reflection why he is hardly remembered in all his awe up there as he is everywhere else.
And yet, it was, in all probability the place where he ruined his knees. All in their cause but, hey-ho what does that matter? Horrible supporters.
That's unfair. They've mostly travelled up from Surrey for their day out. Don't spoil it for them.
Post by: Clark W Griswold on April 04, 2017, 01:49:01 PM
Post by: Drummond on April 04, 2017, 03:54:27 PM
Post by: Villa75 on September 06, 2017, 11:49:43 AM
Should be worth a watch, with contributions from Ron Atkinson and Ray Houghton.
Post by: olaftab on September 06, 2017, 11:55:08 AM
Post by: Bad English on September 06, 2017, 11:55:52 AM
An interesting thought Big Dick. Who knows? Many greats in all walks of life have had demons and foibles. Are they great because of or in spite of them? Would they have been great without them?
You have 4 hours. Wikipedia is not allowed; dictionaries are permitted.
I've tried playing football after drinking. It's impossible for a mere mortal to perform adequately in such a physical game.
Thoughtful, succint prose with a concrete example. Grade: A.
I would have given you an A+ if you had used a semi-colon instead of breaking it into two separate sentences.
Post by: Drummond on September 06, 2017, 12:28:06 PM
Half hour program about Paul on BT Sport 1 (408) at 6:30pm tonight.
Should be worth a watch, with contributions from Ron Atkinson and Ray Houghton.
I can't see it in the listings?
Post by: lordmcgrath5 on September 06, 2017, 02:50:57 PM
Post by: Villa75 on September 06, 2017, 03:29:35 PM
When you scroll across the channel listings at the bottom of the screen (whilst watching the actual channel), mine has a picture of Paul in a Villa shirt. That's what got my attention. 👍
Post by: KRS on September 06, 2017, 05:32:57 PM
Post by: Villa75 on September 06, 2017, 06:59:57 PM
Post by: Billy Walker on September 06, 2017, 07:15:04 PM
Post by: Scratchins on September 06, 2017, 07:23:20 PM
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 06, 2017, 08:02:11 PM
Great program, about a great man.
Made me well up
Post by: Rotterdam on September 06, 2017, 08:14:34 PM
Post by: Lucky Eddie on September 06, 2017, 08:27:23 PM
Post by: Exeter 77 on September 06, 2017, 09:46:43 PM
https://youtu.be/xYGYSUE2MJo
Post by: FrankyH on September 06, 2017, 10:31:33 PM
It's on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/xYGYSUE2MJo
Thanks for that , it's always a pleasure watching footage and hearing the Great man speak about his time at Villa.
Post by: Bad English on September 06, 2017, 10:46:37 PM
(Yes I do know you shouldn't start a sentence with and).It's bollocks. You carry on.
Post by: Louzie0 on September 06, 2017, 11:10:02 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on September 06, 2017, 11:35:21 PM
Post by: Lucky Eddie on September 07, 2017, 06:27:23 AM
It's on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/xYGYSUE2MJo
Cheers
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 07, 2017, 07:04:35 AM
It's on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/xYGYSUE2MJo
Cheers
Yes, thanks.
Post by: Chris Jameson on September 07, 2017, 08:36:16 AM
Post by: robbo1874 on September 07, 2017, 10:43:31 AM
Probably best ever Villa player I've seen during my lifetime.
Post by: darren woolley on September 07, 2017, 11:30:40 AM
Post by: Nelly on September 07, 2017, 11:50:41 AM
Post by: Hookeysmith on September 07, 2017, 01:03:42 PM
Utterly superb footballing brain
And if the likes of John Stones and Side Show Bob go for £50 mil then would be worth treble that nowadays
Post by: olaftab on September 07, 2017, 01:21:42 PM
Post by: CT Villan on September 07, 2017, 05:17:24 PM
Was some one peeling onions next to me while I was watching that as my eyes appear to be a little watery.
Post by: Villa75 on September 07, 2017, 05:24:32 PM
That's the advantage of working nights, and then getting to cruise the sports channels at 3pm in the afternoon. 😉👍
Post by: West Derby Villan on September 07, 2017, 07:02:40 PM
Post by: Ian. on September 07, 2017, 09:03:27 PM
Post by: TonyD on September 07, 2017, 09:24:39 PM
Post by: TonyD on September 07, 2017, 09:43:42 PM
Post by: saunders_heroes on September 07, 2017, 09:48:30 PM
I last saw him in a pub in Dublin after our friendly with Shamrock Rovers (?) where he was paralytic drunk with Villa fans buying him drinks all night. I had to leave because it was quite sad seeing a known alcoholic being plied with drinks from people who should know better.
Post by: Matt Collins on September 07, 2017, 10:16:13 PM
The only player during my 40+ years of watching Villa that I could confidently state was the best in his position in the world at that time
Utterly superb footballing brain
And if the likes of John Stones and Side Show Bob go for £50 mil then would be worth treble that nowadays
Amazing player
But wasn't Baresi pretty good around this time? 🤔
Post by: Damo70 on September 07, 2017, 10:18:27 PM
The only player during my 40+ years of watching Villa that I could confidently state was the best in his position in the world at that time
Utterly superb footballing brain
And if the likes of John Stones and Side Show Bob go for £50 mil then would be worth treble that nowadays
Amazing player
But wasn't Baresi pretty good around this time? 🤔
One of them outclassed the other's performance in the Ireland v Italy game in USA '94. Even though he only had the use of one arm at the time.
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 07, 2017, 10:44:33 PM
Post by: JD on September 08, 2017, 09:42:04 AM
A great video of one of the greatest players (and maybe the best Villa player) I've ever seen. It was a pleasure and a privilege to watch Paul McGrath each week and that video is gobsmacking to now understand the demons he faced, but still produced world class performances week after week.
Post by: Damo70 on September 08, 2017, 09:58:59 AM
Is he still drinking?
I last saw him in a pub in Dublin after our friendly with Shamrock Rovers (?) where he was paralytic drunk with Villa fans buying him drinks all night. I had to leave because it was quite sad seeing a known alcoholic being plied with drinks from people who should know better.
Fair comment, but a 'recovering' alcoholic can turn down drinks if he chooses to. Also, if he chooses to drink he doesn't need anyone else to get him drinks, he will make sure he gets them himself one way or another. Personally, the only time I go to a pub is for a meal with my wife and kids, so even if I was tempted it wouldn't be an option. On the other side of the coin I could walk round the corner to the off licence right now if I chose to.
Post by: Villa75 on September 08, 2017, 02:17:55 PM
Post by: Neil Hawkes on September 09, 2017, 09:16:52 AM
Post by: wittonwarrior on September 10, 2017, 08:03:51 AM
Post by: lordmcgrath5 on September 11, 2017, 11:57:35 AM
For a moment I thought it was going to be a news flash, McGrath back ready for first team action.
I wish.
A great half hour. Great to hear the man himself and some of the lads he grew up with. Delighted that Graham Taylor got some deserved praise. And that's a first from me, too: fair play to Gordon Taylor for his part in Paul continuing to play after leaving Man United.
Quite emotional as other posters have said above. He will always be my all-time favourite Villa player. His timing was astonishing, the way he'd just nick the ball off an opponent's toes at exactly the right moment. Plus his strength, attacking qualities and, as was rightly pointed out above, his sixth-sense positioning. And despite all of that he was and remains a paragon of modesty.
Post by: Mossie Hennebry on November 11, 2017, 10:49:16 AM
Post by: eamonn on November 11, 2017, 11:50:53 AM
Post by: dave shelley on November 11, 2017, 12:31:41 PM
The big man is on RTé Radio 1 at 11:30 today, if you want to check that out. It's bound to have a heavy Ireland slant, but so do a lot of you! https://tunein.com or https://www.rte.ie/radio1/ should get you there.
Bollocks! missed it.
Post by: Bungle on November 11, 2017, 01:03:05 PM
Same here, but if you go back later click the rte link, then do a search on the site for Marian Finucane (the show's host) click on the button for her website. There are links for previous shows, it is not on yet but should be later sometime.The big man is on RTé Radio 1 at 11:30 today, if you want to check that out. It's bound to have a heavy Ireland slant, but so do a lot of you! https://tunein.com or https://www.rte.ie/radio1/ should get you there.
Bollocks! missed it.
Post by: Mossie Hennebry on November 11, 2017, 01:47:06 PM
The big man is on RTé Radio 1 at 11:30 today, if you want to check that out. It's bound to have a heavy Ireland slant, but so do a lot of you! https://tunein.com or https://www.rte.ie/radio1/ should get you there.
Bollocks! missed it.
He's watching the match in Letterkenny tonight, so get on your bike, Dave...
Post by: KRS on November 12, 2017, 04:44:17 PM
Post by: wittonwarrior on November 12, 2017, 06:59:15 PM
The big man is on RTé Radio 1 at 11:30 today, if you want to check that out. It's bound to have a heavy Ireland slant, but so do a lot of you! https://tunein.com or https://www.rte.ie/radio1/ should get you there.
Bollocks! missed it.
He's watching the match in Letterkenny tonight, so get on your bike, Dave...
Letterkenny near fanad head. Love it there
Post by: eamonn on November 12, 2017, 08:36:41 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 14, 2018, 06:29:07 AM
Post by: Billy Walker on April 14, 2018, 11:21:00 PM
Post by: glinch on April 15, 2018, 11:23:34 AM
Post by: Ger Regan on April 15, 2018, 11:32:20 AM
Post by: rob_bridge on April 15, 2018, 11:39:53 AM
Linky (https://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/the-ray-darcy-show-extras-30003588/10864407/)
Thanks - will watch later
Post by: Mossie Hennebry on April 15, 2018, 11:34:40 PM
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on April 16, 2018, 01:55:28 AM
Post by: Diablo on April 16, 2018, 08:25:13 AM
Linky (https://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/the-ray-darcy-show-extras-30003588/10864407/)Thanks for the link. I really enjoyed watching that. Great to see he loves the club and is so loved in Ireland.
Post by: JD on April 16, 2018, 09:47:22 AM
Linky (https://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/the-ray-darcy-show-extras-30003588/10864407/)
Thanks for the link Ger. Brilliant interview and he has a lot of love for Villa.
Post by: James Mackay on April 16, 2018, 12:18:43 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 16, 2018, 02:01:22 PM
"The Villa fans loved you - they called you God!"
"...Gone, maybe they meant!".
Post by: Diablo on April 16, 2018, 02:19:24 PM
Wonderful moving video. Thanks for the link. Great to see him speak so highly of Graham Taylor and Jim Walker - I didn't expect myself to ever say it but...thank god for Kevin Moran too.
Post by: cheltenhamlion on April 16, 2018, 06:15:29 PM
Post by: Exeter 77 on April 16, 2018, 10:25:34 PM
Post by: Diablo on April 25, 2018, 12:10:42 PM
Paul McGrath vs Rest of World 1987 (All Touches & Actions)
Not the greatest quality video but it put a smile on my face (even though he wasn't with us at that point)
+ Ian Rush talking (with dodgy accents) about who his hardest opposition player was
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 28, 2018, 12:18:26 PM
Post by: Damo70 on April 28, 2018, 03:23:55 PM
Did Rush ever score against us when McGrath was in the side?
If he did it would have been someone else's fault.
Post by: russon on April 30, 2018, 01:36:22 PM
One of the best night's I ever had watching Villa away. Their poor keeper had a shocker culminating in our hilarious second goal when his muffed punch fell to Teale who squirted a volley in his path only for him to volley it into his own net, priceless.
McGrath's goal (and there were very few) was a towering header, nothing was gonna get in the way of him.
Highlight of the night for me though was in the warm up when a stray McGrath shot sailed the bar and smacked me in the coupon. An honour indeed.
Post by: AsTallAsLions on April 30, 2018, 02:41:58 PM
One of the best night's I ever had watching Villa away. Their poor keeper had a shocker culminating in our hilarious second goal when his muffed punch fell to Teale who squirted a volley in his path only for him to volley it into his own net, priceless.
McGrath's goal (and there were very few) was a towering header, nothing was gonna get in the way of him.
Highlight of the night for me though was in the warm up when a stray McGrath shot sailed the bar and smacked me in the coupon. An honour indeed.
Both collectors' items!
Post by: Damo70 on April 30, 2018, 10:12:20 PM
Post by: cheltenhamlion on May 01, 2018, 05:33:53 PM
I think their keeper that night was a young Northern Irish guy called Paul Kee. He got pelters from us travelling Villa fans for his premature baldness. I don't think I can ever remember such sustained 'banter' with an opposition player. I actually felt sorry for him, although that didn't stop me joining in. He had a mare.
Twas indeed.
Post by: eamonn on May 01, 2018, 08:51:20 PM
Did Rush ever score against us when McGrath was in the side?
If he did it would have been someone else's fault.
No one ever says he had a bad game but c'mon, there were a few and he'd be the first to admit it.
Post by: russon on May 01, 2018, 09:45:39 PM
He had a shocker in that Highfield Rd Boxing Day fiasco 92/93 when fatty Quinn turned us over, I believe the temptations that accompany that time of year might have had something to do with it and he later acknowledged the fact.Did Rush ever score against us when McGrath was in the side?
If he did it would have been someone else's fault.
No one ever says he had a bad game but c'mon, there were a few and he'd be the first to admit it.
Post by: ZhongYi on May 02, 2018, 01:14:40 PM
Some great moments of football genius in Paul's story but what has prompted me to write this is re the FA century match: McGrath winning the ball off Maradona!!! In his prime - how fucking cool is that?! and hey has there ever been a better side assembled for a paying audience than the the rest of the world XI? Maradona, Platini, Lineker, Josimar, Thomas Berthold - hard to believe that when you watch the footage that the stadium seemed about 2 to 3 quarters full - even though I think most people were interested in the game. It did create some buzz. I have to admit I did not remember Paul McGrath playing in that game even though as a kid I watched it on TV.
Actually the earliest I ever heard about Paul McGrath was watching the 85 cup final when he was named man of the match. In them days the likes of 'Shoot' and 'Match' used to still occasionally refer to him 'the Black Pearl of Inchicore' as well! Also on McGrath signing for the Villa I do recall a Sports Argus edition comparing a player Blues also signed at the same time who was an injury prone player and a front page suggesting both signings were risky!
Would be great if someone out there has some old 80s and 90s editions of the Argus to put on line.
As for the McGrath story video - superb, an excellent posting on here. Thouroughly enjoyed watching it. Hence the post. Thanks :)
Up the Villa!
Post by: itbrvilla on May 02, 2018, 01:27:31 PM
I remember Paul Moss get loads of stick from a small group in the lower Holte that went on for the whole half. No obvious reason to pick on him that I can recall.I think their keeper that night was a young Northern Irish guy called Paul Kee. He got pelters from us travelling Villa fans for his premature baldness. I don't think I can ever remember such sustained 'banter' with an opposition player. I actually felt sorry for him, although that didn't stop me joining in. He had a mare.
Twas indeed.
Post by: Clark W Griswold on May 02, 2018, 01:52:37 PM
Post by: Risso on May 02, 2018, 03:04:30 PM
Regarding Cheltenham Lion's post earlier was it was Jim Walker who was the first person associated with the club to make the statement that Paul was Villa's greatest ever player? - could have been in a News and Record sometime around 1993 or 94. I read it then but not sure on the date but pretty sure to that no one had really suggested it - at least not publicly in the media anyway. So a good call from Jim Walker - who was such a great asset to the club.
Some great moments of football genius in Paul's story but what has prompted me to write this is re the FA century match: McGrath winning the ball off Maradona!!! In his prime - how fucking cool is that?! and hey has there ever been a better side assembled for a paying audience than the the rest of the world XI? Maradona, Platini, Lineker, Josimar, Thomas Berthold - hard to believe that when you watch the footage that the stadium seemed about 2 to 3 quarters full - even though I think most people were interested in the game. It did create some buzz. I have to admit I did not remember Paul McGrath playing in that game even though as a kid I watched it on TV.
Actually the earliest I ever heard about Paul McGrath was watching the 85 cup final when he was named man of the match. In them days the likes of 'Shoot' and 'Match' used to still occasionally refer to him 'the Black Pearl of Inchicore' as well! Also on McGrath signing for the Villa I do recall a Sports Argus edition comparing a player Blues also signed at the same time who was an injury prone player and a front page suggesting both signings were risky!
Would be great if someone out there has some old 80s and 90s editions of the Argus to put on line.
As for the McGrath story video - superb, an excellent posting on here. Thouroughly enjoyed watching it. Hence the post. Thanks :)
Up the Villa!
I was at that match, it was unbelievable seeing all that talent. Watching Maradona do tricks during the warm up, I've never seen anything like it before or since.
Post by: Damo70 on May 02, 2018, 03:37:16 PM
He had a shocker in that Highfield Rd Boxing Day fiasco 92/93 when fatty Quinn turned us over, I believe the temptations that accompany that time of year might have had something to do with it and he later acknowledged the fact.Did Rush ever score against us when McGrath was in the side?
If he did it would have been someone else's fault.
No one ever says he had a bad game but c'mon, there were a few and he'd be the first to admit it.
I think he acknowledged in his book he 'wasn't in a good way' that day at Highfield Road. That game, the QPR Beelzebub hat trick game and the home game against Wimbledon towards the end of the 1990 season are the only bad games I remember him having.
Post by: MorrisNielson on May 11, 2018, 07:48:26 PM
Also on McGrath signing for the Villa I do recall a Sports Argus edition comparing a player Blues also signed at the same time who was an injury prone player and a front page suggesting both signings were risky!
Would be great if someone out there has some old 80s and 90s editions of the Argus to put on line.
Ask and you shall receive:
(https://thumb.ibb.co/myFZZS/Sports_Argus_22_07_89_Mc_Grath_Sproson.png) (https://ibb.co/myFZZS)
Post by: Matt Collins on May 12, 2018, 10:52:34 PM
Regarding Cheltenham Lion's post earlier was it was Jim Walker who was the first person associated with the club to make the statement that Paul was Villa's greatest ever player? - could have been in a News and Record sometime around 1993 or 94. I read it then but not sure on the date but pretty sure to that no one had really suggested it - at least not publicly in the media anyway. So a good call from Jim Walker - who was such a great asset to the club.
Some great moments of football genius in Paul's story but what has prompted me to write this is re the FA century match: McGrath winning the ball off Maradona!!! In his prime - how fucking cool is that?! and hey has there ever been a better side assembled for a paying audience than the the rest of the world XI? Maradona, Platini, Lineker, Josimar, Thomas Berthold - hard to believe that when you watch the footage that the stadium seemed about 2 to 3 quarters full - even though I think most people were interested in the game. It did create some buzz. I have to admit I did not remember Paul McGrath playing in that game even though as a kid I watched it on TV.
Actually the earliest I ever heard about Paul McGrath was watching the 85 cup final when he was named man of the match. In them days the likes of 'Shoot' and 'Match' used to still occasionally refer to him 'the Black Pearl of Inchicore' as well! Also on McGrath signing for the Villa I do recall a Sports Argus edition comparing a player Blues also signed at the same time who was an injury prone player and a front page suggesting both signings were risky!
Would be great if someone out there has some old 80s and 90s editions of the Argus to put on line.
As for the McGrath story video - superb, an excellent posting on here. Thouroughly enjoyed watching it. Hence the post. Thanks :)
Up the Villa!
I was at that match, it was unbelievable seeing all that talent. Watching Maradona do tricks during the warm up, I've never seen anything like it before or since.
I think I remember this. I think he was doing keepy uppies on his thighs, but without moving his leg. It was like he was just tensing his muscles at the right time to project the ball upwards
Post by: Damo70 on May 13, 2018, 01:45:16 PM
Also on McGrath signing for the Villa I do recall a Sports Argus edition comparing a player Blues also signed at the same time who was an injury prone player and a front page suggesting both signings were risky!
Would be great if someone out there has some old 80s and 90s editions of the Argus to put on line.
Ask and you shall receive:
(https://thumb.ibb.co/myFZZS/Sports_Argus_22_07_89_Mc_Grath_Sproson.png) (https://ibb.co/myFZZS)
I can't believe they compared Paul McGrath and Phil Sproson. McGrath played 253 times for Villa and won two cup winners medals with us. Sproson played 12 games for Small Heath and then left to go to Stafford Rangers.
Post by: dorsetvillian on May 13, 2018, 02:43:07 PM
I know a few of the local old boys that are at every match home and away. One sells old programmes to raise money for Bridport FC. I have given him hundreds of old Villa programmes to sell. He told me he sold one to the Son of God which had a picture if his dad in the cover.
Post by: PeterWithe on May 16, 2018, 11:22:26 PM
I think their keeper that night was a young Northern Irish guy called Paul Kee. He got pelters from us travelling Villa fans for his premature baldness. I don't think I can ever remember such sustained 'banter' with an opposition player. I actually felt sorry for him, although that didn't stop me joining in. He had a mare.
I went to that, our van was towed from where we left it and we had to track over to John Radcliffe Hospital to retrieve it.
We were all singing ‘ No hair, the goalies got no hair’ to the tune of Blue Moon.
I can’t mind what the score of the game was.
Post by: PeterWithe on May 16, 2018, 11:24:20 PM
Jim is an absolute gent, good to see him looking so well.
Post by: Damo70 on May 17, 2018, 01:46:35 PM
Ps I saw Jim Walker in Asda last week, he was talking to Tony Morley, I said hello as I knew him from when he worked at the Belfry.
Jim is an absolute gent, good to see him looking so well.
Years back a good friend of mine had a mate (I didn't actually know this mate myself) who was apparently going out with Jim Walker's daughter and reckoned that Jim would always introduce himself to people as "Hi, Jim Walker, Aston Villa physio".
Post by: PeterWithe on May 17, 2018, 02:14:51 PM
Post by: Damo70 on May 17, 2018, 02:29:18 PM
She ended up marrying Mark Delaney.
I have a friend (A. It wasn't me and I wasn't even there and B. it wasn't anyone I know who is on H&V) who once paid a young lady in Amsterdam to wear his Villa shirt and sing 'Mark, Mark, Mark Delaney' whilst he was doing the deed and a couple of mates were waiting outside the room. I believe it was a bet. He obviously won the bet, but whether his winnings covered the cost of his encounter with said lady I have no idea.
Post by: Lblock1874 on May 23, 2018, 07:22:58 PM
Post by: Damo70 on May 31, 2019, 11:47:22 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 31, 2019, 12:55:29 PM
Post by: Pat McMahon on May 31, 2019, 05:55:14 PM
Surprised the McGrath v Italy in 94 wasn't mentioned.
They lost so I suppose that negates his own excellent performance in terms of memories
Post by: dubont on May 31, 2019, 05:57:13 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 31, 2019, 06:25:54 PM
Post by: rob_bridge on May 31, 2019, 09:13:11 PM
He saw them all off whilst teaching Phill Babb how to play.
Post by: Damo70 on June 01, 2019, 12:10:04 AM
Surprised the McGrath v Italy in 94 wasn't mentioned.
That surprised me too. For all the great games I saw him play for Villa home and away over a number of years that game was his finest ever for me. He was also still playing with just one arm due to the muscle virus he played the 1994 Coca Cola Cup final with.
Post by: dave shelley on July 25, 2019, 08:37:37 PM
Post by: Damo70 on July 25, 2019, 08:43:22 PM
Paul McGrath Appeals For Help In Finding Missing Son (https://www.facebook.com/manstuff/photos/a.202601109774343/2710336895667406/?type=3&theater)
Not good, very worrying.
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on July 25, 2019, 09:00:33 PM
I hope he turns up safe and sound very soon - my thoughts are with Paul and and familyPaul McGrath Appeals For Help In Finding Missing Son (https://www.facebook.com/manstuff/photos/a.202601109774343/2710336895667406/?type=3&theater)
Not good, very worrying.
VCTM jnr is 18 now and I worry about him constantly
Post by: Steve67 on July 25, 2019, 09:02:15 PM
I hope he turns up safe and sound very soon - my thoughts are with Paul and and familyPaul McGrath Appeals For Help In Finding Missing Son (https://www.facebook.com/manstuff/photos/a.202601109774343/2710336895667406/?type=3&theater)
Not good, very worrying.
VCTM jnr is 18 now and I worry about him constantly
Mine is 20, in to rowing for his Uni and boxing, the worries never stop and as a parent, neither should they. I hope Paul finds his lad safe and well.
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 25, 2019, 09:03:35 PM
Post by: Scratchins on July 25, 2019, 09:04:33 PM
Paul McGrath Appeals For Help In Finding Missing Son (https://www.facebook.com/manstuff/photos/a.202601109774343/2710336895667406/?type=3&theater)Everything crossed for his safe return. Every parents nightmare. Thoughts for Paul and the family.
Post by: dave shelley on July 25, 2019, 09:21:32 PM
Post by: Scratchins on July 25, 2019, 09:33:44 PM
Not wishing to be twee but, parenting only ends the day you die. Ours are 42 and 40 and still look to us for help and advice. We've been extremely lucky and never had any bother with them, doesn't stop me worrying about them especially our lad as he lives a plane or boat ride away, could be worse and living the other side of the world. He left home to go to college when he was eighteen and never really ever lived at home again, I still miss him.A friend who is a geriatrician said that he has 90 year old patients worrying about their 70 year old children. It ends on the day that you die.
Post by: Villan For Life on July 25, 2019, 09:50:41 PM
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 26, 2019, 01:19:38 PM
Post by: dave shelley on July 26, 2019, 01:20:18 PM
Post by: eamonn on July 26, 2019, 01:20:46 PM
Post by: Diablo on July 26, 2019, 01:22:44 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on July 26, 2019, 01:23:12 PM
Post by: Villan For Life on July 26, 2019, 01:23:34 PM
Post by: garyshawsknee on July 26, 2019, 01:37:03 PM
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on July 26, 2019, 02:13:23 PM
Post by: p_ad on July 26, 2019, 03:46:45 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 26, 2019, 05:26:32 PM
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on July 26, 2019, 07:41:57 PM
I met Paul and Paul jnr outside Villa Park a few years back - spoke with jnr about his dad and he was immensely proud of him
Hope everything is ok for them both
Post by: Mossie Hennebry on December 04, 2019, 01:06:09 PM
Do you feel old now, fellow posters?
Post by: darren woolley on December 04, 2019, 02:54:41 PM
Post by: eamonn on December 04, 2019, 05:12:13 PM
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on December 04, 2019, 05:28:05 PM
Post by: clash city rocker on December 04, 2019, 06:13:41 PM
Post by: LeeB on December 04, 2019, 07:00:33 PM
I share a birthday with Fabian Delph. ..Well it's not my fault..!!!
There's uncertainty around Delph's birthday. Is it when the egg was laid, or when it hatched?
Post by: clash city rocker on December 04, 2019, 07:15:54 PM
I share a birthday with Fabian Delph. ..Well it's not my fault..!!!
There's uncertainty around Delph's birthday. Is it when the egg was laid, or when it hatched?
I suppose it depends whether snakes lay eggs or give birth to live young
Post by: stubbsyandy on December 04, 2019, 07:24:53 PM
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on December 04, 2019, 09:32:44 PM
I feel very old.
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 09, 2020, 06:44:34 PM
"All Aston Villa need tonight is the same Attitude we had v Man City. So proud of each and everyone of you ! Relax . Enjoy . Result"
Post by: eamonn on March 09, 2020, 07:04:58 PM
Post by: Dave P on March 13, 2020, 10:40:37 AM
(https://i.ibb.co/LJJTVfx/4f75b89e-11f1-4859-8f10-62b5496e7e8c.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LJJTVfx)
Post by: joe_c on May 10, 2020, 03:25:46 PM
https://twitter.com/Paulmcgrath5/status/1259271691630493702
Post by: Richard E on May 10, 2020, 03:27:46 PM
Post by: olaftab on May 10, 2020, 03:33:52 PM
Post by: Damo70 on May 10, 2020, 03:40:12 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 10, 2020, 04:14:08 PM
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 10, 2020, 05:19:08 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 10, 2020, 07:46:48 PM
Guess I'm going to have to get a new religion. Is Zoroastrianism any good?
If it was good enough for the greatest frontman of them all Freddie Mercury......
Post by: joniboy on May 11, 2020, 07:23:37 AM
God should have respected social distancing now there is no hope for us.
Judging by God's twitter and instagram updates and how respectful he is of the pandemic, I'd wager that pic is a historic (if recent) one before all this virus bollox kicked off.
Post by: brian green on May 11, 2020, 07:56:15 AM
If you want to worship Zoroaster the temple unearthed in the City of London was confirmed as Zoroastrian. Pray to get to and from it without being mown down by toffs in taxis.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 11, 2020, 05:54:29 PM
Guess I'm going to have to get a new religion. Is Zoroastrianism any good?
If it was good enough for the greatest frontman of them all Freddie Mercury......
I can just about stomach the support for Trump and Bolsonaro, but this is sickening.
Post by: KevinGage on May 11, 2020, 06:51:34 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 11, 2020, 07:11:55 PM
Guess I'm going to have to get a new religion. Is Zoroastrianism any good?
If it was good enough for the greatest frontman of them all Freddie Mercury......
I can just about stomach the support for Trump and Bolsonaro, but this is sickening.
Just wait till you hear my version of Bolsonaro to the tune of Barcelona! ;)
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 04, 2020, 01:18:28 PM
https://twitter.com/Paulmcgrath5/status/1301818802305368064
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 04, 2020, 01:40:00 PM
Post by: rob_bridge on September 04, 2020, 01:57:45 PM
On what day did God create the Irish band. And couldn't he have rested on that day as well.
Pretty sure one is Welsh and another English
Post by: KevinGage on September 04, 2020, 02:53:25 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 27, 2020, 12:57:16 PM
Post by: Ger Regan on February 23, 2021, 07:24:59 PM
Post by: LeeB on February 23, 2021, 07:46:59 PM
A really nice article here (https://www.the42.ie/paul-mcgrath-at-derby-county-5361730-Feb2021/?utm_source=shortlink) which has some villa-related aspects to it. Also shows a photo from my first ever game at VP, when he scored against spurs.
Brilliant, thanks for sharing. Chris Powell clearly holds him in the same kind of esteem we do, he was only with him for a season.
Post by: Damo70 on February 23, 2021, 07:54:54 PM
A really nice article here (https://www.the42.ie/paul-mcgrath-at-derby-county-5361730-Feb2021/?utm_source=shortlink) which has some villa-related aspects to it. Also shows a photo from my first ever game at VP, when he scored against spurs.
Brilliant, thanks for sharing. Chris Powell clearly holds him in the same kind of esteem we do, he was only with him for a season.
I can't recall his goal against Spurs. The only goals of his that spring to mind are his goal in the 6-2 win over Everton, him scoring the only goal of the game away to Forest (which I think was the same day he won the PFA player of the season award) and a goal away at Oxford in the cup when the Oxford keeper got pelters from the Villa fans.
That is another lovely piece of journalism about the big man.
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on February 23, 2021, 08:18:51 PM
A really nice article here (https://www.the42.ie/paul-mcgrath-at-derby-county-5361730-Feb2021/?utm_source=shortlink) which has some villa-related aspects to it. Also shows a photo from my first ever game at VP, when he scored against spurs.
Brilliant, thanks for sharing. Chris Powell clearly holds him in the same kind of esteem we do, he was only with him for a season.
I can't recall his goal against Spurs. The only goals of his that spring to mind are his goal in the 6-2 win over Everton, him scoring the only goal of the game away to Forest (which I think was the same day he won the PFA player of the season award) and a goal away at Oxford in the cup when the Oxford keeper got pelters from the Villa fans.
That is another lovely piece of journalism about the big man.
Gods goal at 15:25.
The Oxford keeper was Paul Kee.
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on February 23, 2021, 08:23:58 PM
Currently advertising 'chip shop' curry sauce on TV here. Not a bad ad as 'celebrity ads' go, he looks very well and glad to see he's still earning a few bob on the side.
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on February 23, 2021, 08:37:28 PM
But what brilliant comments by Chris Powell. He got to know the man we love and clearly he fully appreciates a special player and a great man.
It was a privilege to watch McGrath play for my team so many times. UTV.
Post by: dave.woodhall on February 23, 2021, 08:43:23 PM
Post by: Damo70 on February 23, 2021, 08:49:42 PM
A really nice article here (https://www.the42.ie/paul-mcgrath-at-derby-county-5361730-Feb2021/?utm_source=shortlink) which has some villa-related aspects to it. Also shows a photo from my first ever game at VP, when he scored against spurs.
Brilliant, thanks for sharing. Chris Powell clearly holds him in the same kind of esteem we do, he was only with him for a season.
I can't recall his goal against Spurs. The only goals of his that spring to mind are his goal in the 6-2 win over Everton, him scoring the only goal of the game away to Forest (which I think was the same day he won the PFA player of the season award) and a goal away at Oxford in the cup when the Oxford keeper got pelters from the Villa fans.
That is another lovely piece of journalism about the big man.
Gods goal at 15:25.
The Oxford keeper was Paul Kee.
We slaughtered the lad from the away end. I think he had a full head of hair at kick off and was totally bald at the final whistle.
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 23, 2021, 09:00:32 PM
Post by: Nunkin1965 on February 23, 2021, 09:05:54 PM
Post by: Clive W on February 23, 2021, 10:42:08 PM
I’m sure it was against QPR and they were attacking the Holte. One of their forwards burst into the box and had the audacity to nutmeg the Great Man. In a split second the GM turned, went to ground, and executed a perfect slide tackle just as he was about to shoot, flipping the ball off the forward’s feet clean as a whistle for a corner. The GM then stood up (and I’m convinced he looked directly at me - left side 3 steps down from the horizontal gangway) and raised a clenched fist towards the Holte with a cry of “yesss”
I thought the QPR player was Don Givens but on checking he was before McGrath’s time at Villa
Anyone else with the same memory?
Post by: dave.woodhall on February 23, 2021, 10:55:54 PM
Need some help with this one please folks; my memory is rapidly fading.
I’m sure it was against QPR and they were attacking the Holte. One of their forwards burst into the box and had the audacity to nutmeg the Great Man. In a split second the GM turned, went to ground, and executed a perfect slide tackle just as he was about to shoot, flipping the ball off the forward’s feet clean as a whistle for a corner. The GM then stood up (and I’m convinced he looked directly at me - left side 3 steps down from the horizontal gangway) and raised a clenched fist towards the Holte with a cry of “yesss”
I thought the QPR player was Don Givens but on checking he was before McGrath’s time at Villa
Anyone else with the same memory?
I remember it but it was at the Witton End. Most defenders would have got nowhere near, a decent one would have brought him down. A great defender might have got a toe to the ball to knock it away. McGrath won it cleanly and laid the ball off. Their supporters stood to applaud.
Post by: Clive W on February 23, 2021, 11:08:25 PM
Need some help with this one please folks; my memory is rapidly fading.
I’m sure it was against QPR and they were attacking the Holte. One of their forwards burst into the box and had the audacity to nutmeg the Great Man. In a split second the GM turned, went to ground, and executed a perfect slide tackle just as he was about to shoot, flipping the ball off the forward’s feet clean as a whistle for a corner. The GM then stood up (and I’m convinced he looked directly at me - left side 3 steps down from the horizontal gangway) and raised a clenched fist towards the Holte with a cry of “yesss”
I thought the QPR player was Don Givens but on checking he was before McGrath’s time at Villa
Anyone else with the same memory?
I remember it but it was at the Witton End. Most defenders would have got nowhere near, a decent one would have brought him down. A great defender might have got a toe to the ball to knock it away. McGrath won it cleanly and laid the ball off. Their supporters stood to applaud.
Sorry Dave but we must be talking about different games. 100% it was at the Holte end
Post by: Clive W on February 23, 2021, 11:09:35 PM
Post by: eamonn on February 24, 2021, 12:06:19 AM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 24, 2021, 02:43:32 AM
Post by: villabear on February 24, 2021, 07:14:14 AM
Unless I’m wrong and it wasn’t QPR
There’s only one way to settle this..............
Post by: robbo1874 on February 24, 2021, 08:44:42 AM
Post by: fbriai on February 24, 2021, 08:52:17 AM
Bradley Allen? Simon Barker?
Post by: Clive W on February 24, 2021, 09:45:37 AM
What was the weather like, Clive? I don't remember the moment - feels as though he did stuff like that every week, looking back - but it could well have been in that 4-1 beating we game them first game of the season in '93.
Bradley Allen? Simon Barker?
Vaguely remember it was a sunny day
The incident I’m thinking of was definitely at the Holte end. The one and only time I’ve ever been in the Wilton end was against Forest in the 90’s. Took my 3 sons and for some reason we ended up in the Witton end about 4 rows from the front.
Just before kick off the heavens opened and stayed that way and we were drenched. Fortunately we had a close up view of the only incident of note in the whole game. Unfortunately it was a Stuart Pearce penalty in the first minute and that was that. I think they went on to get another.
Spent the 150 mile drive back home trying to convince my sons that “trust me....it’s not always this bad”
Post by: Ian. on February 24, 2021, 10:26:36 AM
A really nice article here (https://www.the42.ie/paul-mcgrath-at-derby-county-5361730-Feb2021/?utm_source=shortlink) which has some villa-related aspects to it. Also shows a photo from my first ever game at VP, when he scored against spurs.Thank you for sharing. What a fantastic article. He was some player, maybe the best centre half to ever play the game. Brilliant to know he was loved everywhere he went.
Post by: thick_mike on February 24, 2021, 10:49:30 AM
Need some help with this one please folks; my memory is rapidly fading.
I’m sure it was against QPR and they were attacking the Holte. One of their forwards burst into the box and had the audacity to nutmeg the Great Man. In a split second the GM turned, went to ground, and executed a perfect slide tackle just as he was about to shoot, flipping the ball off the forward’s feet clean as a whistle for a corner. The GM then stood up (and I’m convinced he looked directly at me - left side 3 steps down from the horizontal gangway) and raised a clenched fist towards the Holte with a cry of “yesss”
I thought the QPR player was Don Givens but on checking he was before McGrath’s time at Villa
Anyone else with the same memory?
I remember a very similar incident against QPR, but at Loftus Road. It was the season we finished second and the ground was packed with villa on all sides. Through ball to Les Ferdinand who was a top striker and at the top of his game, McGrath trailing in his wake and I thought, “this is it...the demise of a once great player”. McGrath went to ground, slid onto the ball and stood up with it at his feet in one motion. Les Ferdinand carried on running onto the through ball that was no longer there.
Post by: LeeB on February 24, 2021, 11:29:18 AM
Post by: algy on February 24, 2021, 12:02:47 PM
Was 5,000 fishes really enough? I mean, it was a wedding. Wink.Isn't this what we do though?
Created the world in 7 days, 6.5. Should've done more on 7th day. Needs to improve creativity before he can be considered deity class.
Post by: eamonn on February 24, 2021, 12:39:02 PM
Post by: WarszaVillan on February 24, 2021, 01:04:42 PM
Post by: algy on February 24, 2021, 01:33:41 PM
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on February 24, 2021, 01:40:33 PM
Post by: LeeB on February 24, 2021, 02:05:04 PM
I'd be tempted to say pace. He never looked very quick when he ran and I don't think he was, but he always seemed to get to the ball before the opponent. Other than that he never scored that many goals, although he still got a few.
No, he had pace, and plenty of it. He just rarely had to use it because his reading of the game was so good.
I watched the MOTD highlights recently of us beating Liverpool at Anfield in '93, there's a moment in the second half when Rosentahl, who was no slouch, was slipped in, and God just turned on the afterburners over 5-10 yards, made up the ground, executed a perfect tackle and walked off with the ball.
Post by: Drummond on February 24, 2021, 03:02:47 PM
I'd be tempted to say pace. He never looked very quick when he ran and I don't think he was, but he always seemed to get to the ball before the opponent. Other than that he never scored that many goals, although he still got a few.
No, he had pace, and plenty of it. He just rarely had to use it because his reading of the game was so good.
I watched the MOTD highlights recently of us beating Liverpool at Anfield in '93, there's a moment in the second half when Rosentahl, who was no slouch, was slipped in, and God just turned on the afterburners over 5-10 yards, made up the ground, executed a perfect tackle and walked off with the ball.
That was him, on repeat. It just happened over and over again. It's a privilege to have seen him play such was his genius on the pitch.
Post by: KevinGage on March 30, 2021, 09:08:56 AM
Charlton could barely recall his own name or recognise himself in pictures.
But recognised McGrath and his whole face lit up as soon as he seen a video of him.
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on March 30, 2021, 09:16:25 AM
Poignant moment in the Jack Charlton documentary last night.
Charlton could barely recall his own name or recognise himself in pictures.
But recognised McGrath and his whole face lit up as soon as he seen a video of him.
Poignant moment in the Jack Charlton documentary last night.
Charlton could barely recall his own name or recognise himself in pictures.
But recognised McGrath and his whole face lit up as soon as he seen a video of him.
Fantastic documentary. That moment was the most memorable for me too. McGrath featured heavily too and I loved to the little highlights reel of God vs Italy in USA 94.
Post by: algy on March 30, 2021, 09:57:11 AM
Fantastic documentary. That moment was the most memorable for me too. McGrath featured heavily too and I loved to the little highlights reel of God vs Italy in USA 94.For me, that was just the best performance of any defender I've ever seen. He had 2 pockets in the back of his shorts that day, and he kept Roberto Baggio - the best striker in the world - in one, and Giuseppe Signori in the other. Signori scored 26 goals in 32 games in 1992-93, and 23 goals in 24 games in 1993-94. In Serie A.
Post by: Billy Walker on March 30, 2021, 10:10:45 AM
Post by: Drummond on March 30, 2021, 10:46:49 AM
During his time at Villa he was the best defender in the world and I'm certain Barresi or Maldini couldn't have done what Macca did versus Italy that day. It makes me shout at the telly when I see these Sky discussions about the best Premier League defender ever because the John Terrys, Rio Ferdinands etc do not come close to Paul McGrath. It's a travesty Macca hasn't more medals to show for his efforts but I hope the admiration, love and respect folk have for him make up for that.
I think he's more than happy with the support, love and affection he's held in.
I saw a discussion the other day that suggested he wasn't even considered to be one of Ireland's best players. The Keanes were popular, Brady too but McGrath didn't get much o a mention.
Post by: LeeB on March 30, 2021, 11:01:02 AM
Post by: Drummond on March 30, 2021, 11:41:15 AM
God doesn't need the medals, I've never known a player that cuts through rivalries like he did, I'd talk to any fans of other clubs down the years and they'd always agree he was a great player, no ifs or buts.
Absolutely, no question.
Post by: Mossie Hennebry on March 30, 2021, 07:56:39 PM
He is universally loved, even by those that aren't football fans. I have always thought that it is a widely held view that he is our nailed on world-class player. All the others can be debated.During his time at Villa he was the best defender in the world and I'm certain Barresi or Maldini couldn't have done what Macca did versus Italy that day. It makes me shout at the telly when I see these Sky discussions about the best Premier League defender ever because the John Terrys, Rio Ferdinands etc do not come close to Paul McGrath. It's a travesty Macca hasn't more medals to show for his efforts but I hope the admiration, love and respect folk have for him make up for that.
I think he's more than happy with the support, love and affection he's held in.
I saw a discussion the other day that suggested he wasn't even considered to be one of Ireland's best players. The Keanes were popular, Brady too but McGrath didn't get much o a mention.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 30, 2021, 08:01:22 PM
During his time at Villa he was the best defender in the world and I'm certain Barresi or Maldini couldn't have done what Macca did versus Italy that day.
Wasn't it said that Baggio asked for his shirt after that game?
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 30, 2021, 08:04:24 PM
He is universally loved, even by those that aren't football fans. I have always thought that it is a widely held view that he is our nailed on world-class player. All the others can be debated.
Agreed. McGrath first, then you can argue over in what order Brady, Giles, Roy and Robbie Keane make up the top 5.
Post by: Damo70 on March 30, 2021, 08:08:25 PM
Post by: Dante Lavelli on March 30, 2021, 08:56:05 PM
I know it's sacrilige to question any part of his game but being too young to appreciate his true genius consistently, I'd still like to hear of any weaknesses.
Bit harsh to call it a weakness but the ticking clock of time always seemed to be against him whilst at villa. Each pre-season he’d come back and it’d almost feel like a new signing.
Post by: JuanMartinez on March 30, 2021, 08:58:21 PM
Post by: colin69 on March 30, 2021, 09:00:00 PM
Post by: JuanMartinez on March 30, 2021, 09:10:18 PM
It’s like he literally came out of the clouds.
Post by: Dante Lavelli on March 30, 2021, 09:12:19 PM
Post by: KevinGage on March 30, 2021, 09:29:17 PM
I know it's sacrilige to question any part of his game but being too young to appreciate his true genius consistently, I'd still like to hear of any weaknesses.
Bit harsh to call it a weakness but the ticking clock of time always seemed to be against him whilst at villa. Each pre-season he’d come back and it’d almost feel like a new signing.
His biggest weakness (which is also a big part of why he is so endearing) is he didn't know how good he was.
In the latter stage of his career - from about his time with us onward -a player of that profile would usually be in the running for captain. But he was never a serious choice for us and felt burdened by the responsibility when Mick McCarthy gave it to him early on in his first stint as manager.
It was a big enough effort just to get him to turn out.
But on the pitch he had few peers. Read the game well, could win everything in the air, physically strong and a turn of pace when required. Had that bit of cheek and panache to his game that puts him amongst the greats. Looked like it all came easy to him. It's not often enjoyable to watch defenders but he was a rare exception.
Post by: N'ZMAV on March 30, 2021, 09:34:30 PM
Post by: Damo70 on March 30, 2021, 09:42:12 PM
I was possibly too young to understand/ask, but were true extend of his off field issues known whilst at the club?
He had disciplinary problems and fitness problems at United. Ferguson tried to get him to retire and take an insurance pay off. He rarely missed a game for us and was consistently brilliant but there were a couple of incidents. I think he missed the Inter game at Villa Park in 1990 and a cup tie at Exeter a couple of years later due to his off field issues. I think he also went on the missing list a couple of times on Ireland duty. I believe Jack Charlton pretty much assigned him a minder to stop him disappearing when on Ireland duty. He had a mare at Villa Park against QPR when Trevor Francis got a hat trick and another mare at Coventry on Boxing Day. He admitted in his book that on both of those occasions he was suffering from the effects of drink, particularly in the QPR game.
Post by: JuanMartinez on March 30, 2021, 09:44:36 PM
Was a sort of volley in the penalty box. I think from a corner. Was a sky Sunday game.
What Macca goal are you referring to?
The Forest reference was a Sunday you are correct , but the clue is in the post “header”.
Post by: Exeter 77 on March 30, 2021, 09:45:51 PM
I was possibly too young to understand/ask, but were true extend of his off field issues known whilst at the club?His issues were well known by Graham Taylor as he wrote a chapter in Back From The Brink (McGrath's second and more hard hitting autobiography). I assume BFR knew as well.
I think he even lived with Graham Taylor for a while after he attempted suicide.
Post by: Mister E on March 30, 2021, 09:59:02 PM
McGrath comes out of it with great credit; a true star.
Post by: Pete3206 on March 30, 2021, 10:21:04 PM
Unfortunately, he was playing for Derby and they sung his name throughout.
Post by: Nev on March 30, 2021, 10:27:27 PM
The Jack Charlton documentary was brilliant.
McGrath comes out of it with great credit; a true star.
Just finished watching it, a tear in either eye. It made me realise how lucky I was to live through that era, and watch McGrath almost every week.
Post by: JuanMartinez on March 30, 2021, 10:31:05 PM
Anyone remember his defensive master class at our Baseball Ground FA Cup defeat in 1997?
Unfortunately, he was playing for Derby and they sung his name throughout.
I was there, lost 3-1 Curcic got I’m sure his only?
Behind the goal and never remember more Villa fans fighting with each other.
Bad day.
Post by: WarszaVillan on March 30, 2021, 10:39:39 PM
Post by: JuanMartinez on March 30, 2021, 10:46:49 PM
That was a Sunday.
Post by: N'ZMAV on March 31, 2021, 10:34:14 AM
I was on about a different goalWas a sort of volley in the penalty box. I think from a corner. Was a sky Sunday game.
What Macca goal are you referring to?
The Forest reference was a Sunday you are correct , but the clue is in the post “header”.
Post by: algy on March 31, 2021, 12:22:14 PM
I was possibly too young to understand/ask, but were true extend of his off field issues known whilst at the club?I remember asking my dad why Paul McGrath wasn't playing against Exeter in that FA Cup match, and he said something about him having probably been drinking the night before. So I'd guess it was semi-well known that he at least had some troubles off the pitch.
As was said before, his real 'weakness' was that he didn't realise/appreciate just how good he was, and maybe how deeply he was (and still is) loved. It's also IMO why it's not really on buying the big man alcoholic drinks. I mean, he most certainly deserves them, but it also must act in a way to bolster that 'not good enough' feeling inside, that alcohol is what makes him popular & great. I'm no teetotaller, but booze really can be the devil incarnate. It can very easily warp the mind in to thinking that way.
Post by: dave.woodhall on March 31, 2021, 12:45:01 PM
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on April 02, 2021, 10:46:44 PM
A good insight into the man himself. Good to see Paul McGrath talking on it and some other Villa players from that era featuring too. Ooh aah Paul McGrath!
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 02, 2021, 10:56:34 PM
Caught up on the Jack Charlton documentary film tonight.
A good insight into the man himself. Good to see Paul McGrath talking on it and some other Villa players from that era featuring too. Ooh aah Paul McGrath!
Caught the repeat on Virgin Media. From a McGrath perspective he seems to be in a much better place now than when he was at the height of his powers. How many ex-pros can say the same and from what I saw in the documentary he has Jack Charlton to thank in part for that.
Post by: TelfordVilla on April 03, 2021, 01:54:04 PM
Post by: john e on April 03, 2021, 07:32:45 PM
On Saturday he’d play and was man of the match every week’
Paul Merson
The man was a walking miracle
I know it’s been said a million times before
but his performance in that game against Italy must be the greatest performance of any central defender of all times
Post by: Risso on April 03, 2021, 07:34:57 PM
Just seen the McGrath interview on YouTube. Talking Charlton, Ferguson and being a Villa fan. Still unreal how he is so shy and embarrassed by the adoration he receives.
I've just seen it too. He looks and sounds really well, which is obviously great to see. The interviewer was abysmal though.
Post by: KevinGage on April 03, 2021, 07:36:18 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 11, 2021, 04:37:30 AM
If anyone fancies the interviewer, I saw her first.
Post by: dave shelley on April 11, 2021, 09:07:49 AM
Good interview with Him here:
If anyone fancies the interviewer, I saw her first.
Lucy Kennedy. Not sure but I think she's an ex partner of Shane Long, some footballer anyway.
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on April 12, 2021, 10:43:55 AM
Post by: basavfc on April 12, 2021, 12:49:33 PM
Good interview with Him here:
If anyone fancies the interviewer, I saw her first.
Lucy Kennedy. Not sure but I think she's an ex partner of Shane Long, some footballer anyway.
God IS A VILLA FAN, my love for this guy...........................................
Post by: West Derby Villan on April 12, 2021, 01:44:53 PM
Post by: Clive W on April 12, 2021, 01:52:13 PM
Good interview with Him here:
If anyone fancies the interviewer, I saw her first.
Lucy Kennedy. Not sure but I think she's an ex partner of Shane Long, some footballer anyway.
God IS A VILLA FAN, my love for this guy...........................................
What a lovely, lovely man
So proud to have seen him in his pomp wearing our shirt
I disagree with him on one point though; I think he would have coped easily with today’s players. He had such a football brain he would have worked them all out
Great interview and thanks for posting it
Post by: LeeB on April 12, 2021, 04:08:40 PM
Good interview with Him here:
If anyone fancies the interviewer, I saw her first.
Lucy Kennedy. Not sure but I think she's an ex partner of Shane Long, some footballer anyway.
God IS A VILLA FAN, my love for this guy...........................................
What a lovely, lovely man
So proud to have seen him in his pomp wearing our shirt
I disagree with him on one point though; I think he would have coped easily with today’s players. He had such a football brain he would have worked them all out
Great interview and thanks for posting it
That's so typical of the modesty of the man.
The feelings I have for Paul are what I imagine deeply Catholic people feel for the Pope, I had tears in my eyes when he answered Villa as his team.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 12, 2021, 04:12:27 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on April 12, 2021, 04:15:48 PM
Good interview with Him here:
If anyone fancies the interviewer, I saw her first.
Lucy Kennedy. Not sure but I think she's an ex partner of Shane Long, some footballer anyway.
God IS A VILLA FAN, my love for this guy...........................................
What a lovely, lovely man
So proud to have seen him in his pomp wearing our shirt
I disagree with him on one point though; I think he would have coped easily with today’s players. He had such a football brain he would have worked them all out
Great interview and thanks for posting it
Absolutely, modesty is a virtue, but God doing himself an injustice there. On ability alone he would of coped easily, whether there are managers like SGT and big Jack around now with the constant TV coverage and media frenzy around the game, to look after him, cover for him at times, is another question.
I was 15 when he signed for us and 22 by the time he left, and he is without doubt my ultimate footballing hero, I just wish I could remember all those times I saw him down Villa Park more clearly.
One of my favourite footballing quotes is after Ireland beat Italy 1-0 in World Cup 94 and the great Paulo Maldini, said something along the lines of ‘we just couldn’t get past that man mountain McGrath’.
Maldini was right, an absolute Mountain and was virtually every time he pulled on the claret and blue.
Post by: Exeter 77 on April 12, 2021, 06:48:07 PM
Post by: john e on April 14, 2021, 02:25:00 PM
I've said before Paul McGrath was the right player for Villa at exactly the right time and Villa was the right club for him. He needed us every bit as much as we needed him and we had managers and a physio who knew how to handle his issues and injuries.
If that physio is Jim Walker he is an absolute fantastic bloke
I was over in Bilbao with my young lad he came and sat at an outside table with us at some bar and chatted for a good while
Really nice genuine fella
Don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say a bad word about him
(Still the best away ever btw)
Post by: Brend'Watkins on April 14, 2021, 02:48:04 PM
Just seen the McGrath interview on YouTube. Talking Charlton, Ferguson and being a Villa fan. Still unreal how he is so shy and embarrassed by the adoration he receives.
I've just seen it too. He looks and sounds really well, which is obviously great to see. The interviewer was abysmal though.
They'd have to try really hard to get one worse.
Great to see him looking so well.
Post by: eamonn on August 18, 2021, 08:07:02 PM
https://twitter.com/Paulmcgrath5/status/1427619575026364426
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 18, 2021, 08:26:33 PM
Have you seen what God posted on Twitter this week? It's stunning...
https://twitter.com/Paulmcgrath5/status/1427619575026364426
Saw it earlier and I've seen it before, not sure if God posted it previously on IG. Agree that it's stunning. Anyone know where it's from or if it's possible get it as a print?
Post by: Beard82 on August 18, 2021, 08:35:12 PM
To think - I once thought Grealish could be mentioned in the same breath
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 18, 2021, 08:46:41 PM
Still like it though.
Post by: DC1874 on August 18, 2021, 08:50:20 PM
Post by: Beard82 on August 18, 2021, 08:57:46 PM
Awesome picture! Was lucky enough to see him play at VP in the flesh and, as the son of an Irish immigrant, it was twice as evocative for me to see him run out both in claret'n'blue and emarald green in the 90s!I can remember my dad taking me to see villa when I was a kid - him and Shane real were something else. His book is the best sports auto biography I have read
Post by: Scott Nielsen on August 19, 2021, 03:11:41 AM
Looks like it's by this guy and presumably doctored. https://twitter.com/binzoboy?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Still like it though.
Yeah. Love it, doctored or not.
It reminds me of a Roman mural of my favorite player ever (and the only one I'd have above McGrath):
(https://i.ibb.co/MGLdqxX/Totti-a-s-Roma-celebration.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MGLdqxX)
I figure I'll use one for the laptop and the other for the phone.
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on September 02, 2021, 11:11:51 PM
&feature=share
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 02, 2021, 11:17:43 PM
Apologies if interview already posted.
Cheers, didn't see it on TV and (currently) a very apt post number for it.
Post by: Ads on September 02, 2021, 11:37:02 PM
Post by: JD on September 03, 2021, 12:53:51 AM
His love for Villa is very special.
Post by: Moonraker on September 03, 2021, 07:14:41 PM
Post by: purpletrousers on September 03, 2021, 11:30:00 PM
Just watched it. So HDE offered to double his wages and then some if he joined?
Is there a link to the whole thing or at least a proper sequence of the chunks?
Post by: Moonraker on September 04, 2021, 02:56:36 PM
Post by: eamonn on September 05, 2021, 12:10:55 AM
Just watched it. So HDE offered to double his wages and then some if he joined?
First Grealish, now God didn't even love us to begin with. We're beginning to feel like battered wives or a poor pup at Battersea animal rescue.
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 05, 2021, 01:40:18 AM
Post by: Hookeysmith on September 05, 2021, 05:29:30 PM
Post by: eamonn on September 09, 2021, 10:44:57 PM
Post by: Rigadon on September 09, 2021, 10:58:56 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 10, 2021, 12:37:02 AM
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on December 04, 2021, 07:39:49 AM
Post by: McGraths Dry Cleaning on December 04, 2021, 08:33:54 AM
Post by: eamonn on December 04, 2021, 12:18:41 PM
Post by: darren woolley on December 04, 2021, 02:04:22 PM
Post by: McGraths Dry Cleaning on December 06, 2021, 06:28:40 PM
Well, your username is also a constant reminder. Couldn't she have let him off, though? A shy lad like that was unlikely to be lying.Yeah she knew who he was alright but no ticket no dry cleaning. She said he was lovely.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 29, 2022, 07:58:35 PM
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 29, 2022, 08:40:51 PM
His autobiography is up for 'Best Sports Book of the 21st century' (so far) if anyone fancies giving it another vote. https://sportsbookawards.com/bestsportsbook/
Cheers BV. Done
Post by: olaftab on April 30, 2022, 08:16:24 AM
Post by: Chap on April 30, 2022, 08:28:36 AM
Post by: dave shelley on April 30, 2022, 08:57:16 AM
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on April 30, 2022, 09:05:46 AM
Post by: RichardBatchelor on April 30, 2022, 09:39:54 AM
Post by: nordenvillain on April 30, 2022, 10:00:59 AM
Post by: Colhint on April 30, 2022, 11:02:54 AM
Post by: RamboandBruno on April 30, 2022, 12:34:37 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 30, 2022, 05:31:59 PM
Post by: dcdavecollett on May 01, 2022, 02:22:14 AM
Post by: robbo1874 on May 01, 2022, 04:21:00 AM
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on May 01, 2022, 01:06:40 PM
Read a couple of those books and have a couple more to read when I can find the time.
Post by: Steve67 on May 01, 2022, 01:16:05 PM
Post by: Broadlee on May 01, 2022, 06:00:29 PM
deserves it
Post by: Drummond on May 19, 2022, 05:13:26 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/9vW0NMr/PXL-20220515-150635484.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9vW0NMr)
Post by: Bad English on May 19, 2022, 05:39:15 PM
Done. One or two on there I wouldn't mind reading.Redemption. Troy Deeney?
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 19, 2022, 08:21:35 PM
Post by: eamonn on May 19, 2022, 10:09:55 PM
Post by: Dave P on October 05, 2022, 07:29:43 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 05, 2022, 07:37:26 PM
Still no need to worry (I hope) but his comments on Twitter tonight have been strange to say the least.
Saw that and (I think) it's been deleted. I wouldn't worry too much, sounds like someone took advantage of his generosity and/or abused his trust and he was voicing his frustration in public. I'd imagine it will be sorted once that person takes the hint and cops himself on.
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on October 05, 2022, 07:39:44 PM
Post by: eamonn on October 05, 2022, 08:39:55 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 05, 2022, 08:47:14 PM
TBH I'm more concerned with him promoting Chef Tomato Ketchup. *shudders* ;)
Post by: Three Spires Villa on October 10, 2022, 11:32:42 AM
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 10, 2022, 04:08:29 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 10, 2022, 07:28:39 PM
Chef sauce is the best tomato and brown
No wonder you had to leave Brum. ;)
*There's no such things as best tomato ketchup.
Post by: CorkVilla on October 22, 2022, 04:50:26 PM
Post by: Paul.S on October 22, 2022, 04:56:23 PM
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on October 22, 2022, 06:43:07 PM
Dennis Mortimer doesn't believe the 'myth' of Paul McGrath and didn't pick him in his all time Villa eleven. Created a bit of debate on some of the Irish forums. Didn't see the 80s team unfortunately but still would have thought McGrath would make it into most peoples best ever Villa teams.
Has he actually referred to Paul McGrath as a myth?
Post by: dave.woodhall on October 22, 2022, 06:53:13 PM
Post by: wince on October 22, 2022, 07:03:10 PM
In the 80s it was daddies in a squeeze bottle on some chips from the chippy near to the Prince Hal in Chelmsley Wood.Chef sauce is the best tomato and brown
No wonder you had to leave Brum. ;)
*There's no such things as best tomato ketchup.
Post by: LeeB on October 22, 2022, 07:18:48 PM
In the 80s it was daddies in a squeeze bottle on some chips from the chippy near to the Prince Hal in Chelmsley Wood.Chef sauce is the best tomato and brown
No wonder you had to leave Brum. ;)
*There's no such things as best tomato ketchup.
There was a sit down chippy in the precinct, what was that called?
Post by: dave.woodhall on November 07, 2022, 09:33:08 PM
https://m.sundayworld.com/sport/columnists/aston-villa-steered-me-away-from-a-darkness-that-threatened-to-consume-me/1973504749.html?fbclid=IwAR15L6atIBeeYZTgO-GP5jf1twro-09vaW8IBzjdsuqmxjkbnNVou2fRL78
Post by: RamboandBruno on November 07, 2022, 10:59:57 PM
It says nothing we don't know already but it says it well.
https://m.sundayworld.com/sport/columnists/aston-villa-steered-me-away-from-a-darkness-that-threatened-to-consume-me/1973504749.html?fbclid=IwAR15L6atIBeeYZTgO-GP5jf1twro-09vaW8IBzjdsuqmxjkbnNVou2fRL78
As you say nothing new but lovely all the same.
Post by: eamonn on November 08, 2022, 12:35:31 AM
Post by: Rory on November 08, 2022, 02:25:38 AM
Incidentally, the same uncle also met Dermot Morgan (aka Father Ted) around ten years later. Says he was the funniest man he's ever met, but was heavily into the coke.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on November 08, 2022, 03:05:41 AM
In the 80s it was daddies in a squeeze bottle on some chips from the chippy near to the Prince Hal in Chelmsley Wood.Chef sauce is the best tomato and brown
No wonder you had to leave Brum. ;)
*There's no such things as best tomato ketchup.
There was a sit down chippy in the precinct, what was that called?
The Coppice. The Queen went in there in about 70/71 when she opened the precinct.
The one by the Prince Hal hasn’t re-opened after Covid. The Prince Hal closed before that.
Post by: Bad English on November 08, 2022, 06:00:42 AM
Post by: Exeter 77 on November 08, 2022, 08:08:13 AM
Beautiful closing words. Is he still off social media? I'm sure he enjoyed watching the game yesterday. Again, bloody hard to believe he was in the team the last time we did them on that pitch...His Twitter account is active again. Nothing new in that article but the story of how Sir Graham looked after always bears retelling. Paul was 29 when he joined us though not 31.
Post by: Jon Crofts on November 08, 2022, 08:25:00 AM
My uncle has a well-worn story about when he met God in the Gravediggers in Dublin, when he was still at Man Utd. They had (probably more than) a few pints and my unc' maintains that he was one of the nicest blokes you could ever wish to meet and nobody had to put their hand in their pocket all evening.
Incidentally, the same uncle also met Dermot Morgan (aka Father Ted) around ten years later. Says he was the funniest man he's ever met, but was heavily into the coke.
I had dinner and drinks with him and his wife to be just after Ireland were knocked out of the World Cup USA 94. Possibly the mildest mannered, quietest spoken person I've ever met, even with a skinful of ale his voice never raised above a whisper, never cursed and was an absolute delight to be with.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on November 08, 2022, 08:37:08 AM
It was 7th April 1971. I know these things. I was just over the road by the Shell petrol station.
Me too!
Post by: Bad English on November 08, 2022, 09:01:35 AM
(https://www.bosworthmedicalcentre.co.uk/Public/M89008/Image/d79192d6-0284-423e-b03d-6704b62e9e86.jpg)
Post by: LeeB on November 08, 2022, 10:06:53 AM
The Coppice. I was somewhere behind below those two posts in the background.
(https://www.bosworthmedicalcentre.co.uk/Public/M89008/Image/d79192d6-0284-423e-b03d-6704b62e9e86.jpg)
That's magic. A trip there, and a nose around Zodiac Toys whilst twisting my mom's arm to get me a Transformer, bloody heaven.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on November 09, 2022, 04:20:25 AM
The Coppice. I was somewhere behind below those two posts in the background.
(https://www.bosworthmedicalcentre.co.uk/Public/M89008/Image/d79192d6-0284-423e-b03d-6704b62e9e86.jpg)
That's magic. A trip there, and a nose around Zodiac Toys whilst twisting my mom's arm to get me a Transformer, bloody heaven.
Zodiac Tots was ace.
As was the sports shop that sold kits and scarves and iron-on shirt numbers, can’t mind the name of it. They even had those numbers you tied round your socks that Leeds wore for about a season. It was over the other side of the TC, past the bingo hall steps and clock tower.
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on November 09, 2022, 07:47:10 AM
My uncle has a well-worn story about when he met God in the Gravediggers in Dublin, when he was still at Man Utd. They had (probably more than) a few pints and my unc' maintains that he was one of the nicest blokes you could ever wish to meet and nobody had to put their hand in their pocket all evening.
Incidentally, the same uncle also met Dermot Morgan (aka Father Ted) around ten years later. Says he was the funniest man he's ever met, but was heavily into the coke.
I had dinner and drinks with him and his wife to be just after Ireland were knocked out of the World Cup USA 94. Possibly the mildest mannered, quietest spoken person I've ever met, even with a skinful of ale his voice never raised above a whisper, never cursed and was an absolute delight to be with.
I sorted his car insurance out for him in 1994 - a long story and not the easiest thing to do when you consider his driving conviction history - and he gave me a pair of tickets for the away leg of the Tranmere semi final. He also sorted me out for tickets for the 96 League Cup final and invited me and Alex Alex Cropley into the old Players’ lounge after a home game v Chelsea. Love him!
Post by: wince on November 09, 2022, 06:23:08 PM
Great chips from there. Proper hot ones not how things are now. And loved zodiacs though I barely remember the inside of it now.The Coppice. I was somewhere behind below those two posts in the background.
(https://www.bosworthmedicalcentre.co.uk/Public/M89008/Image/d79192d6-0284-423e-b03d-6704b62e9e86.jpg)
That's magic. A trip there, and a nose around Zodiac Toys whilst twisting my mom's arm to get me a Transformer, bloody heaven.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on November 19, 2022, 01:46:18 AM
Great chips from there. Proper hot ones not how things are now. And loved zodiacs though I barely remember the inside of it now.The Coppice. I was somewhere behind below those two posts in the background.
(https://www.bosworthmedicalcentre.co.uk/Public/M89008/Image/d79192d6-0284-423e-b03d-6704b62e9e86.jpg)
That's magic. A trip there, and a nose around Zodiac Toys whilst twisting my mom's arm to get me a Transformer, bloody heaven.
That chippy is still not bad to be honest. Probably not as nice as The Seagull but I might be being unfair as it’s not my local one anymore and I rarely go in there nowadays. (Seagull is slightly closer to me now, and I am one of the top boys in the Seagull Skins and Mods).
Post by: Bad English on November 19, 2022, 06:55:25 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on November 19, 2022, 10:47:01 AM
Is the Bell Lane Fish Bar still there?
It is.
The Bell us an Indian restaurant now.
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on December 04, 2022, 09:08:45 AM
Post by: eamonn on December 04, 2022, 12:11:45 PM
Post by: Risso on December 04, 2022, 12:18:09 PM
Which means Happy Birthdays (landmark ones?) to Toronto and Risso!
Thanks mate. Not a landmark one this year, that was last year. Just the slow, downhill slog to 60 to look forward to now!
Post by: Toronto Villa on December 04, 2022, 01:41:44 PM
Which means Happy Birthdays (landmark ones?) to Toronto and Risso!
Thanks mate. Not a landmark one this year, that was last year. Just the slow, downhill slog to 60 to look forward to now!
Happy Birthday my brother. Here’s to many, many more. Have a super day.
Post by: Axl Rose on December 04, 2022, 02:11:06 PM
Which means Happy Birthdays (landmark ones?) to Toronto and Risso!
Thanks mate. Not a landmark one this year, that was last year. Just the slow, downhill slog to 60 to look forward to now!
Happy birthday mate, and a belated happy birthday to you too, Toronto!
Will raise a bottle of sake to you both!
Post by: Toronto Villa on December 04, 2022, 02:54:24 PM
Which means Happy Birthdays (landmark ones?) to Toronto and Risso!
Thanks mate. Not a landmark one this year, that was last year. Just the slow, downhill slog to 60 to look forward to now!
Happy birthday mate, and a belated happy birthday to you too, Toronto!
Will raise a bottle of sake to you both!
Thank you sir
Post by: darren woolley on December 04, 2022, 03:17:16 PM
My uncle has a well-worn story about when he met God in the Gravediggers in Dublin, when he was still at Man Utd. They had (probably more than) a few pints and my unc' maintains that he was one of the nicest blokes you could ever wish to meet and nobody had to put their hand in their pocket all evening.
Incidentally, the same uncle also met Dermot Morgan (aka Father Ted) around ten years later. Says he was the funniest man he's ever met, but was heavily into the coke.
I had dinner and drinks with him and his wife to be just after Ireland were knocked out of the World Cup USA 94. Possibly the mildest mannered, quietest spoken person I've ever met, even with a skinful of ale his voice never raised above a whisper, never cursed and was an absolute delight to be with.
I sorted his car insurance out for him in 1994 - a long story and not the easiest thing to do when you consider his driving conviction history - and he gave me a pair of tickets for the away leg of the Tranmere semi final. He also sorted me out for tickets for the 96 League Cup final and invited me and Alex Alex Cropley into the old Players’ lounge after a home game v Chelsea. Love him!
That's brilliant I'm so jealous.
Post by: Risso on December 04, 2022, 04:37:01 PM
Which means Happy Birthdays (landmark ones?) to Toronto and Risso!
Thanks mate. Not a landmark one this year, that was last year. Just the slow, downhill slog to 60 to look forward to now!
Happy Birthday my brother. Here’s to many, many more. Have a super day.
You too fella, hope to see again you next time you're over this side of the pond.
Post by: Toronto Villa on December 04, 2022, 04:47:02 PM
Which means Happy Birthdays (landmark ones?) to Toronto and Risso!
Thanks mate. Not a landmark one this year, that was last year. Just the slow, downhill slog to 60 to look forward to now!
Happy Birthday my brother. Here’s to many, many more. Have a super day.
You too fella, hope to see again you next time you're over this side of the pond.
Absolutely. Hopefully next year mate.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on December 04, 2022, 09:42:40 PM
Post by: Louzie0 on December 05, 2022, 12:21:30 AM
(got TV yesterday)
Post by: Percy McCarthy on December 06, 2022, 12:03:27 AM
I think it’s Kevin Richardson’s as well.
Post by: thick_mike on December 19, 2022, 02:32:16 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/Yf2xQpR/D3592749-DFF1-4772-96-D7-23439380281-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Yf2xQpR)
Post by: eamonn on December 19, 2022, 03:09:05 PM
My uncle has a well-worn story about when he met God in the Gravediggers in Dublin, when he was still at Man Utd. They had (probably more than) a few pints and my unc' maintains that he was one of the nicest blokes you could ever wish to meet and nobody had to put their hand in their pocket all evening.
Incidentally, the same uncle also met Dermot Morgan (aka Father Ted) around ten years later. Says he was the funniest man he's ever met, but was heavily into the coke.
I had dinner and drinks with him and his wife to be just after Ireland were knocked out of the World Cup USA 94. Possibly the mildest mannered, quietest spoken person I've ever met, even with a skinful of ale his voice never raised above a whisper, never cursed and was an absolute delight to be with.
I sorted his car insurance out for him in 1994 - a long story and not the easiest thing to do when you consider his driving conviction history - and he gave me a pair of tickets for the away leg of the Tranmere semi final. He also sorted me out for tickets for the 96 League Cup final and invited me and Alex Alex Cropley into the old Players’ lounge after a home game v Chelsea. Love him!
Chico, please regale us with the full/long story, sounds like a cracker.
Post by: SaddVillan on January 13, 2023, 11:44:35 PM
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on March 14, 2023, 02:18:17 PM
If anyone is interested, please send me a message and we can arrange.
Post by: mrfuse on March 20, 2023, 03:59:53 PM
An evening with Paul McGrath: Being known as 'God', joy at Aston Villa and Fergie offering me £100k to quit football
By John Percy, Alan Tyers, Luke Edwards, Matt Law, Matt Law,, Sam Dean, Jason Burt The Telegraph8 min
March 20, 2023
View Original
It had taken the best part of a decade to get there, but, finally, I found myself sitting next to the man whom, for more than 30 years of my life, I have referred to as ‘God’.
That we were on a stage in the Old Library in Digbeth - Peaky Blinders territory for those not familiar with the geography of Birmingham - was not how I had imagined this meeting with Paul McGrath. For the last 10 years I had been trying to get an interview with one of the greatest players to pull on the Aston Villa shirt, and, at last, the day had come.
McGrath had been booked to make a rare public appearance as part of the city’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations. It seemed my best chance to ask the former Villa and Republic of Ireland defender a question was to buy a ticket, which is what I did. I was not prepared for the email that landed in my inbox in January asking whether I would be interested, as a football journalist and a Villa fan, in hosting the event,
So three months later, the night before St Patrick’s Day, I sat on stage next to ‘God’ in front of a sold-out congregation of fellow worshippers and fulfilled a long-held ambition.
“I don’t think the man upstairs would be too pleased with that,” said McGrath about being called ‘God’.
Five minutes in, we were both drowned out by the crowd singing ‘Oh Lord, Paul McGrath’ to the tune of Kum Ba Yah, which McGrath remembers hearing from Villa Park’s Holte End.
“It took me a while to cotton on to what was happening,” he said. “The ‘Oh Lord’ song, that’s the one I heard first. I was running around the pitch and thought ‘Jesus Christ, that’s not for me is it?’ It was lovely.”
Later in the evening, a voice from the crowd alerted McGrath to a fan of his in the audience who is due to celebrate his 90th birthday next month, Joe Burke - grandfather to Jack Grealish, who knows a thing or two about being adored by the Villa fans.
McGrath speaks with an Irish lilt so soft that the microphone had to be turned up more than once and, even aged 63, is at odds with his imposing frame. There remains a vulnerability about him, which is a consequence of a childhood spent in Dublin orphanages, where he received beatings and experienced racism.
It was in one of those orphanages he watched Chelsea win the 1970 FA Cup and he was immediately hooked on a sport that offered the possibility of a different life.
“I was about 10 when I fell in love with Chelsea, so it was Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris. David Webb, of course, Peter Osgood - players like those. Ian Hutchinson,” explained McGrath.
“We had a football pitch out the back of the orphanage, believe it or not, and I would just go outside and kick the ball and keep it up as many times as I could. I’d run around on my own if nobody wanted to come out with me. I’d run as many laps as I could because I knew that I wanted to be as good as the players I’d seen on TV.”
It is a miracle that McGrath lived to tell the tale of a career that was intertwined with the crippling effects of his demons. He tried to take his own life on four occasions. His chronic knee injuries required eight operations.
McGrath’s alcoholism resulted in him being sold by Manchester United, where he won the FA Cup, but he went on to enjoy the best years of his career at Villa, lifting the League Cup twice, in 1994 and 1996, and almost winning the championship at the end of the 1989/90 season in which he had tried to take his own life. McGrath returned from slashing his wrists to play in a 6-2 victory over Everton with bandages covering his wounds and did not miss another game that campaign.
“I came alive in that game,” said McGrath. “I wanted to win for the manager, Graham Taylor, and the physio, Jim Walker. I did a couple of crazy things at Villa and Graham got me the help I needed at the time and I wanted to pay him back.”
In an even more shocking suicide attempt, McGrath once filled a glass with cleaning fluid and drank it in one. After initially waiting for oblivion or death, he then drank water for an hour to try to dilute the substance before going to hospital, where he was told his internal organs had miraculously survived.
Fortunately, in Taylor at Villa and Jack Charlton with the Republic of Ireland, McGrath found two managers who chose understanding and forgiveness over punishment and pique when confronted with his problems.
“Graham and his wife Rita said ‘do you want to come and live in our house?’” said McGrath. “I was thinking ‘have you not read the newspapers or anything?’ So I couldn’t have done that to them, but he did ask me if I wanted to go and live with them. He was a really good man and I just couldn’t thank him enough.
“Jack called me James for three to four years and, like the fool I am, I just answered to it. I don’t know if he was messing or something, but Jack had all sorts of tricks to keep us on our toes and he got us to places I never dreamed of getting to.
“I once took off and decided to get on a flight to Israel with a friend of mine when I was meant to be on international duty. I had been out in Cork one night and we just decided to go, I didn’t even know we could fly to Israel from there. We had a game in four days or something like that so I rang Jack and said ‘Hiya Jack, I’m in Israel’. He lost control, quite rightly, but let me keep playing for Ireland. He was brilliant with me.”
The performance McGrath produced for the Republic of Ireland against Roberto Baggio and Italy in the 1994 World Cup is still rated as one of the best in his country’s history.
“I’ve watched that game about 150 times,” said McGrath to loud applause. “I loved Italia ‘90 when we got to the quarter-finals, but we owed the Italians one in ‘94. I maybe thought we could hold them to 0-0 or a 1-1, but then Ray Houghton scored in about the eighth minute and I remember thinking ‘now we’ve got to hang on for 82 minutes.’”
McGrath’s career could have ended five years before that performance in USA ‘94, had he accepted an offer to retire from the game from Sir Alex Ferguson, who essentially kicked him and Norman Whiteside out of United because of their drinking.
“Sir Alex got me into the room and just said ‘we’d like you to stop playing football’,” said McGrath. “Simple as that. And he said they were willing to give me £100,000 to quit playing football altogether and just go back to Ireland.
“I was thinking about it because £100,000 back then was quite a lot of money. But I spoke to Kevin Moran and Bryan Robson, and I just said I wanted to play on because I thought I could still do something in football. So Gordon Taylor, who was at the PFA, went into Sir Alex and said ‘Paul’s playing on, you can fine him, you can do what you want but he’s going to play football - here or somewhere else’.
“It wasn’t a shock really because we were acting up a bit back then. We had a bit of fun but we overdid it, so then he just wanted me out of the club. Then Bryan Robson was having a barbeque at his house and suddenly Graham Taylor was on the phone saying ‘can you come up to Aston Villa’ and I jumped at the chance. I thought ‘Jesus, I can play there every week’.”
While going up against Baggio and Premier League stars of his era, such as Alan Shearer and Eric Cantona, posed no fears for McGrath, a chronic lack of self-esteem made life in the public eye a challenge to the extent he had to be talked into attending the 1993 PFA Player of the Year evening at which he was declared the winner.
“The fact Gordon Taylor asked me to go got me thinking ‘oh, Jesus, it couldn’t be, could it?’ It was the best trophy I’ve ever won and I love the fact I won it,” said McGrath.
“I never did really mix too well with the other players, it’s just the way I was, I was a little shy. When I got to know them, I was much better but it would take me a while, so to get an award voted for by the other players was just so special.”
McGrath once talked Charlton out of giving him the Republic of Ireland captaincy, reasoning: “Me telling all the other lads what to do and all this? No. It was a lovely gesture, but I knew that I couldn't do it.
“I wasn’t great off the pitch because I was never really taught how to enter company or have chats with people and stuff like that. I didn’t really want the spotlight, to be honest, and it’s not something I ever really learned to enjoy.”
Villa finished second to United at the end of the inaugural Premier League season for which McGrath won his Player of the Year award, having also finished second in his first season at the club behind Liverpool.
The only dissenting voices of the night in Digbeth came when, self-deprecating as ever, McGrath admitted to a personal regret over never winning a League title with Villa.
“I thought we could do it, but, to be honest, some of my antics might have let the side down from time to time,” said McGrath, to loud shouts of ‘no’ from the crowd. “If I had taken it a little more seriously on certain occasions then we might have actually won a title. So I’ve always got that thing in the back of my mind that I should have behaved a little better sometimes.”
McGrath might have behaved a little better sometimes, but it was clear during two hours together that nobody inside the Old Library would change anything about him. One man approached me at the end of the night to say that watching his hero play and listening to him talk was the closest thing he had felt to a religious experience.
As for the £27.50 I had spent to secure my place at an evening with Paul McGrath, before being asked to share the stage with him?
You don’t ask ‘God’ for a refund.
Post by: LeeB on March 20, 2023, 04:15:10 PM
“I thought we could do it, but, to be honest, some of my antics might have let the side down from time to time,” said McGrath, to loud shouts of ‘no’ from the crowd. “If I had taken it a little more seriously on certain occasions then we might have actually won a title. So I’ve always got that thing in the back of my mind that I should have behaved a little better sometimes.”
The last player in the world that needs to apologise to us.
Post by: manic-road on March 20, 2023, 04:16:40 PM
Post by: Bad English on March 20, 2023, 04:21:04 PM
QPR at VP in 1989 letting Beelzebub score three comes to mind. But that was the drink, and many of us have done silly things with the drink so...
“I thought we could do it, but, to be honest, some of my antics might have let the side down from time to time,” said McGrath, to loud shouts of ‘no’ from the crowd. “If I had taken it a little more seriously on certain occasions then we might have actually won a title. So I’ve always got that thing in the back of my mind that I should have behaved a little better sometimes.”
The last player in the world that needs to apologise to us.
Post by: ian c. on March 20, 2023, 04:26:16 PM
QPR at VP in 1989 letting Beelzebub score three comes to mind.
“I thought we could do it, but, to be honest, some of my antics might have let the side down from time to time,” said McGrath, to loud shouts of ‘no’ from the crowd. “If I had taken it a little more seriously on certain occasions then we might have actually won a title. So I’ve always got that thing in the back of my mind that I should have behaved a little better sometimes.”
The last player in the world that needs to apologise to us.
The one and only game I took my ex-girlfriend to. I feel I must accept some of the blame. She was obviously jinxed.
Post by: Drummond on March 20, 2023, 04:30:13 PM
“I thought we could do it, but, to be honest, some of my antics might have let the side down from time to time,” said McGrath, to loud shouts of ‘no’ from the crowd. “If I had taken it a little more seriously on certain occasions then we might have actually won a title. So I’ve always got that thing in the back of my mind that I should have behaved a little better sometimes.”
The last player in the world that needs to apologise to us.
And that's a big part of why he is who he is. Love him.
Post by: eamonn on March 20, 2023, 05:06:36 PM
Quote
By John Percy, Alan Tyers, Luke Edwards, Matt Law, Sam Dean, Jason Burt
I've heard Matt Law is one of us but given how Percy has been our go-to press guy, has he finally admitted his love?
Post by: trinityoap on March 20, 2023, 05:17:47 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 20, 2023, 05:56:06 PM
Lovely review but which of these writers wrote it and is a Villa fan?QuoteBy John Percy, Alan Tyers, Luke Edwards, Matt Law, Sam Dean, Jason Burt
I've heard Matt Law is one of us but given how Percy has been our go-to press guy, has he finally admitted his love?
It is Matt Law, he's a Villa fan - on the Torygraph site, it's credited to him (and there's a photo of them on stage)
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on March 20, 2023, 07:03:29 PM
Wonderful!
Post by: Nev on March 20, 2023, 07:25:30 PM
Post by: Beard82 on March 20, 2023, 07:48:29 PM
Post by: clash city rocker on March 20, 2023, 09:03:00 PM
Post by: boutrosboutrosgnarly on March 20, 2023, 09:30:15 PM
Post by: Pete3206 on March 20, 2023, 10:00:52 PM
Sid Cowans is in his rear view mirror, but still some way back.
Post by: dave.woodhall on March 20, 2023, 10:07:00 PM
Post by: Drummond on March 20, 2023, 10:27:17 PM
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on March 20, 2023, 11:03:42 PM
A while later Four Four Two contacted me to say that as my tweet had received the most likes and comments, I had won (I didn’t realise it was a competition!) a T-Shirt and a mention in the magazine.
So, I tagged God himself in my reply, thanking them and him.
He only replied to me personally! Made my year. What a guy..
(https://i.ibb.co/CQZ5XsG/656-ECA52-18-DA-4415-926-B-DC983-F0-FDB80.jpg) (https://ibb.co/CQZ5XsG)
Post by: danno on March 20, 2023, 11:10:01 PM
Paul McGrath at Derby County: an Irish football legend's last dance
( Paul Dollery )
HE WAS APPROACHING his 37th birthday.
He hadn’t played a Premier League game in six months.
He was plagued by severe pain in his rapidly deteriorating knees that had prevented him from training properly for years.
And he was tasked with policing the world’s most expensive footballer.
But Paul McGrath was a man to whom the conventions of football had long since surrendered.
Alan Shearer was at the peak of his powers, yet for the vast majority of his first outing with newly-promoted Derby County, McGrath had the Newcastle United star “trapped like a wasp in a jam jar” according to Phil Shaw, who was reporting for the Independent at the Baseball Ground on the afternoon of Saturday, 12 October, 1996.
McGrath had only met his new team-mates for the first time 24 hours earlier, which didn’t deter Derby manager Jim Smith from putting him straight into his starting line-up.
“We trained very hard every day,” says Chris Powell, who excelled in a left-wing-back role for Derby throughout the 1996-97 Premier League season. “With a manager like the late, great Jim Smith, it was always full throttle.
“On his first day, Paul was there but he didn’t join in with anything – he just jogged around the pitch a few times at a really slow pace.
“Jim used to leave the training to Steve McClaren, but when he looked out the window and saw Paul jogging on his own, he came straight out. Jim was combustible at the best of times and he started going mad, effing and blinding. He said: ‘Paul, why aren’t you training?’
“And Paul just replied: ‘Boss, I don’t train on Thursdays and Fridays, I just play on Saturday.’
“If any other player had said that to Jim, he would have ripped our throats out, he would have gone ballistic, but with Paul he just went: ‘Okay, Paul. No problem.’
“Because of his knees, all Paul needed was massaging and a bit of light work. Sure enough, he went out the next day and put on an absolute masterclass.”
The previous season had been McGrath’s seventh at Aston Villa. It was also one of his most successful, as they finished fourth in the Premier League to qualify for the Uefa Cup.
With McGrath the central pillar in a formidable defensive triumvirate that also included Gareth Southgate and the late Ugo Ehiogu, Villa matched champions Manchester United for goals conceded. A defeat to Liverpool cost them a place in the FA Cup final, but silverware had already been attained via the League Cup.
Signs that McGrath, aged 36, was struggling with the demands of the game at the highest level were scarce. The match report carried in the Irish Times the morning after the Coca-Cola Cup decider noted that “Tony Yeboah appeared in danger of vanishing inside Paul McGrath’s pocket” during Villa’s 3-0 win over Leeds United.
Earlier in his career at Villa Park, McGrath’s personal circumstances had been met with empathy by two of his former managers, Graham Taylor and Ron Atkinson, both of whom were satisfied to make considerable allowances for the knee issues that required meticulous management.
His involvement in training was subsequently limited, but the dividends were paid on a Saturday afternoon. Although the approach was decidedly unorthodox, McGrath had demonstrated its effectiveness for years – never more so than in 1992-93, when he was conferred as the best footballer in the English game by his winning of the PFA Player of the Year award.
McGrath’s absence from the training ground didn’t sit quite as easily with Brian Little, who replaced Atkinson in November 1994. Little’s plans to build a Villa team for the future, which would naturally be backboned by younger players, didn’t bode well for a veteran who spent more time working with the physio than the coaching staff.
He nevertheless remained a regular fixture in the team until the end of the 1995-96 season, and was even rewarded with a contract extension. McGrath committed to another season at Villa Park, despite fielding a variety of different offers from elsewhere.
John Aldridge, following his recent appointment as player-manager at Tranmere Rovers, tried to coax him down to the First Division. Another former team-mate, Frank Stapleton, was in touch from the USA, where he was in charge of New England Revolution. There was also an approach from Japanese club Shimizu S-Pulse, who were under the management of 1978 World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles.
McGrath signed his new Aston Villa deal in May 1996, but the next time he played in a Premier League game involving the club it was as a member of the opposition. For the start of the 96-97 campaign, Southgate and Ehiogu were again joined in the Villa defence by an Irishman. Instead of McGrath, however, it was Steve Staunton.
Conscious that his body would be unable to repel the looming threat of retirement for much longer, McGrath was understandably reluctant to be restricted to the role of a spectator for the final days of his playing career.
His transfer request was accepted, although he was initially angered by the club’s valuation of him at £200,000. McGrath felt it was excessive, given his age, but Jim Smith didn’t. As Derby County midfielder Robin van der Laan would later remark: “He’s still class. The bargain capture of the season.”
Twenty-five years since he left the club, McGrath is still revered at Aston Villa. Click on one of his social media posts and you won’t need to scroll far to find a Villa fan reminding him that he’s still known as “God” to the claret-and-blue cohort in Birmingham.
Derby supporters, on the other hand, initially feared that their club had signed an ailing centre-back in search of one last pay-day. His best days were indeed behind him, but McGrath didn’t take long to show that there were still a few more good ones to come.
“Myself and the other players, we were gobsmacked when we heard that we’d signed him,” says Chris Powell. “It actually put us on the map in the Premier League, the fact that we attracted a player of his calibre.
“We were a young and hungry squad who had just been promoted to the big league, but Jim Smith felt we needed something extra. Managers will sometimes be in a position where there’s something missing and they’re not sure what it is. Paul was what we were missing.
“He had such an impact, not only on me personally, but I think the whole squad. He made a massive difference. He was a great guy too, very unassuming, and he fitted in straight away.
“I mean, he was an enigma. We’d be training really hard all week and then Paul would turn up on a Friday. He’d jog around the pitch, have a massage, he might have something to eat or he might shoot off, and then the next time you’d see him would be at 1.30pm in the dressing room on the day of a game.
“He’d have done no tactical work – someone else would take his place for that – but he would just come in and perform, every single week. I don’t know how he did it, but he was just outstanding.”
Steve Nicholson, chief football writer for the Derby Telegraph, says: “His performances on the pitch spoke for themselves. McGrath knew what he had to do to be ready for games, he knew his body.”
At St James’ Park in the autumn of 1996, Newcastle United dismantled Manchester United en route to a resounding 5-0 victory that sent them three points clear at the top. A week earlier, Kevin Keegan’s side encountered much more stubborn resistance in Derby.
To Alan Shearer’s credit, when a chance presented itself he capitalised. Philippe Albert fluffed his attempt to get a head to John Beresford’s free-kick, which deceived the Derby defence. The ball fell kindly for Shearer, and he applied the type of emphatic finish that had become synonymous with the £15million striker.
The 76th-minute volley was one of 25 Premier League goals scored that season by Newcastle’s big-money signing, who was also courted by Real Madrid and Manchester United after winning the Golden Boot at Euro 96 a few months earlier.
Beaten 0-1, Derby dropped a point, but McGrath had made his: not only could he still survive in the Premier League, he could thrive. It was a point he’d emphasise repeatedly over the course of the next seven months.
“For all but a few fateful seconds, Paul McGrath rolled back the years to blot out Alan Shearer,” Phil Shaw added in his account of the game. “Derby’s veteran debutant was the chief rival to Peter Beardsley, 35, for the accolade of man of the match. McGrath, he of the immaculate interception and the nonagenarian knees, obscured Shearer to the point where the England captain looked a fractious mediocrity.”
There was already a solid foundation in place when McGrath linked up with Derby, as evidenced by the encouraging start to life in the Premier League that the Rams made prior to his arrival. In addition to wins against Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland, they took points from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United.
He joined a squad that included Croatian duo Igor Stimac and Aljosa Asanovic, who became World Cup semi-finalists in 1998. Dean Sturridge hit double figures in his first season as a Premier League striker. Chris Powell went on to win five senior caps for England. The signing of a player of McGrath’s stature was significant nonetheless.
“He’s still Mr Fantastic,” Jim Smith said of McGrath after Derby came from behind to earn a draw away to West Ham United on 23 November. “With his knees and at his age, we still don’t know how he does it, but there is nobody better at reading a game than big Paul.
“He can’t train all that much and a day before the game I didn’t think he’d be able to play because one of those knees just gave way on him as he was walking. But he went out there and turned it on as good as usual.”
McGrath’s aptitude for the game had always served him well, but particularly so during the winter of his career. Physical limitations were often overridden by his ability to compute what was about to unfold in the heat of battle.
“He’s one of my favourite Rams players,” says Derby County fan Chris Page. “What sticks in my memory is the effortless positioning and confidence. He understood what was happening in a game quicker than any other player I’ve seen in a Rams shirt. He just instinctively knew where to be.”.
Chris Powell, who’s now a member of the England coaching staff under Gareth Southgate, adds: “Paul taught me a lot, especially with his calmness. I was a calm player anyway, but positionally where he was at, how he read the play, I think it rubbed off on myself and a lot of the other players. It really helped us to grow.”
One of McGrath’s earliest appearances for Derby saw him come up against one of his former Manchester United team-mates, Gordon Strachan, who was manager of Coventry City.
“Paul is a walking miracle – he has baffled scientists, specialists, sports psychologists, nutritionists,” Strachan said in advance of the game.
“You can rip all the books up when you are talking about Paul McGrath. He defies everything because he has that great determination to play football and has skill in abundance. He is still a good friend of mine, a world-class player, but I hope he has a stinker tomorrow.”
Unfortunately for Strachan, McGrath was unable to oblige. He delivered “another fantastic performance”, in the words of Jim Smith, in a 2-1 win for Derby.
Although his new team-mates were aware of the issues McGrath had faced, his struggles with addiction didn’t permeate. The Paul McGrath they encountered was simply a humble peer who wanted to play; a giant of the game who shirked the hubris of superstardom that he was entitled to; a man who made them better.
“Regardless of what might have been happening for him off the field, when his contemporaries looked at Paul, they just saw one of the game’s great players,” Chris Powell says.
“We’re talking about a Rolls Royce of a centre-back. You can only imagine what he’d be worth if he was playing nowadays. We talk about Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool and how great he’s been, but for me, Paul would go past any centre-backs who are playing now. I truly believe that.”
Even in the rare instances when McGrath was guilty of an error, he was quick to rectify, as Efan Ekoku discovered to his cost during a 1-1 draw between Wimbledon and Derby at Selhurst Park.
“Gerald Mortimer, who passed away in December 2013, was the former Derby County writer for the Derby Telegraph and he would often recall that game,” Steve Nicholson explains.
“McGrath hit a poor pass across the face of the area to put Ekoku clear on goal. McGrath realised what he had done and, with a burst of pace that would have been astonishing even for a player at the peak of fitness, ran back and past Ekoku to recover the ball and prevent Derby conceding what looked to be a certain goal.”
As noted by Keith Pike in his report on the game for the Independent: “Composure is an effective response, and in the ageing, remarkable Paul McGrath, Derby had the perfect weapon.”
The 1996-97 season was punctuated by notable results for Derby County, among them a 3-2 win away to Manchester United which is best remembered for the brilliant solo goal scored for the visitors by Costa Rican debutant Paolo Wanchope. Alex Ferguson – who sold him in 1989 – later credited McGrath with a man-of-the-match display.
However, of particular pertinence to McGrath during his season at Derby were two fixtures against Aston Villa. He admitted to experiencing contrasting emotions after a 3-1 home win that sent Derby into the FA Cup fifth round at his former club’s expense.
That the travelling Villa supporters chanted his name both before and after the game was an early indication of an unyielding level of affection for the man that has stood the test of time.
“Paul is remarkable,” Jim Smith said afterwards. “If we could get him new knees I think he would go on forever. His experience and ability have been invaluable in the way that he’s held the defence together at times.
“He’s a brilliant person to have around the club. He talks a lot to the young lads and we always say to them, ‘just watch him play’, because he’s been outstanding.”
After another victory against Villa (2-1) at the Baseball Ground on 12 April, 1997, Smith finally accepted that Derby – with four games still to play – had done enough to secure their Premier League status for another year.
When they signed McGrath from Villa, it was on the basis that a fee of £100,000 would be doubled if relegation was avoided. In a post-match press briefing, Smith declared himself “delighted to cough up the money” before lauding McGrath for a “tremendous” performance.
While McGrath’s move to Derby had been an unqualified success, the physical toll of another season in the Premier League grew increasingly inhibitive as the frequency of games escalated towards the end of the campaign.
“I met Paul after one of the last games of that season and asked him if he’d be back again next season, because we needed him,” recalls Derby County supporter Mike Harris. “He just laughed and said: “Mate, I’d love to, but I’m fucked!’”
The aches in his knees were becoming harder for McGrath to ignore, and Jim Smith’s concerns over how much longer he could go on for were vindicated early in the 1997-98 season.
In the hope of prolonging his career, McGrath dropped down a level to join Sheffield United. After making 12 appearances, a man who was advised to hang up his boots while at Manchester United had eventually succumbed to retirement nearly a decade later.
“When he plays a match on Saturday, he can’t walk until Tuesday,” Smith said of McGrath, who won the last of his 83 Ireland caps in a February 1997 friendly against Wales in Cardiff that ended goalless.
“It is always difficult when you have a guy unable to train, in terms of when you are trying to work out patterns and set plays. But Paul has been a standard-bearer for us. He’s someone the lads have really looked up to.”
On the final day of the 1996-97 season, McGrath bid farewell to Derby County and the Premier League by playing against an Arsenal side who signed off on their first season under Arsene Wenger with a 3-1 win.
Derby’s last game at the Baseball Ground, their home for 101 years, before relocating to a new stadium at Pride Park ended in defeat, but 12th place was a highly creditable finish for a club that had been absent from the top tier of English football for five years.
“Paul McGrath only played 26 games and yet he made it into the club’s top 100 players in the publication ‘Derby County: The Complete Record’ by Gerald Mortimer,” says Steve Nicholson. “That tells you everything about the impact he made in his short time at the club. Derby fans loved him.”
Chris Powell says: “I won the club’s Player of the Year award that season, but when I was presented with it I actually dedicated it to Paul. I just felt that he had made me, and all the other players, want to go to another level.
“This was an iconic player who had been at the top level for a long time, and now he was playing with us. A lot of us hadn’t played at that level before, but there we were playing against the Manchester Uniteds, the Liverpools, and we were holding our own. Paul played a really big part in that.
“Jim Smith used to take us away to Blackpool for a few days and we wouldn’t train. We’d relax, go out, have dinner together, and everyone would just want to speak to Paul. It was always such a privilege to be with him.
“I loved the man. I still always look out for him if I ever hear his name on the radio or TV. I just hope that he’s well because he’s such a great man. He’s been through a lot in his life but he’s so well loved. I feel honoured to have played alongside him but also to have known the man. It was a great time in my career.”
Derby County fan Steve Kitson was 15 when he decided to reach out to McGrath to show his appreciation for his contribution to a successful first year in the Premier League.
“I wrote to him through the club at the end of that season just to thank him for helping to keep Derby up,” he says. “He sent me back a signed photo, which I still have. Like many others have said before, a class act.”
He’ll forever be God to followers of Aston Villa, but up the road in Derby, the season when they too worshipped at the altar of Paul McGrath won’t soon be forgotten.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 20, 2023, 11:57:33 PM
Post by: Rory on March 21, 2023, 04:37:38 AM
As I have said many, many times - when I say it, it's one thing. When people who were watching us since the war and have seen Danny Blanchflower and Peter McParland say it, it's true. We've had some great players in that time, but he's the only one who for a period of four or five years was the equal of any in his position in the world.
I missed him by one season 😔
Post by: rob_bridge on March 21, 2023, 06:21:57 AM
Post by: Nunkin1965 on March 21, 2023, 07:38:22 AM
Simply the best I've seen in a Villa shirt and one of the biggest compliments I can make to the modern squad is that Kamara reminds me of him a lot because of his ability to sublimely play the game at a different level to others on occasions.
This thread has been a fantastic read and brought back some very nostalgic moments in my Villa supporting life.
Post by: dave shelley on March 21, 2023, 08:56:14 AM
Post by: algy on March 21, 2023, 08:57:14 AM
Feel very lucky to have been a season ticket holder for almost the entire time he was at the club. Still the greatest defender in the whole wide world
Post by: algy on March 21, 2023, 09:01:07 AM
Post by: Clive W on March 21, 2023, 12:26:18 PM
Great article in the DT today
It’s behind a paywall but I’ve done my best to copy and paste
Have to admit - he looks in great shape
An evening with Paul McGrath: Being known as 'God', joy at Aston Villa and Fergie offering me £100,000 to quit football
Telegraph football reporter and lifelong Villan meets a club legend and Irish national hero
By
Matt Law,
FOOTBALL NEWS CORRESPONDENT
20 March 2023
It had taken the best part of a decade to get there, but, finally, I found myself sitting next to the man whom, for more than 30 years of my life, I have referred to as ‘God’.
That we were on a stage in the Old Library in Digbeth - Peaky Blinders territory for those not familiar with the geography of Birmingham - was not how I had imagined this meeting with Paul McGrath. For the last 10 years I had been trying to get an interview with one of the greatest players to pull on the Aston Villa shirt, and, at last, the day had come.
McGrath had been booked to make a rare public appearance as part of the city’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations. It seemed my best chance to ask the former Villa and Republic of Ireland defender a question was to buy a ticket, which is what I did. I was not prepared for the email that landed in my inbox in January asking whether I would be interested, as a football journalist and a Villa fan, in hosting the event,
So three months later, the night before St Patrick’s Day, I sat on stage next to ‘God’ in front of a sold-out congregation of fellow worshippers and fulfilled a long-held ambition.
“I don’t think the man upstairs would be too pleased with that,” said McGrath about being called ‘God’.
Five minutes in, we were both drowned out by the crowd singing ‘Oh Lord, Paul McGrath’ to the tune of Kum Ba Yah, which McGrath remembers hearing from Villa Park’s Holte
“It took me a while to cotton on to what was happening,” he said. “The ‘Oh Lord’ song, that’s the one I heard first. I was running around the pitch and thought ‘Jesus Christ, that’s not for me is it?’ It was lovely.”
Later in the evening, a voice from the crowd alerted McGrath to a fan of his in the audience who is due to celebrate his 90th birthday next month, Joe Burke - grandfather to Jack Grealish, who knows a thing or two about being adored by the Villa fans.
McGrath speaks with an Irish lilt so soft that the microphone had to be turned up more than once and, even aged 63, is at odds with his imposing frame. There remains a vulnerability about him, which is a consequence of a childhood spent in Dublin orphanages, where he received beatings and experienced racism.
It was in one of those orphanages he watched Chelsea win the 1970 FA Cup and he was immediately hooked on a sport that offered the possibility of a different life.
“I was about 10 when I fell in love with Chelsea, so it was Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris. David Webb, of course, Peter Osgood - players like those. Ian Hutchinson,” explained McGrath.
“We had a football pitch out the back of the orphanage, believe it or not, and I would just go outside and kick the ball and keep it up as many times as I could. I’d run around on my own if nobody wanted to come out with me. I’d run as many laps as I could because I knew that I wanted to be as good as the players I’d seen on TV.”
It is a miracle that McGrath lived to tell the tale of a career that was intertwined with the crippling effects of his demons. He tried to take his own life on four occasions. His chronic knee injuries required eight operations.
McGrath playing for Villla against Manchester United (Mark Hughes pictured) in the 1994 Coca Cola Cup Final CREDIT: Action Images
McGrath’s alcoholism resulted in him being sold by Manchester United, where he won the FA Cup, but he went on to enjoy the best years of his career at Villa, lifting the League Cup twice, in 1994 and 1996, and almost winning the championship at the end of the 1989/90 season in which he had tried to take his own life. McGrath returned from slashing his wrists to play in a 6-2 victory over Everton with bandages covering his wounds and did not miss another game that campaign.
“I came alive in that game,” said McGrath. “I wanted to win for the manager, Graham Taylor, and the physio, Jim Walker. I did a couple of crazy things at Villa and Graham got me the help I needed at the time and I wanted to pay him back.”
In an even more shocking suicide attempt, McGrath once filled a glass with cleaning fluid and drank it in one. After initially waiting for oblivion or death, he then drank water for an hour to try to dilute the substance before going to hospital, where he was told his internal organs had miraculously survived.
Fortunately, in Taylor at Villa and Jack Charlton with the Republic of Ireland, McGrath found two managers who chose understanding and forgiveness over punishment and pique when confronted with his problems.
“Graham and his wife Rita said ‘do you want to come and live in our house?’” said McGrath. “I was thinking ‘have you not read the newspapers or anything?’ So I couldn’t have done that to them, but he did ask me if I wanted to go and live with them. He was a really good man and I just couldn’t thank him enough.
“Jack called me James for three to four years and, like the fool I am, I just answered to it. I don’t know if he was messing or something, but Jack had all sorts of tricks to keep us on our toes and he got us to places I never dreamed of getting to.
Paul during Italia 90 CREDIT: Ray McManus/Sportsfile/Ray McManus/Sportsfile
“I once took off and decided to get on a flight to Israel with a friend of mine when I was meant to be on international duty. I had been out in Cork one night and we just decided to go, I didn’t even know we could fly to Israel from there. We had a game in four days or something like that so I rang Jack and said ‘Hiya Jack, I’m in Israel’. He lost control, quite rightly, but let me keep playing for Ireland. He was brilliant with me.”
The performance McGrath produced for the Republic of Ireland against Roberto Baggio and Italy in the 1994 World Cup is still rated as one of the best in his country’s history.
“I’ve watched that game about 150 times,” said McGrath to loud applause. “I loved Italia ‘90 when we got to the quarter-finals, but we owed the Italians one in ‘94. I maybe thought we could hold them to 0-0 or a 1-1, but then Ray Houghton scored in about the eighth minute and I remember thinking ‘now we’ve got to hang on for 82 minutes.’”
McGrath’s career could have ended five years before that performance in USA ‘94, had he accepted an offer to retire from the game from Sir Alex Ferguson, who essentially kicked him and Norman Whiteside out of United because of their drinking.
“Sir Alex got me into the room and just said ‘we’d like you to stop playing football’,” said McGrath. “Simple as that. And he said they were willing to give me £100,000 to quit playing football altogether and just go back to Ireland.
“I was thinking about it because £100,000 back then was quite a lot of money. But I spoke to Kevin Moran and Bryan Robson, and I just said I wanted to play on because I thought I could still do something in football. So Gordon Taylor, who was at the PFA, went into Sir Alex and said ‘Paul’s playing on, you can fine him, you can do what you want but he’s going to play football - here or somewhere else’.
“It wasn’t a shock really because we were acting up a bit back then. We had a bit of fun but we overdid it, so then he just wanted me out of the club. Then Bryan Robson was having a barbeque at his house and suddenly Graham Taylor was on the phone saying ‘can you come up to Aston Villa’ and I jumped at the chance. I thought ‘Jesus, I can play there every week’.”
While going up against Baggio and Premier League stars of his era, such as Alan Shearer and Eric Cantona, posed no fears for McGrath, a chronic lack of self-esteem made life in the public eye a challenge to the extent he had to be talked into attending the 1993 PFA Player of the Year evening at which he was declared the winner.
“The fact Gordon Taylor asked me to go got me thinking ‘oh, Jesus, it couldn’t be, could it?’ It was the best trophy I’ve ever won and I love the fact I won it,” said McGrath.
“I never did really mix too well with the other players, it’s just the way I was, I was a little shy. When I got to know them, I was much better but it would take me a while, so to get an award voted for by the other players was just so special.”
McGrath once talked Charlton out of giving him the Republic of Ireland captaincy, reasoning: “Me telling all the other lads what to do and all this? No. It was a lovely gesture, but I knew that I couldn't do it.
“I wasn’t great off the pitch because I was never really taught how to enter company or have chats with people and stuff like that. I didn’t really want the spotlight, to be honest, and it’s not something I ever really learned to enjoy.”
Villa finished second to United at the end of the inaugural Premier League season for which McGrath won his Player of the Year award, having also finished second in his first season at the club behind Liverpool.
Telegraph man Matt Law on stage with McGrath CREDIT: Andrew Fox/TMG
The only dissenting voices of the night in Digbeth came when, self-deprecating as ever, McGrath admitted to a personal regret over never winning a League title with Villa.
“I thought we could do it, but, to be honest, some of my antics might have let the side down from time to time,” said McGrath, to loud shouts of ‘no’ from the crowd. “If I had taken it a little more seriously on certain occasions then we might have actually won a title. So I’ve always got that thing in the back of my mind that I should have behaved a little better sometimes.”
McGrath might have behaved a little better sometimes, but it was clear during two hours together that nobody inside the Old Library would change anything about him. One man approached me at the end of the night to say that watching his hero play and listening to him talk was the closest thing he had felt to a religious experience.
As for the £27.50 I had spent to secure my place at an evening with Paul McGrath, before being asked to share the stage with him?
You don’t ask ‘God’ for a refund.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 21, 2023, 12:33:18 PM
Post by: Clive W on March 21, 2023, 12:37:05 PM
Same article as pasted yestrday.
I do humbly apologise…I missed it
Post by: Somniloquism on March 21, 2023, 12:46:51 PM
Post by: Clive W on March 21, 2023, 01:03:03 PM
Worth pasting twice due to the subject matter.
Agreed
👍
Post by: RamboandBruno on March 21, 2023, 02:24:00 PM
Great article in the DT today
It’s behind a paywall but I’ve done my best to copy and paste
Have to admit - he looks in great shape
An evening with Paul McGrath: Being known as 'God', joy at Aston Villa and Fergie offering me £100,000 to quit football
Telegraph football reporter and lifelong Villan meets a club legend and Irish national hero
By
Matt Law,
FOOTBALL NEWS CORRESPONDENT
20 March 2023
It had taken the best part of a decade to get there, but, finally, I found myself sitting next to the man whom, for more than 30 years of my life, I have referred to as ‘God’.
That we were on a stage in the Old Library in Digbeth - Peaky Blinders territory for those not familiar with the geography of Birmingham - was not how I had imagined this meeting with Paul McGrath. For the last 10 years I had been trying to get an interview with one of the greatest players to pull on the Aston Villa shirt, and, at last, the day had come.
McGrath had been booked to make a rare public appearance as part of the city’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations. It seemed my best chance to ask the former Villa and Republic of Ireland defender a question was to buy a ticket, which is what I did. I was not prepared for the email that landed in my inbox in January asking whether I would be interested, as a football journalist and a Villa fan, in hosting the event,
So three months later, the night before St Patrick’s Day, I sat on stage next to ‘God’ in front of a sold-out congregation of fellow worshippers and fulfilled a long-held ambition.
“I don’t think the man upstairs would be too pleased with that,” said McGrath about being called ‘God’.
Five minutes in, we were both drowned out by the crowd singing ‘Oh Lord, Paul McGrath’ to the tune of Kum Ba Yah, which McGrath remembers hearing from Villa Park’s Holte
“It took me a while to cotton on to what was happening,” he said. “The ‘Oh Lord’ song, that’s the one I heard first. I was running around the pitch and thought ‘Jesus Christ, that’s not for me is it?’ It was lovely.”
Later in the evening, a voice from the crowd alerted McGrath to a fan of his in the audience who is due to celebrate his 90th birthday next month, Joe Burke - grandfather to Jack Grealish, who knows a thing or two about being adored by the Villa fans.
McGrath speaks with an Irish lilt so soft that the microphone had to be turned up more than once and, even aged 63, is at odds with his imposing frame. There remains a vulnerability about him, which is a consequence of a childhood spent in Dublin orphanages, where he received beatings and experienced racism.
It was in one of those orphanages he watched Chelsea win the 1970 FA Cup and he was immediately hooked on a sport that offered the possibility of a different life.
“I was about 10 when I fell in love with Chelsea, so it was Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris. David Webb, of course, Peter Osgood - players like those. Ian Hutchinson,” explained McGrath.
“We had a football pitch out the back of the orphanage, believe it or not, and I would just go outside and kick the ball and keep it up as many times as I could. I’d run around on my own if nobody wanted to come out with me. I’d run as many laps as I could because I knew that I wanted to be as good as the players I’d seen on TV.”
It is a miracle that McGrath lived to tell the tale of a career that was intertwined with the crippling effects of his demons. He tried to take his own life on four occasions. His chronic knee injuries required eight operations.
McGrath playing for Villla against Manchester United (Mark Hughes pictured) in the 1994 Coca Cola Cup Final CREDIT: Action Images
McGrath’s alcoholism resulted in him being sold by Manchester United, where he won the FA Cup, but he went on to enjoy the best years of his career at Villa, lifting the League Cup twice, in 1994 and 1996, and almost winning the championship at the end of the 1989/90 season in which he had tried to take his own life. McGrath returned from slashing his wrists to play in a 6-2 victory over Everton with bandages covering his wounds and did not miss another game that campaign.
“I came alive in that game,” said McGrath. “I wanted to win for the manager, Graham Taylor, and the physio, Jim Walker. I did a couple of crazy things at Villa and Graham got me the help I needed at the time and I wanted to pay him back.”
In an even more shocking suicide attempt, McGrath once filled a glass with cleaning fluid and drank it in one. After initially waiting for oblivion or death, he then drank water for an hour to try to dilute the substance before going to hospital, where he was told his internal organs had miraculously survived.
Fortunately, in Taylor at Villa and Jack Charlton with the Republic of Ireland, McGrath found two managers who chose understanding and forgiveness over punishment and pique when confronted with his problems.
“Graham and his wife Rita said ‘do you want to come and live in our house?’” said McGrath. “I was thinking ‘have you not read the newspapers or anything?’ So I couldn’t have done that to them, but he did ask me if I wanted to go and live with them. He was a really good man and I just couldn’t thank him enough.
“Jack called me James for three to four years and, like the fool I am, I just answered to it. I don’t know if he was messing or something, but Jack had all sorts of tricks to keep us on our toes and he got us to places I never dreamed of getting to.
Paul during Italia 90 CREDIT: Ray McManus/Sportsfile/Ray McManus/Sportsfile
“I once took off and decided to get on a flight to Israel with a friend of mine when I was meant to be on international duty. I had been out in Cork one night and we just decided to go, I didn’t even know we could fly to Israel from there. We had a game in four days or something like that so I rang Jack and said ‘Hiya Jack, I’m in Israel’. He lost control, quite rightly, but let me keep playing for Ireland. He was brilliant with me.”
The performance McGrath produced for the Republic of Ireland against Roberto Baggio and Italy in the 1994 World Cup is still rated as one of the best in his country’s history.
“I’ve watched that game about 150 times,” said McGrath to loud applause. “I loved Italia ‘90 when we got to the quarter-finals, but we owed the Italians one in ‘94. I maybe thought we could hold them to 0-0 or a 1-1, but then Ray Houghton scored in about the eighth minute and I remember thinking ‘now we’ve got to hang on for 82 minutes.’”
McGrath’s career could have ended five years before that performance in USA ‘94, had he accepted an offer to retire from the game from Sir Alex Ferguson, who essentially kicked him and Norman Whiteside out of United because of their drinking.
“Sir Alex got me into the room and just said ‘we’d like you to stop playing football’,” said McGrath. “Simple as that. And he said they were willing to give me £100,000 to quit playing football altogether and just go back to Ireland.
“I was thinking about it because £100,000 back then was quite a lot of money. But I spoke to Kevin Moran and Bryan Robson, and I just said I wanted to play on because I thought I could still do something in football. So Gordon Taylor, who was at the PFA, went into Sir Alex and said ‘Paul’s playing on, you can fine him, you can do what you want but he’s going to play football - here or somewhere else’.
“It wasn’t a shock really because we were acting up a bit back then. We had a bit of fun but we overdid it, so then he just wanted me out of the club. Then Bryan Robson was having a barbeque at his house and suddenly Graham Taylor was on the phone saying ‘can you come up to Aston Villa’ and I jumped at the chance. I thought ‘Jesus, I can play there every week’.”
While going up against Baggio and Premier League stars of his era, such as Alan Shearer and Eric Cantona, posed no fears for McGrath, a chronic lack of self-esteem made life in the public eye a challenge to the extent he had to be talked into attending the 1993 PFA Player of the Year evening at which he was declared the winner.
“The fact Gordon Taylor asked me to go got me thinking ‘oh, Jesus, it couldn’t be, could it?’ It was the best trophy I’ve ever won and I love the fact I won it,” said McGrath.
“I never did really mix too well with the other players, it’s just the way I was, I was a little shy. When I got to know them, I was much better but it would take me a while, so to get an award voted for by the other players was just so special.”
McGrath once talked Charlton out of giving him the Republic of Ireland captaincy, reasoning: “Me telling all the other lads what to do and all this? No. It was a lovely gesture, but I knew that I couldn't do it.
“I wasn’t great off the pitch because I was never really taught how to enter company or have chats with people and stuff like that. I didn’t really want the spotlight, to be honest, and it’s not something I ever really learned to enjoy.”
Villa finished second to United at the end of the inaugural Premier League season for which McGrath won his Player of the Year award, having also finished second in his first season at the club behind Liverpool.
Telegraph man Matt Law on stage with McGrath CREDIT: Andrew Fox/TMG
The only dissenting voices of the night in Digbeth came when, self-deprecating as ever, McGrath admitted to a personal regret over never winning a League title with Villa.
“I thought we could do it, but, to be honest, some of my antics might have let the side down from time to time,” said McGrath, to loud shouts of ‘no’ from the crowd. “If I had taken it a little more seriously on certain occasions then we might have actually won a title. So I’ve always got that thing in the back of my mind that I should have behaved a little better sometimes.”
McGrath might have behaved a little better sometimes, but it was clear during two hours together that nobody inside the Old Library would change anything about him. One man approached me at the end of the night to say that watching his hero play and listening to him talk was the closest thing he had felt to a religious experience.
As for the £27.50 I had spent to secure my place at an evening with Paul McGrath, before being asked to share the stage with him?
You don’t ask ‘God’ for a refund.
Lovely, watery eyes, my footballing hero for life
Post by: brontebilly on March 21, 2023, 02:52:56 PM
Post by: Nev on March 21, 2023, 03:10:17 PM
Ferguson was a right snake trying to get McGrath to retire in those circumstances
Who knew?
Post by: rob_bridge on March 21, 2023, 03:12:36 PM
Ferguson was a right snake trying to get McGrath to retire in those circumstances
Well it was practice for when he didn't want his players playing internationally a few years later. Oooo don't go playing for them - the fans call you names when you play for us
Post by: Smithy on March 21, 2023, 03:16:15 PM
Ferguson was a right snake trying to get McGrath to retire in those circumstances
Was it an insurance thing? i.e. They got paid more if he retired due to 'injury' than if he was sold on to someone else?
Post by: Risso on March 21, 2023, 03:18:10 PM
Ferguson was a right snake trying to get McGrath to retire in those circumstances
I don't blame him to be honest. There was a hardened drinking culture with people like McGrath, Whitside and Robson, and he obviously had to clear it up. McGrath was widely seen as the worst culprit at the time.
Post by: dave.woodhall on March 21, 2023, 03:27:51 PM
Post by: darren woolley on March 21, 2023, 03:34:56 PM
Post by: rob_bridge on March 21, 2023, 04:01:54 PM
It was one of those occasions when a transfer works out for all parties concerned - we got the best player any of us have ever seen, unfortunately they were able to build a title-winning team.
And they could afford big write downs before they did on some of their replacements for the drinkers too before they won the title. Dublin and Webb due to injury didn't work out and Phelan and Wallace didn't pull up too many trees.
However, Ince, Pallister, Parker, Irwin, Schmeichel and Cantona most certainly did.
Post by: LeeB on March 21, 2023, 04:05:23 PM
It was one of those occasions when a transfer works out for all parties concerned - we got the best player any of us have ever seen, unfortunately they were able to build a title-winning team.
And they could afford big write downs before they did on some of their replacements for the drinkers too before they won the title. Dublin and Webb due to injury didn't work out and Phelan and Wallace didn't pull up too many trees.
However, Ince, Pallister, Parker, Irwin, Schmeichel and Cantona most certainly did.
Amazing they did what they did with Pallister and Bruce at centre half, the big pair of lumbering oafs
Post by: rob_bridge on March 21, 2023, 04:10:13 PM
It was one of those occasions when a transfer works out for all parties concerned - we got the best player any of us have ever seen, unfortunately they were able to build a title-winning team.
And they could afford big write downs before they did on some of their replacements for the drinkers too before they won the title. Dublin and Webb due to injury didn't work out and Phelan and Wallace didn't pull up too many trees.
However, Ince, Pallister, Parker, Irwin, Schmeichel and Cantona most certainly did.
Amazing they did what they did with Pallister and Bruce at centre half, the big pair of lumbering oafs
TBF I rated Pallister, not Bruce. Hate to say it but Ince was pivotal pre the signing of Keane.
Post by: LeeB on March 21, 2023, 04:16:39 PM
It was one of those occasions when a transfer works out for all parties concerned - we got the best player any of us have ever seen, unfortunately they were able to build a title-winning team.
And they could afford big write downs before they did on some of their replacements for the drinkers too before they won the title. Dublin and Webb due to injury didn't work out and Phelan and Wallace didn't pull up too many trees.
However, Ince, Pallister, Parker, Irwin, Schmeichel and Cantona most certainly did.
Amazing they did what they did with Pallister and Bruce at centre half, the big pair of lumbering oafs
TBF I rated Pallister, not Bruce. Hate to say it but Ince was pivotal pre the signing of Keane.
Ince was a quality player, remember wanting to sign him the first time I saw him for West Ham when he scored an outrageously good goal at Villa Park.
Pallister and Bruce were alright to be fair, but nothing special
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 21, 2023, 04:35:00 PM
Post by: brontebilly on March 21, 2023, 05:03:03 PM
Ferguson was a right snake trying to get McGrath to retire in those circumstances
Was it an insurance thing? i.e. They got paid more if he retired due to 'injury' than if he was sold on to someone else?
Yes, they wanted the insurance payout to retire him. Whether it was going to be more or less than what we paid I don't know. I just think pushing an alcoholic to take that kind of cash to retire even back then was outrageous. Then again empathy wasn't something that Ferguson needed to be successful.
Post by: SaddVillan on March 21, 2023, 06:57:45 PM
Ferguson was a right snake trying to get McGrath to retire in those circumstances
I don't blame him to be honest. There was a hardened drinking culture with people like McGrath, Whitside and Robson, and he obviously had to clear it up. McGrath was widely seen as the worst culprit at the time.
Read a while back that Yanited got rid of God because he was (in Fergie's estimation) the easiest of the trio to replace in terms of position and contribution to the overall team effort.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 21, 2023, 07:00:46 PM
Ferguson was a right snake trying to get McGrath to retire in those circumstances
I don't blame him to be honest. There was a hardened drinking culture with people like McGrath, Whitside and Robson, and he obviously had to clear it up. McGrath was widely seen as the worst culprit at the time.
Yeah, I don't blame Ferguson, he had to get shot of all three to sort it out properly.
As Woodhall said, a good move for all parties concerned.
Post by: RamboandBruno on March 21, 2023, 07:01:51 PM
mFerguson was a right snake trying to get McGrath to retire in those circumstances
I don't blame him to be honest. There was a hardened drinking culture with people like McGrath, Whitside and Robson, and he obviously had to clear it up. McGrath was widely seen as the worst culprit at the time.
Read a while back that Yanited got rid of God because he was (in Fergie's estimation) the easiest of the trio to replace in terms of position and contribution to the overall team effort.
Given how much they struggled in 89-90, he was lucky to get away with that decision.
Post by: Rory on March 22, 2023, 05:39:20 AM
Post by: Rico on March 22, 2023, 08:57:24 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 22, 2023, 09:03:51 AM
Post by: Villan For Life on March 22, 2023, 09:40:45 AM
Forest away in the season that we finished runners up to Man Ure was imo the best performance in have ever seen from any Villa player. He glided around the pitch like a God. He was sublime and quite simply on a different level to anyone else on the pitch that day. Magnificent.
Like a God? Hmmmmm......
Post by: Rico on March 22, 2023, 10:26:55 AM
All about opinions isn't it? In my opinion he was on a different level to anyone on the pitch that day. He was one or two steps ahead of play throughout. Magnificent.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 22, 2023, 10:32:24 AM
Post by: eamonn on March 22, 2023, 10:43:41 AM
Post by: Risso on March 22, 2023, 10:46:14 AM
What are Macca's feelings on Brian Little? It's been years since I read Paul's book. I mean he played most games in 95/96 and that season was arguably better than 89/90 or 92/93 but I wonder did they have the same bond.
They both walk on water so hopefully there's a mutual appreication there.
Post by: Dr Butler on March 22, 2023, 10:55:55 AM
a Rolls Royce of a player.
UTV
The Doc
Post by: Risso on March 22, 2023, 11:27:44 AM
Post by: astonvilla82 on March 22, 2023, 01:46:03 PM
Post by: Clark W Griswold on March 22, 2023, 04:08:54 PM
There was one game against Liverpool where the ball was coming towards McGrath in the area with Robbie Fowler (at the height of his powers) in close attendance. McGrath brought it down and went past Fowler like he wasn't there. I'm probably describing it really badly, but it was an audacious bit of skill, that if somebody like Konsa tried it these days would end up us being 1-0 down.
I seem to recall him very skillfully and very tastefully clearing out Collymore away at Forest followed by wagging his finger to say 'no chance' at both the home crowd and Collymore with the away end booming out a huge cheer. Not sure if the little tinker Collymore had been winding him up beforehand as he didn't usually rub peoples noses in it but i'm sure it was justified on that occasion.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 22, 2023, 04:16:55 PM
Post by: brontebilly on March 22, 2023, 04:44:19 PM
I think it is gone now, but the youtube of just his involvements in that world cup match against Italy is absolutely incredible.
Outpacing Roberto Baggio on multiple occasions despite suffering from a virus and playing in NJ humidity. 4 x Villa players in green that famous day.
Post by: Exeter 77 on March 22, 2023, 05:45:00 PM
I think it is gone now, but the youtube of just his involvements in that world cup match against Italy is absolutely incredible.This one?
https://youtu.be/Li_hf1Tz2Ww
Post by: Risso on March 22, 2023, 05:46:44 PM
I think it is gone now, but the youtube of just his involvements in that world cup match against Italy is absolutely incredible.
I watched that game while on holiday in Brittany, shortly before (unintentionally) burning down a two hundred year old stone barn.
Post by: clash city rocker on March 22, 2023, 06:11:46 PM
I think it is gone now, but the youtube of just his involvements in that world cup match against Italy is absolutely incredible.
I watched that game while on holiday in Brittany, shortly before (unintentionally) burning down a two hundred year old stone barn.
That's what all arsonists say when they are in front of the judge.
Post by: trinityoap on March 22, 2023, 07:37:37 PM
Post by: Risso on March 22, 2023, 07:49:41 PM
Now that I have got the dust out of my eye after reading mrfuse's post I should like to ask this question in all seriousness,have you ever seen a better Villa player?Andy Gray first time round ,David Platt,Sid and Yorkie were all something special but Paul McGrath was quite simply a cut above.I'm getting more dust in my eye again just thinking of how great he was and is.
It’s hard to compare players in different positions, but it’s not often that a defender is the sort of player who is described as being worth the admission fee alone.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on March 22, 2023, 07:51:30 PM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on March 22, 2023, 08:07:07 PM
Now that I have got the dust out of my eye after reading mrfuse's post I should like to ask this question in all seriousness,have you ever seen a better Villa player?Andy Gray first time round ,David Platt,Sid and Yorkie were all something special but Paul McGrath was quite simply a cut above.I'm getting more dust in my eye again just thinking of how great he was and is.
It’s hard to compare players in different positions, but it’s not often that a defender is the sort of player who is described as being worth the admission fee alone.
He was a cut above a great defender in an era of some seriously f***ing great defenders.
Post by: Clive W on March 22, 2023, 09:07:26 PM
I think it is gone now, but the youtube of just his involvements in that world cup match against Italy is absolutely incredible.
You had me worried for a a while PW so I had to go back and check that the links still work
I will now spend the next 90 minutes reminiscing over the best defensive display I’ve ever seen (accompanied with a nice bottle of Chilean Shiraz)
First half
https://youtu.be/XkZlSS7Z3fE
Second half
https://youtu.be/v_0PQHAoWJ4
Hope the links work for you
Post by: Rory on March 22, 2023, 09:11:56 PM
I think it is gone now, but the youtube of just his involvements in that world cup match against Italy is absolutely incredible.
You had me worried for a a while PW so I had to go back and check that the links still work
I will now spend the next 90 minutes reminiscing over the best defensive display I’ve ever seen (accompanied with a nice bottle of Chilean Shiraz)
First half
https://youtu.be/XkZlSS7Z3fE
Second half
https://youtu.be/v_0PQHAoWJ4
Hope the links work for you
It's not often you get commentators pretty much laughing with incredulity at the performance of a defender. Not in a good way, anyway.
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 14, 2023, 06:29:34 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FtsBmZ_XoAAT_mm?format=jpg&name=900x900)
Post by: LeeB on April 14, 2023, 06:32:34 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 14, 2023, 06:45:45 PM
Joe Biden meets God
It'll be happening soon enough anyway.
Post by: aldridgeboy on April 14, 2023, 06:54:48 PM
Post by: astonvilla82 on April 14, 2023, 08:54:34 PM
Joe Biden meets Godas Joe Biden is a religious man,I would imagine he demanded to meet God while on tour
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FtsBmZ_XoAAT_mm?format=jpg&name=900x900)
Post by: Pat McMahon on April 14, 2023, 09:49:26 PM
Joe Biden meets God
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FtsBmZ_XoAAT_mm?format=jpg&name=900x900)
God blesses America
Post by: astonvilla82 on April 14, 2023, 10:04:11 PM
😀Joe Biden meets God
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FtsBmZ_XoAAT_mm?format=jpg&name=900x900)
God blesses America
Post by: Rory on April 15, 2023, 12:07:48 AM
Post by: Exeter 77 on April 28, 2023, 07:27:19 PM
https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1651967464601780229?t=fNO9Q6hQ3YSwP4aO3J987Q&s=19
Post by: dr.chekov on April 28, 2023, 07:30:13 PM
https://twitter.com/Paulmcgrath5/status/1651968354838560772?cxt=HHwWiIC2peud_OwtAAAA
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 28, 2023, 07:30:59 PM
I noticed Paul was trending on Twitter with Gary Lineker. This is why.
https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1651967464601780229?t=fNO9Q6hQ3YSwP4aO3J987Q&s=19
Nice one, even if it did make me 'Like' a Gary Lineker tweet.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 28, 2023, 07:32:17 PM
And here's God's reply...
https://twitter.com/Paulmcgrath5/status/1651968354838560772?cxt=HHwWiIC2peud_OwtAAAA
Typical modesty from the great man, he'd have him in his pocket.
Post by: KevinGage on April 28, 2023, 11:09:01 PM
I think it is gone now, but the youtube of just his involvements in that world cup match against Italy is absolutely incredible.
You had me worried for a a while PW so I had to go back and check that the links still work
I will now spend the next 90 minutes reminiscing over the best defensive display I’ve ever seen (accompanied with a nice bottle of Chilean Shiraz)
First half
https://youtu.be/XkZlSS7Z3fE
Second half
https://youtu.be/v_0PQHAoWJ4
Hope the links work for you
60 per cent fit for that one (ignoring the longstanding knee condition) according to the man himself.
Ridiculous player.
Post by: aldridgeboy on April 29, 2023, 03:02:48 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/CBYLqgg/IMG-4245.jpg) (https://ibb.co/CBYLqgg)
https://twitter.com/garylineker/status/1651967464601780229?s=46&t=jo4adbG13BgBUR97pIGxUA
Post by: eamonn on April 29, 2023, 03:42:10 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 29, 2023, 03:45:35 PM
Has Lineker eulogised much over God in those awful Top Ten lists filler-programmes with Richards and Shearer? I only had the stomach to watch one, 10 minutes was more than enough.
No, not at all. 10 mins is normally the length of the show once you edit out Richards guffawing.
Post by: The Man With A Stick on April 29, 2023, 06:43:14 PM
Most of them are unfit to clean His boots.
Post by: Exeter 77 on September 25, 2023, 07:52:19 PM
https://twitter.com/Paulmcgrath5/status/1706252405103272274?t=oL-ESf4o9fjv_vdcAU6MaQ&s=19
Post by: rob_bridge on September 25, 2023, 08:02:19 PM
Has Lineker eulogised much over God in those awful Top Ten lists filler-programmes with Richards and Shearer? I only had the stomach to watch one, 10 minutes was more than enough.
No, not at all. 10 mins is normally the length of the show once you edit out Richards guffawing.
10 seconds of Richards is 10 too many
Post by: passport1 on November 11, 2023, 11:41:44 AM
“I regularly get asked the question: who was the toughest centre-half you played against?” he says. “Without a shred of doubt it was Paul McGrath. He was not just a fantastic footballer, he was really tough. He’d leave a bit on you.
Mick Hartford in today's Telegraph.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on November 11, 2023, 02:07:35 PM
Post by: Border villan on December 04, 2023, 02:58:39 PM
Post by: IFWaters on December 04, 2023, 10:14:57 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on December 05, 2023, 11:19:18 PM
https://x.com/killianm2/status/1732128850996285526?s=46&t=GdM6cpVxe5IloByNCRheWA
Post by: eamonn on December 06, 2023, 01:30:02 AM
Here's a deft piece of skill and finish against the Dutch also at World Cup '94 that you've never seen. Rijkaard feigning injury destroyed it.
And if its Happy Birthday God, then it's happy birthday to Risso and Toronto too (or tomoro).
Post by: Toronto Villa on December 06, 2023, 03:54:09 AM
Yeah, where's the Villa equivalent footage of his God-liness ?
Here's a deft piece of skill and finish against the Dutch also at World Cup '94 that you've never seen. Rijkaard feigning injury destroyed it.
And if its Happy Birthday God, then it's happy birthday to Risso and Toronto too (or tomoro).
Cheers mate. Mine was the 3rd. Risso’s yesterday. I share my birthday with the Beast Christian Benteke. God shares his birthday with Risso. Not the other way around as I am sure he will make clear.
Post by: eamonn on December 06, 2023, 10:16:38 AM
Hope you had a good'un!
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 20, 2024, 01:10:57 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on January 20, 2024, 01:24:43 AM
Post by: dave shelley on January 20, 2024, 08:39:31 AM
For The Love of Paul McGrath podcast have got him on soon; there’s a live event in Limerick (I think) which will then be broadcast I assume.
I was offered an opportunity to go to that Limerick gig the other night but Limerick's a hundred miles from here and driving that distance at night with my eyesight currently what it is I wouldn't wish to chance it.
Post by: VillaTim on January 20, 2024, 09:11:50 AM
Post by: eamonn on January 20, 2024, 09:38:08 AM
Post by: tomd2103 on January 20, 2024, 10:44:33 AM
Was on The Late Late Show tonight talking about Villa and SGT. Showed his usual class off-screen too. https://twitter.com/jayhartigan/status/1748484352504119407
Looks well.judging by that footage.
Post by: Baldy on January 20, 2024, 11:48:37 AM
Post by: algy on January 20, 2024, 12:17:34 PM
Dan's a good chap but I'd only want Bad English to interview him.:)
"So, who are you exactly?"
Post by: Bad English on January 20, 2024, 06:23:03 PM
Post by: RichardBatchelor on January 21, 2024, 12:17:28 AM
pretty sure Dan Bardell was at the last one of these live events from the podcaster, I'm surprised this one isn't billed as "An Evening with Dan Bardell (and Paul McGrath)"
Dan Bardell is humble, he wouldn’t like that billing. Then again, so is Paul McGrath.
Post by: algy on January 21, 2024, 02:35:31 PM
"An evening on your own (with Dan Bardell and Paul McGrath)"?pretty sure Dan Bardell was at the last one of these live events from the podcaster, I'm surprised this one isn't billed as "An Evening with Dan Bardell (and Paul McGrath)"
Dan Bardell is humble, he wouldn’t like that billing. Then again, so is Paul McGrath.
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 12, 2024, 06:17:24 PM
https://x.com/philhowarth/status/1778493778724102579?s=46