The Battle Goes on For Paul McGrath

[Ger Regan]

That article is fucking frightening, and should be read by anyone who thinks the chant is "just a bit of fun".

[barrysleftfoot]

  Have got a mate in exactly the same situation.No matter what you say/do it is themselves who have to sort them out.You can only stand by and offer support/help when they need it.

  It defies all logic that they put the bottle before everything, family/health/work, and is quite frankly very sad.Great Player, hopefully he is able to sort himself out.

[TheSandman]

It's sad.

He knows it's wrong but he cannot stop himself. You have to feel for him in that.

[not3bad]

That article is fucking frightening, and should be read by anyone who thinks the chant is "just a bit of fun".

This

[regular_john]

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

[Chris Harte]

I've never joined in with that verse of that song because I always felt it was completely inappropriate given McGrath's situation.

It is at least a small positive that a few have read the article and vowed not to sing it in future.

He'll be dead before long.

I hope you're wrong, as I'm sure you do yourself. But I can't help thinking that there's only so much self-inflicted abuse a person can take.

[darren woolley]

So sad i just hope and prey he finds the answere is not in a bottle and he sticks around for long long time.

[Phil from the upper holte]

He was one of the best players EVER, He should be enjoying this time of his life.

Its terrible really.

Poor bloke

[Toronto Villa]

Can we do anything to stop singing that stupid song, or at the very least change the words? I cringe whenever I hear it. He seems such a top bloke. He's slipping down a wet slope and he can see the edge of the cliff. He's doing everything he can to stop himself from what would be a very sad ending. I'm sure he's been offered support over the years, but ultimately it will be down to him conquering his demons. Best of luck Paul.

[alanclare]

I've not sang that song for a while, since reading his book in fact.

Same here. I almost feel ashamed, but, one has to make allowances. Those singing it have obviously never read the book.
This is great writing. Thank you for giving it to us, Dave.

[Rich6by7]

Hopefully a few more of our less intelligent supporters will read this and think twice before joining in with "on the piss milord".

[Concrete John]

It's strange, that in a period where so many top level footballers are rightly being dragged through the mud, here we have my first footballing hero an alcoholic.  If a modern player had the same issues, whether Villa or not, would we be as sympathetic?  No, because they'd be taking out court injunctions and have their agents trying to blame everyone else.

It's a testiment to the man's humility that he acknowledges his short comings and works to overcome them.  He's no longer my footballing hero - just a hero full stop!

[Marlon From Bearwood]

Hopefully a few more of our less intelligent supporters will read this and think twice before joining in with "on the piss milord".

I wouldn't hold your breath mate.

[Simon Ward]

His autobiography stands out as one of the best sports related books of all time, as he stood out as one of the best centre backs of all time so to hear he still can't fight the booze is very sad indeed.

[villa1]

Legend.

Best player i've seen in our colours.