Paul McGrath - don't worry

[ASHTONVILLA]

I have been watching Villa since the late 70s and McGrath is easily the best player to have pulled on a Villa shirt that I have seen in that time. The only truly world class player I have ever seen play for Villa.

[brian green]

Oddly the only two other world class Villa players I have seen are also Irish.  Danny Blanchflower and Peter McParland

[Mister E]

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.

[glinch]

Interview with McGrath on an Irishman Abroad:

https://anirishmanabroad.podbean.com/e/paul-mcgrath-episode-170/

[KevinGage]

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.

[Sexual Ealing]

I'm listening to this right now. Normally a comedy podcast but really worth a blast for, as we all are, McGrath fans: http://anirishmanabroad.podbean.com/e/paul-mcgrath-episode-170/

[el león Benidorm]

Interview with McGrath on an Irishman Abroad:

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!

[Villa Lew]

Oddly the only two other world class Villa players I have seen are also Irish.  Danny Blanchflower and Peter McParland

Saw 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?

[rob_bridge]

Oddly the only two other world class Villa players I have seen are also Irish.  Danny Blanchflower and Peter McParland

Saw 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.

[dave shelley]

I've just watched the Big Man on the Friday night chat show over here tonight.  He's struggling with his knees and one in particular which he said he was about to get done which I assumed was to be replaced.  He's being treated by Kevin Moran's brother.

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.

[pauliewalnuts]

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.

[Sexual Ealing]

I've seen that and since searched fruitlessly again to find it. Thanks for confirming that I'm not mental.

What a player.

[JD]

You mean this? It is on this topic on the first couple of pages.   

[four fornicholl]

You mean this? It is on this topic on the first couple of pages.

Theres one called
"Tribute to Paul Mcgrath" which is better.

[villabear]

You mean this? It is on this topic on the first couple of pages.

Theres one called
"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