Tom Watt on Talk Shite

[Chico Hamilton III]

The "What a Difference A Gray makes" banner 

[Damo70]

I love the story in Andy Gray's autobiography about holidaying in an LA mansion with Black Sabbath and staying up all night with an American girl called Donna playing an incredible new electronic game called 'Simon'. Then years later in his Everton days being a guest on TV AM and meeting fellow guest John Hurt, who introduced him to his American wife. Donna.

[dave shelley]

Sorry about this being on the wrong thread but, as we're discussing old songs, do any of you old  'un's remember this?

He's up, he's down,
He's in the Rose and Crown,
Barry Hole, Barry Hole.

This was after he got fined by the club for being out drinking when he shouldn't have.  Someone else was to but for the life of me I can't remember who.  Dick Edwards???

Back on topic, JG, your dad was a superb centre forward.  I clearly remember his first goal for us, a header in a 1-2 defeat against Manure (some things never change) in the league cup.  It was a header where he jumped for the ball fooled Alex Stepney into thinking it was going one way then, moved his head 180 degrees around the ball and stuck it in the other corner.  I knew then that we had a player of class.  It wasn't the only time in his Villa career that he made a mug of Stepney.

[Sunny Villa]

Fair Play JG , its really heartening to hear your insights like many your Dad was a hero of mine ..   he was swashbuckling and fearless and worked his socks off which really endeared himself to me ....  he was not shy about looking after himself and most center halves and goalkeepers   new that he was there .

happy days and the Gray , Little Deehan partnership was frightening ......     imagine if Keith Leonard had not been injured ....   

[Witton Warrior]

He nearly cost me my life in 1977 at Anfield

He notched a couple in a 2-1 away win and the jolly scousers  didn't like it a big lot

We were only talking about that near-death experience on Saturday - November 5th

[Damo70]

And Rupert Bell, Racing correspondent, is a Villa season ticket holder as well.

He was one of those on the pitch at the weekend. He has been defending himself from some stick from his fellow Talksport broadcasters.

[144 Hard Boiled Eggs]

I also remember the chant  "He's here, he's there, he's player of the year" being sung at Hillsbrough in the League Cup Final replay in 1977 after he won the PFA award along with the young player award (the only player to do it I believe?)

[papa lazarou]

Did anybody ever go to Andy's night club venture - The Holy City Zoo?
I never made it there myself.

[john e]

He nearly cost me my life in 1977 at Anfield

He notched a couple in a 2-1 away win and the jolly scousers  didn't like it a big lot

We were only talking about that near-death experience on Saturday - November 5th

I was 15 at the time, shitting myself
 right at the back of the annie road end, standing obviously, with a few coppers holding the line, fireworks been thrown into us the whole time, then Andy Gray has to go and score a brace to make matters worse
outside the ground was even worse especially if you were making your way back to lime street like me, my mate got his nose broken against the railings

oh the good old days

[E I Adio]

Did anybody ever go to Andy's night club venture - The Holy City Zoo?
I never made it there myself.

Yes, under the arches down Livery Street. Saturday night you could frequently bump into half the team you'd just watched that afternoon.

Don't think it's been mentioned on this thread, but Andy Gray was probably the bravest centre forward I've ever seen.

[Sunny Villa]

He nearly cost me my life in 1977 at Anfield

He notched a couple in a 2-1 away win and the jolly scousers  didn't like it a big lot

We were only talking about that near-death experience on Saturday - November 5th

remember it well .......in the Anny we got separated as the crowd was surging left and right ended up on the Liverpool side .....   copper was less than impressed and not very helpful when the locals realized we were Villa ....     went up the wrong stairs as well beforehand ....   character building 

[Dr Butler]

Sorry about this being on the wrong thread but, as we're discussing old songs, do any of you old  'un's remember this?

He's up, he's down,
He's in the Rose and Crown,
Barry Hole, Barry Hole.

Hey Dave, Barrington Hole scored my first ever Villa goal I believe in a 2-0 win on Boxing Day 1968 vs Cardiff City 

UTV
The Doc

[Ron Manager]

Sorry about this being on the wrong thread but, as we're discussing old songs, do any of you old  'un's remember this?

He's up, he's down,
He's in the Rose and Crown,
Barry Hole, Barry Hole.

Hey Dave, Barrington Hole scored my first ever Villa goal I believe in a 2-0 win on Boxing Day 1968 vs Cardiff City 

and what a match that was. Brian Tiler also scored with a header at the Holte End. Over 40,000 there. Tremendous atmosphere in the Holte

UTV
The Doc

[dave shelley]

Sorry about this being on the wrong thread but, as we're discussing old songs, do any of you old  'un's remember this?

He's up, he's down,
He's in the Rose and Crown,
Barry Hole, Barry Hole.

Hey Dave, Barrington Hole scored my first ever Villa goal I believe in a 2-0 win on Boxing Day 1968 vs Cardiff City 

UTV
The Doc

Hello Doc.  I remember that game.  I though Barry Hole was the mutt's nuts.  I was delighted when he signed but, always though he really didn't want to be here.  Scored some cracking goals, one I particularly remember is one he scored against Spurs at WHL in the FA Cup.  Needless to say we lost!

[peter w]

I remember AG saying that when he signed it was on the day of a Blues derby at VP and he was brought out at half time. He said to this day he has never heard a wall of noise like it.
I know most fans think their derby is the fiercest, their ground the best and no doubt their support. But when VP is full and all side are in unison there cant be many louder or better.

I see players come out of the tunnel and the look on some faces, ours and the oppositions, when its at its loudest is a treat to see.

Who have looked startled? In awe? Excited?