I'm not a big fan of a lot of the national press but I'm not sure that they are air-brishing over his time at Villa as such, on a national level it probably just didn't register as such a big achievement compared with his taking Watford to D1, I guess its really only us locals who really understood what a mess we were in when he arrived and the difference he made. To those outside the area it was probably just seen as him halting the slide of a big club and putting it back on a more secure footing. I've been thinking about any other managers who were revered by fans of different clubs and came up short.
Quote from: PeterWithe on January 13, 2017, 12:37:48 PMI'm not a big fan of a lot of the national press but I'm not sure that they are air-brishing over his time at Villa as such, on a national level it probably just didn't register as such a big achievement compared with his taking Watford to D1, I guess its really only us locals who really understood what a mess we were in when he arrived and the difference he made. To those outside the area it was probably just seen as him halting the slide of a big club and putting it back on a more secure footing. I've been thinking about any other managers who were revered by fans of different clubs and came up short.I'd guess Bobby Robson is the closest comparison? equally loved at Ipswich and Newcastle, shat on by the press during his England reign, became a national treasure in later life.
Superbly worded piece of work Dave - he was a wonderful man, the football world is worse off for us losing him. Not sure if others have mentioned it, but one thing I always think of is how he was (nearly) always smiling, even in adversity. I still say he got a rough deal as England manager ( I've already mentioned the appalling decision that cost England a place in USA 1994) and wonder if he regretted giving up a team that probably would've challenged for the league tittle again in 1990-91, when all he got was hassle when managing England, despite as I remember it - only having one really bad result - the loss to Norway - and the way he got slated in press the next day was nothing short of disgraceful.Also, I loved his humorous side - again not sure if it's been mentioned - anyone remember him singing Jerusalem - think it was George Gavin playing it as a way to encourage all things Villa.RIP Sir Graham
Yes, I'm having to try very hard to not get angry at some of the BBC articles that make Villa a minor footnote at best. One listing his best achievements in football, yet zero mention of his time with us.
Course he won't and to be fair - and it pains me to say this - that's the tabloid scramble for witty headlines and exposure for you. It was unfair and callous but the England manager was fair game. For every t****p phrase there was a 'Super Cally Go Ballistic...'. Move on and ignore just as I did then and correct every and any person who did and does refer to him as t****p. When he goes, MacKenzie's passing will be more akin to Thatcher's from her detractors than to a genuine and much missed Graham Taylor. Fuck MacKenzie - we'll have our memories and SGT will have his humility, dignity, and warmth of feeling from anyone he touched with his presence. Whether he knew it or not.