Ray Graydon

[brackley]

While on holiday in Majorca a couple of weeks back, I had the pleasure of meeting one of my seventies Villa heroes Ray Graydon. Having been tipped off by another guest that he was staying in our hotel, I sought him out.
Having introduced myself, Ray and his wife Sue immediately let it be known that sadly, Ray is now suffering from dementia so would maybe struggle to maintain a conversation and they didn’t want this to be interpreted as rudeness on his behalf.
However, I found Ray to be great company on the couple of occasions when i chatted to him, even expressing frustration about his increasing deafness, (one of his symptoms) and inability to make himself understood.
Ray is physically mobile, looks fit and suntanned, has a glint in his eye and was able to enjoy his fair share of holiday lagers under the watchful eye of his devoted wife Sue, who assured us that Ray enjoys nothing more than being recognised and discussing his career.
Ray confessed to crying ‘a million tears’ on the passing of his great pal Chris Nicholl and the couple are still close friends and neighbours with Chris’s family.
They don’t do Facebook or forums, but Sue said she would welcome any good wishes or questions for Ray via Chris’s son who keeps an eye on them, including h&v.
Sue is actively campaigning with the FA for recognition for former footballers and their dependants who are in the same situation, so feel free to wish her luck and support as well.
It was a pleasure meeting you Ray, and thanks for the great times, and, of course, that penalty.

[Small Rodent]

Nice story. Thank you.

[ChicagoLion]

Yes all the very best to Ray and Sue. Also remember him scoring at The Gas.

[Nelly]

Thanks for sharing this.

[cdbearsfan]

Trains Brackley. Ray Graydon always comes across as a good man so glad to hear that your meeting with him backs that up.

[montague]

How sad. Probably one of the most important players in our history

[Dick Edwards]

Ray was a brilliant player for us. A goal scoring winger, and hard working. He was a legend of our rise throughout the 1970s.

[Steve67]

According to Facebook, it just happens to be Ray's birthday. Happy birthday Ray.

[Virgil Caine]

How sad. Probably one of the most important players in our history

Totally agree Montague, the player exchange deal which brought Ray Graydon to Villa Park from Bristol Rovers with Brian Godfrey going to ply his trade at Eastville was to me the catalyst for change which saw the Villa resurgent during the dark days of Division 3. I remember a fantastic goal he scored during a night match when Jimmy Cumbes punted one of his kicks to Andy Lochhead who nodded it on to Ray Graydon who volleyed it into the top corner. So good it was worthy enough to be written up (with diagrams) into a weekly magazine called World of Football. Some on this forum will be able to give more details I am sure. I am sorry to hear of his illness and I hope he can remember how much he he was, and still is, revered and thought of fondly at Bristol Rovers, Villa and at Walsall where he had success as a Manager.

[nigel]

I first saw Ray playing for Bristol Rovers in 70/71 vrs Villa in my second game watching.
The following season he was a Villa player.

[Chris Smith]

Sorry to hear about his troubles. He played a big part in the Villa revival in the 70s amongst plenty of  great memories a couple stand out. A diving header against Notts County in the third division and a follow up to a saved penalty for the winner in the league cup final against Norwich.

[steamer]

Loved the Grayder
Seen some old games recently and only enhanced my memory
I was in front of  the goal when he scored the rebound
Love to Ray and the family

[Rotterdam]

'Jesus saves, but...'

[dave shelley]

I believe that had Ray been playing these days he would have been priceless.  He had pace, could shoot, could score goals was a brilliant crosser of the ball and was a tough little bugger.

I read years ago Ray said that when he told his dad that Villa wanted to sign him, his dad said "Get in your car and get up there as quick as you can before they change their minds."  Ray was a great servant to the club and as others have said was a big part of the Villa renaissance.  I loved watching him play.  So sorry to hear he is unwell.

[garyellis]

He was part of Vic Crowe's one winger system if I remember correctly?
He did without doubt become a star for us as we climbed back from the abyss.
Best wishes and thoughts to Ray and his family.