Ray Graydon

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

Scored our first ever goal in Europe.
A 4-1 defeat in Antwerp.





https://www.avfchistory.co.uk/game/3346

[Flamingo Lane]

Ray Graydon was absolutely pivotal in our promotions from the third and second divisions, and then stabilising in the first division. That Andy Gray was able to make such an immediate and dramatic impact at VP was due in no small measure to the assistance of Ray Graydon on the wing, feeding Gray the sort of crosses on which he thrived.

[Witton Warrior]

Ray was a star when I first went to VP in '75. The next time I became aware of him was when I was working in Walsall about 1999 or so and visited the football club  regularly - Ray was around and about so I was fortunate to be able to say thanks for the memories of our rise from the depths. He was always kind enough to give this star-struck man child a little of his time. True club legend.

[dcdavecollett]

Wonderful player who started the decade with a third division team then rose through the leagues with them, improving his game along the way.

A remarkably successful manager at Walsall as well.

[BC Villain]

If messages are being passed on then please pass on my best wishes to Ray and Sue. They were good friends with my Mom & Dad (Glad & Bun) from Rays playing days when they lived in Dower Road.
I think Ray was able to make the very most of his ability because of his belief in conducting himself in the right way and being disciplined. That made for a great Villa career working under Vic Crowe and Ron Saunders.
He took those principles into management which proved very successful at Walsall. Walsall players didn't get booked for dissent and were expected to behave.
Ray was as important as anybody in getting us back from Division 3 to 1, just as important he's a good person. Personally I think he should have a bloody statue at Villa Park but I'm a bit biased.

He was poorly treated at Walsall in the end if I remember rightly.  Got them promoted to the Championship twice, which they've never looked like getting back to since.

[darren woolley]

Thanks for posting.