'Sir' Ray was hugely popular with Walsall fans after two promotions in three seasons. The first seeing pre-season favourites for the drop, achieve automatic promotion ahead of ex-Prem Manchester City.
The two promotions were sandwiched a relegation, but Graydon masterminded the second via the play-off final at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium where a Darren Byfield extra time winner saw Walsall beat Reading 3-2 in extra time, having twice come from behind. A day regarded as one of the greatest in Walsall's long, long history.
Graydon was sacked by Jeff Bonser in January 2002, after a live TV game with West Brom. The decision caused outrage and many fans attended the following home fixture in flat caps to mark 'Sir Ray's departure. A man who achieved the unthinkable on a budget dwarfed by the competitions on all occassions.
The voting on Walsall's official site was announced as:
Ray Graydon - 831
Mick Kearns - 622
Tony Richards - 248
Alan Buckley - 92
James Walker - 88
Colin Harrison - 73
Allan Clarke - 69
Ken Hodgkisson - 66
Albert McPherson - 59
The star is to be awarded to Ray Graydon on the pitch once he is recovered from a minor operation, and I for one will be looking forward to seeing him back, receiving a deserved reception from Walsall's home support.
Walsall MAD believes a star on Birmingham's Broard Street is all well and fine but we are from Walsall, not Birmingham. How great would it be to have a select Walsall FC 'Walk of Stars' outside the main entrance at the Bescot Stadium? Having one extra name nominated every two years to ensure only the greatest servants are rewarded for their time at the club?
Join the facebook group in support of this idea:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=123310233020
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