Andy Gray joins the Claret & Blue Podcast | The untold stories of an Aston Villa legend | EXCLUSIVE

Let's start with a question: 'Where the f*****g hell is Aston Villa?'
Pardon!?
It's not often a guest on our Claret & Blue podcast can get away with such a blunt enquiry about our beloved football club, but we'll make an exception for Andy Gray. That was a genuine question the former claret and blue hero asked himself when he found out he was joining Villa as a teenager way back in 1975.
To a generation or more Andy Gray is renowned for his football punditry, but before dominating the airwaves he was dominant in the air as Ron Saunders' 70s revival took flight. For all his analysis of the Premier League era, he hasn't spoken much about his playing (and coaching) career at Villa - until now.
🎙🎙🎙
Keep up to date with our latest episodes: bit.ly/ClaretA...
Follow us on Twitter: / claretbluepod
Mat Kendrick: / matkendrick
Dan Rolinson: / danrolinson
Ashley Preece: / preeceobserver
James Rushton: / jamorushton

[@matkendrick9179]

Really proud and happy about the positive feedback we've received so far about this podcast. Andy Gray was such a brilliant interviewee. It's a real pleasure and an honour to do these interviews and I'm so pleased that they are being well received. Thanks all. UTV

[@nickmcmahon623]

Pity you’re not old enough to remember him in action Mat. Imagine interviewing a naked Margot Robbie and that’s pretty much how you’d have felt.

[@StuartWoodwardJP]

Andy was my hero at Villa when I was kid so it was really great to watch this. I’m also fascinated by the behind the scenes of what goes on a football club so this was especially interesting. Great job! Really appreciate it.

[@VillaBravesGaming]

Still to this day he and Brian Little are the best strike partnership I’ve witnessed at VP. He was spot on about how well they knew each other’s game and the telepathic connection they had. Really sad to hear how he and Ron Saunders fell out. We all know Ron was very stern and he should have been more receptive to Andy’s achievements which were for the team. Great to watch this though and thoroughly enjoyed the conversation.

[@paulhenman9907]

I have seen him diving like superman through the air to head a ball even if it was only two feet of the ground,

[@RobertSmith-vl5ei]

Could not have said it better.....my thoughts entirely......great days.

[@wherewego1wegoallformerlyw337]

I met Ron Saunders during the 1980-81 season at Bodymoor Heath when it was easy just to walk in. I got close to the edge of the pitch, and I am still amazed I was allowed to do this. At the end of training I thought all the players went inside so I kicked some balls, and suddenly Tony Morley was in front of me, and spoke to me. I was always a shy young lady, and to this day I am annoyed I didn’t really appreciate this, and have a kick about with him. Afterwards, I went to the entrance, and asked the secretary if she could ask Ron Saunders and the players to sign my stuff; I was surprised when I invited into the inner sanctum of Ron Saunders office. I told him we were going to win the league, and of course we did! Ron Saunders could not have been nicer to me-he was kind, pleasant, and tolerant while I spoke excitedly. Even though I was 20, I only became a fan when I was nearly 19, and Villa caught my imagination like a small child. When I asked if he could get the players to sign my stuff he unexpectedly let me loose within the hallowed walls of Bodymoor to speak to all the players in the canteen. I am and always will be one of his biggest fans. At the time I did not appreciate how special this was, particularly as we won big time. However, I am disappointed to learn that he was so mean to Andy Gray. I also recall how he did not allow Tony Morley-my favourite player-to deal with the tragedy after his house burnt down-training was more important! All this shows an extraordinary lack of empathy and callousness. I know football is a team game. However, when a footballer wins acclaim for his individual contribution that is also important, because every individual human should also strive for personal achievement and growth. Ron Saunders was so wrong to disallow Andy Gray his personal glory. Thus, as much as I really like Ron Saunders, and his lovely kindness towards me, I have to say that he has gone down a little in my estimation-I am really sorry to say this. BUT, I still like him. While I am telling you this perhaps you can indulge me further while I tell you of my pre-season visit visit to Villa Park, many years ago, which was open during pre-season. I asked the groundsman if I could stand in the middle of the empty pitch just for the experience-he said yes, and I have to say just to stand alone in the middle of an empty Villa Park pitch is special. Afterwards 2 young boys around 14 years also asked, and I was amused when the groundsman said “no”-the boys said: “You let her (me) go on”, and they were met with the growl: “She’s alright-I know what you boys are like”-How I love the Villa.

[@RobertSmith-vl5ei]

You could go to Bodymoor in the day- i remember Jimmy Rimmer & Nigel Spink taking pens against each other and one missed and knocked my little bro over.........they came over to make sure he was ok

[@villabloke-gt5yg]

Oh Andy, oh Andy, you're the greatest the Holte End say - Oh Andy, oh Andy, we’ll be with you all the way… UTV Legend!

[@andybrogan8098]

Brilliant, my absolute hero growing up in the late 70's... UTV

[@Johnstone72]

As a Dundee United fan I'd have loved for Andy to take over from Wee Jim in '93. Good to hear from him talking about the Villa. Big stadium, big support. Love to see the Villa get some big money to spend.

[@paulmartin1049]

just brilliant really enjoyed the interview more please any chance of Big Ron

[@nickmcmahon623]

What a treat, cheers lads. Broke my heart when Andy left, hard for the youngsters to visualise just how good he was.

[@rodrickcooke4227]

That was brilliant.Thank you Andy for all you did at Villa.A true legend of the club.Good interviewer too.You let him talk.Thanks

[@dirtydogsanddiesel]

Another brilliant scoop for the channel 👏 Glad to see im not the only older fan here who remembers those great years. Keep them coming lads you're doing great 👍

[@darrenmills4890]

What a great memory he has, think he could have gone on for hours. Top bloke. Was nice to hear him big up Jack & Ollie. UTV

[@mollynew971]

Didnt know where Aston villa was.I bet he knew where Wolverhampton was.

[@NickSalterNaCL]

Although I’ve heard those stories before, I never get tired of hearing them. Honest interview from an honest and brave player - a Villa legend right there!

[@Brindleyberg]

Great memories of being in the Holte End for the two 5-1s vs Arsenal and Liverpool in 1976. Inspirational to see someone the same height as me winning everything in the air. Three years later and I'm standing in the South Bank at Molineux giving him a round of f***s for scoring against us. Not that he would have been bothered but such is football. Fantastic interview.

[@warwickproud7746]

i was on the holte for them games wicked times

[@warwickproud7746]

i was 13

[@markmorrid8144]

I was 13 standing in the witton end for the liverpool game celebrated that much I lost my 15p bus fare back to acocks green luckily a villa fan gave me 15p otherwise a long walk back home . A bit late but thanks to that fellow villa fan .👍🏻

[@rickbarley3263]

One of the best podcasts I've ever seen.....Andy was my hero growing up as a Villa fan and imo the best centre forward I've seen at Villa Park. Those wonderful years in the mid 70s were really special, it was great to hear what really happened at the end of his time at Villa, and also very sad it ended the way it did. Well done Mat again for asking the questions we all wanted to ask. Keep up the great work. UTV

[@RobertSmith-vl5ei]

My thoughts too...VTID...Brian Little still walks on water btw......

[@LifeLongVillan]

Great memories standing on the upper holte end L block watching Andy Gray... U. T. V

[@markpotter6594]

Was meant to be sorting stuff out! I've stood glued to every word! So interesting to hear about Andy joining villa! Small margins! Coulda gone to rangers!? Wow my whole childhood would have been rubbish without Andy gray and Brian little! Good luck with your operation Andy. Thx for everything!

[@Researcher83]

Top podcast guys. Andy Gray was my dad's favourite player with Brian Little back then. I've always liked Andy, even when he went to sky and got slated by certain people. Talks very honestly about his experiences. Top bloke. Niceone Gents ✌🏻❤😀 UTV

[@raythegrader6516]

What a brilliant interview - great job Mat! Andy had so much to share about his time at Villa that it probably made the interview easy. It brought back so many memories, the time just flew by. Andy was one of my heroes as a teenage Villa fan in the 1970s. I remember that I'd written 'Little Gidman Graydon Gray Villa Rule OK' on my school bag. That must have been 1976/77 as that was the only season that those four were at the club. As others have said, it was fascinating to hear his stories that gave an insight about life behind the scenes at the Villa. As much as I admire Ron Saunders for everything he did for the club, it sounds as though he treated his prized asset shabbily. Can you imagine Dean Smith treating Super Jack like that?? Can't wait for the next one... UTV

[@Hammerschool]

Always preferred the Andy Gray & Richard Keyes coverage over Skychester United.

[@brummiegazz]

Another brilliant interview. It bought back many memoriesfor me

[@pattolley1064]

Lovely to let him talk. Really good podcast.

[@mrshifter9582]

I was devastated when he left but understand why. Andy was magical, that goal he scored at the shit in 78 was the pinnacle, I'd love to meet him. Up the villa

[@slopsallover]

Brilliant podcast Mat. Thank you. Absolute legend AG is. Love how he uses "we" in reference to AV. Clearly has a lot of passion for the club still. Deffo up there with the best ever striking partnership AG & Brian Little. Such happy memories. UTV

[@MrIanji]

Love this, what a guy, very entertaining! Remember those days, just!!

[@stephenwilliams5596]

I've really enjoyed listening to Andy and his wonderful stories, thank you for sharing. VTID, UTV

[@paulitm1]

13th greatest ..not a chance, top 3 to 5 for sure ..absolute legendary header of the ball ..hero ..great guy as well

[@RobertJewkes]

Well done claret and blue great guest

[@geoffcorfield8839]

Great stuff. One of my fav Villa players, and as a Dundee United supporter too, I liked the talk about Jim McLean and the great players that team once had as well. . My opinion of Saunders went down, but that of Brian Little went up.

[@paulhenman9907]

He would put his head where other players would not put their feet

[@davidglass4744]

Absolute belter of a player he was the reason i became a villa fan

[@1963billevans]

Oh, Andy, Andy... Andy, Andy, Andy, Andy, Andy Gray!

[@thinlizzysupporter]

Fabulous interview Mat. The more I hear about Ron Saunders the more I think some of his decisions prevented us from going on to be an even better side than we did become. I’ve heard similar things from Brian Little. There’s no doubt in my mind that Andy & Brian were as exciting up front as any I’ve seen at Villa in the 50+ years I’ve been supporting them. I remember being astonished that Andy didn’t make the squad for the 78 World Cup but now I can see why. My Dad actually sent Andy some Argentinian currency we were so convinced he’d be going. He sent a very nice signed photo back. Top player, I was very sad when he left to join Wolves but I can totally understand why now.

[@adrianmoore2849]

Always felt Ron didn't want stars in his team.There was Rons way and no other .If you were outspoken you were out.

[@pharoahegypt]

Just getting into your videos. My early memories of Villa are from getting in via the car park with a much older family friend; shareholder; & getting many of the European heroes autographs, along with many others. Banks, Best, Noel Gordon & Nick Owen ( i kid you not); but my highlight was to have a photo with Cloughie. Legend of the non Villa kind of course. Keep up the good work.

[@ilianbh]

As a boy I idolised Andy Gray! I remember a time when I watched a reserve Villa game that had almost half the first team playing who were returning from injury. Andy Gray was one of them. Me and my pal were sat behind the dug out. Andy had a good game and when he was subbed I managed to give him a pat on the back. That made my year!! I’ve always been an Andy Gray fan. Great podcast. UTV VTID

[@19Gary55]

This is the best Villa podcast of all. Great job, credit to Mat, big credit to Andy

[@gdadc2649]

How I missed this Podcast in Feb I dont know but, its the best interview , Andy was so refreshing, I remember well the events he spoke of. VP and Andy, match made in heaven, thanks for the memories Andy.

[@RuachEden]

Interesting what Andy says at the end, about Ollie Watkins. Exactly what has happened under Unai. Andy always did understand the game with insight

[@chrisknight2457]

Great Podcast. Good to hear from the Legends!

[@paulclark7664]

What a great player ! Enjoyed the whole thing. Andy is a great character and came over as honest and realistic in his views ..

[@alexavfclineham7301]

Wow what a guest to get on, brilliant interview really enjoyed listening. Andy was before my time as a villan so it made a really interesting hour, UTV

[@paulitm1]

Oh Andy, you're the greatest, you're sensa...legend and my hero as well as Brian Little. Thanks Andy. Just glad Jimmy Saville never replied to me wanting to meet you as my dream!

[@gmansid3576]

Terrific interview. Really enjoyed that from start to finish. I thought it was classy for Andy to pay tribute to Keith Leonard, a great centre forward (and a Brummy too!) who missed out on so much as Villa hit the big time again in 1975. All Villa fans of a certain age will remember that game against the Blues in September of that year. Didn’t John Robson, a right back, play CF that day? 57,000. I was there!

[@graemeburke3314]

He did wear no 9 but played more in midfield. My first derby game and it was 53,782

[@mervyncharter]

Mat, you"ve got to get hold of John Gidman for an interview. Heard him on a Man Utd Podcast admit that Aston Villa was his club at heart

[@markhemming318]

That's great to know that he still has the Villa at heart. I remember seeing him as a kid in a Chinese takeaway in Boldmere, I was with my old man and totally starstruck, as any 11 year old Villa fan would be seeing one of their favourite players. One of the finest right- backs I've had the pleasure of seeing, he's step - overs were legendary.

[@artline820]

We lived across the road from a sand golf club in the tiny oil town if dukhan in Qatar. He was looking for a villa top to raffle for charity and since we were the only villa fans in the town...someone knocked our door to ask if we could donate a shirt and pop over to meet Andy! Fantastic!

[@johndawe449]

My absolute favourite Villa player of all time, UTV, plus had a great nightclub “The holy city zoo”

[@markhemming318]

" oh, oh, Andy, oh, oh, Andy, you're the greatest the Holte - End say, oh, oh, Andy, oh, oh, Andy, we'll be with you, al the way" . Sung to the tune of " I Am Sailing ", Rod Stewart. I've yet to see a better header of a football than Andy Gray.

[@darrenwoolley8433]

What another brilliant interview I really enjoyed it.

[@bestbirdallround]

Great interview and great guy I could of listened to him all day 👍🏻 UTV

[@joshuajones1793]

Only just got round to commenting on this video now, I listened to it shortly after it was uploaded but via my 📺 Great podcast though, was really interesting hearing what he had to say about life at Aston Villa, it's a pity I wasn't around in those day's to watch him play as he would have been a special player to see LIVE I feel! Thought there would have been a brief chat about him leaving Sky but I guess that wasn't appropriate to the episode for what this was for! Keep the ⭐ guests coming guy's, brilliant work as always! 👍🏾 UTV! 💜 💙

[@carlbrinton4639]

I used to have a teddy bear called Andy Gray with number 9 on his back! He was a little bit hairer ! Legend. UTV

[@gdadc2649]

Still, proudly, have one of his shirts, with the Wembley logo which he gifted to me in 1982, thanks for the memories Andy.

[@benwright1998]

Legend Andy 😍

[@alexvitsileos2441]

Remember meeting Andy after a man United game if we won we’d of finished top 5 but we lost and finished 6th. Such a nice bloke could tell he still loves us

[@garypowell6406]

13!! He should be at least top 5! Great interview. Andy is so refreshingly honest and it's there for everyone to see, that he's Villa through & through. What other player would've gone to see their Chairman upon relegation? I always thought that if he had turned down Sky, he would've stepped into Big Ron's shoes & he would've been a fantastic manager. I hope he reads these comments (I know his son is active on social media), Andy was my boyhood hero & I wish him well on his new knee! 👍

[@johnkennedy6753]

Hi mat that was a brilliant interview with Andy our ex villa hero.

[@droneserve2180]

Simply the best For me it was glad to meet some years ago .UTV

[@Bobby_sprinkles]

Such a lovely conversation!

[@Bobby_sprinkles]

Also, Mat is a great interviewer. Gives people space to talk whilst also being personable.

[@Jamesavfc93]

@@Bobby_sprinkles he's alright, isn't he!

[@Bobby_sprinkles]

@@Jamesavfc93 He'll do eh

[@matkendrick9179]

@@Bobby_sprinkles Cheers Craig!

[@Bobby_sprinkles]

@@matkendrick9179 I'll expect the cheque in the post

[@jeb-zf4un]

Such a good interview. Thanks

[@markstoneman1585]

My favourite number 9 ✌

[@Murdocke89]

More interviews like this please, as many as you can. UTV

[@johnperry6293]

Great interview

[@neilyringworm]

I’m a Dundee Utd and Villa fan so this is right up my street. One of only two players to play for both teams I believe.....I don’t think Benji Siegrest played any games for the senior team anyway

[@tommayne8423]

This was so good 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 cheers Mat absolute class

[@iampaulwadsworth]

I just wanna hear Andy Gray commentate, "WHAT A HIT SON!" as Villa score a last-minute winner in the champions league final maybe the season after next.

[@andrewholdsworth4421]

I was named after Andy by my dad x

[@mikeygee2007]

He's here, he's there ...... !!

[@neilfun27]

yes thats brillant video with andy gray utv

[@mrshifter9582]

My hero, no one to touch him.

[@lourdesh2540]

Brilliant!

[@michae13james10]

Great interview. Loving these! I would love you to catch up some day with Mark Draper, Tommy Johnson. Shaun maloney, Alan Wright, Jullian Joachim...just to name a few

[@joeypicolino2470]

That was great thank you 🙏

[@Shadow-zz2ry]

Take a bow son.

[@tutorzone8636]

29:40 a great lesson for any smaller young players attacking corners.

[@hotdiggityd]

Aston Villa and Andy Gray have had somewhat of a rollercoaster relationship over the years, but the fact that he still refers to Villa as "we" and that his son Jamie is as big a fan as any tells the tale of the tape in the end... Is Gray a legend? I'm not sure. But he's certainly a cult hero amongst many and an integral part of the club's DNA. Fantastic interview.

[@deanwournell430]

That was awesome

[@cyberdonblue4413]

I think Andy was pulling your leg about, "Where's Aston Villa?" because I first met Andy a few months before he signed for us. It was around summertime of 1975 (I was 18 then. I'm 64 now.) My brother-in-law was from Glasgow and Andy was going out with my brother-in-law's sister (Rena) for a while. They came down to Birmingham to visit family and although there was plenty of football talk there was no mention of him coming to Villa. As I have been a massive Villa fan all my life, and so were a few others in the family at that time, Andy knew plenty about the Villa by the time he headed back north of the border. At that time my brother-in-law lived in one of the two blocks of flats at Holloway Head (The Sentinels) so Andy saw plenty of the "entertainment" side of Birmingham over that long weekend too. I'm sure the memory of it served him well when he eventually signed. I never saw Andy face to face again until a couple of years later when I saw him after a game at the players entrance at Anfield. He was talking to fans in passing on his way to the team coach, but Villa fans in particular, and I was amazed when he looked at me and said, "I know you from somewhere don't I?" The re-union was brief but hilarious. UTV VTID

[@mickducati1947]

Fantastic m8

[@spikearnott]

13th on the list? Never, this man was what Villa need now, a natural goal scorer who could have both his feet removed and still score 30 a season 1st and greatest for me.

[@lottiewalker373]

father and son podcast xx

[@albacan]

An articulate Scot and footballer. What are the odds?

[@bashirhussain9155]

what a legend,

[@kevincooper1857]

Wow!! Privileged

[@patmax9005]

13th??? *NO WAY WHATSOEVER* 💜💙💜💙💜💙💜 ANDY's In My Top5 At Least💯% *DEAN SAUNDERS My Number1* 🏆

[@darthscouser5255]

Played his best football for everton though and won more trophies with us.......a league trophy, fa cup and european cup winners cup

[@virtuafighter3]

Ron Saunders not letting Andy going to the dinner was poor. Also the the Scotland thing .. Mmmm.

[@kingarthurusatenniscoach1415]

Everton should have made him stay in 85 86 season. Everton would have won the league and cup as Andy with his knowledge and skills in man management with player would guided the team through the late stages of the league and cup final.Kendal made a very big mistake letting Andy leave

[@DanLaneWowLookAtThisFancyURL]

:)

[@professionalman1960]

bit of twisted version. Nothing about him leaving the Villa for money. Why would anyone with any sight of a brain cell have left the Villa for Wolves. Saunders scrubbing him out of the Scotland squad was correct, forgets to mention that injuries had kept him out for a period following the league cup final. Greatest centre forward though for a short period I have ever seen. Pity it was all about Andy Gray though.

[@patmax9005]

Its Still Not To *LATE To Have ANDY ARRESTED & CHARGED For That Hair-Cut💇✂🙉🙈🙊*

[@paulbrunton448]

Great player but one he'll of a arrogant bloke I'm in my 60s now and had a few run inns with Andy especially at Holy City Zoo, also wasn't truthful about his move from Villa allegedly ask how his brother ran up his bill with Cadbury that moving fee sorted that