Graydon's yo-yo career

Ray Graydon enjoyed two promotions with Walsall

Ray Graydon was a football legend in the Midlands long before he joined Walsall as manager.

The talented forward, who played almost 700 games during a distinguished playing career, became an Aston Villa hero when he netted the winner in their 1-0 1975 League Cup win over Norwich City.

Graydon, who scored more than 100 goals, enjoyed his best playing years at Villa, helping them move from the old Division Three to Division One in three seasons in the mid-'70s.

  Graydon's Walsall record

Played: 205

Won: 79

Drew: 55

Lost: 71

During his career, which included spells at Bristol Rovers and Oxford United, Graydon became a well-respected figure throughout the footballing world.

His unassuming nature on the field hid a shrewd footballing brain which served him well as a coach later in his career.

Graydon became known for getting the best out of limited resources as coach of Port Vale in the 1990s.

His skills were instrumental in helping the Valiants - not known for being flush with cash - avoid relegation in 1998.

Despite his considerable coaching experience, Graydon's appointment as successor to Jan Sorensen in May 1998 was his first taste of management.

Graydon celebrates play-off glory in May 2001

And it did not take long for him to make an impact. Walsall were promoted as runners-up to Fulham in 1999.

Graydon earned a reputation for producing well-organised, disciplined sides, despite a lack of resources.

But the challenge of Division One proved too great, and Walsall were relegated the next season - although they were just three points from safety.

Undeterred, Graydon's side bounced straight back and confounded the bookies with a 3-2 win in the Division Two play-off final against favourites Reading in May 2001.

But again the Saddlers have struggled in Division One, and they were in 22nd spot with 27 points from 30 matches when the Walsall board opted to end his time in charge.