Whaddon Road rose as one in the ninth minute of Saturday’s match against Colchester United to salute one of Cheltenham Town’s all-time greats.
Neil Grayson was the guest of honour, joined by a host of former Robins showing their support for the legendary striker, who has been diagnosed with dementia and motor neurone disease.
Members of the club’s Southern League, FA Trophy and Conference-winning sides were all in attendance, and not even a 1-4 defeat could dampen the mood on what was an emotionally charged and ultimately positive day for the League Two club.
Grayson led a half-time lap of honour, closely followed by former teammates Chris Banks, Jason Eaton, Bob Bloomer, Keith Knight, John Brough, Shane Duff, Jamie Victory and Martin Devaney.
Also back on familiar turf were distinguished club servants from the 80s and 90s, including Dave Mogg, Ian Howell, Neil Smith, Jimmy Wring, Paul Chenoweth, Steve Benton, Ray Baverstock, Giuseppe Licata, Paul Collicutt, Andy Tucker, Mark Boyland, Mark Teasdale, Tim Harris, Tommy Callinan and Mike Davis, who was Steve Cotterill’s assistant during his historic first spell in charge.
A fundraising page has been set up to help with Grayson’s care, with more than £6,000 already raised: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/neilgrayson9
Grayson joined Cheltenham from Hereford United in March 1998 at the age of 33.
He was the club’s top scorer in each of his first three full seasons, firing the Robins to the Conference title in 1998/99 before playing a major role in their promotion to League One via the play-offs in 2001/02.
He scored the winner in the memorable 2-1 comeback victory at Rushden & Diamonds in April 1999, a result that went a long way towards securing the club’s first promotion to the EFL. He then netted again in the 3-2 home triumph over Yeovil Town to seal the title.
Grayson’s final act in a Robins shirt saw his volley crash against the post at the Millennium Stadium, before John Finnigan followed up to complete the scoring in a 3-1 play-off final win over Rushden & Diamonds in May 2002.
The Yorkshireman went on to play for Forest Green Rovers, Stafford Rangers and a number of other non-league clubs, continuing into his 50s.
Now based back in his home city of York, Grayson was driven down to Gloucestershire on Friday by Newcastle-based Robins supporter Ade Metcalf, who returned him north on Sunday after a two-night stay with his good friend and former teammate at both Hereford and Cheltenham, John Brough.
Grayson was invited into the home dressing room before kick-off, where he caught up with his former manager Steve Cotterill and was introduced to the current first-team squad.
He was presented with a Cheltenham home shirt signed by the full squad, with ‘Grayson 9’ printed on the back.
Cotterill, who signed Grayson 28 years ago, coordinated with Colchester boss Danny Cowley and referee Tom Reeves to briefly pause the game as the clock struck nine, with all eyes on one of the club’s greatest number nines in the directors’ box.
Cheltenham Town FC players and fans emotional tribute to former striker, who is living with dementia and motor neurone disease
