On a poignant Saturday at Whaddon Road, the stadium united in a heartfelt tribute to Neil Grayson, a true Cheltenham Town legend. In the ninth minute of the match against Colchester United, fans and players rose to honour the celebrated striker, whose incredible contributions to the club remain unforgettable.
Grayson was the special guest of the day, accompanied by numerous former Robins who came to show their steadfast support for the hero now bravely battling dementia and motor neurone disease. The atmosphere was charged with emotion, amplified by the presence of players from Cheltenham’s celebrated Southern League, FA Trophy, and Conference-winning teams. Despite the team’s 4-1 defeat, the occasion was filled with positivity and solidarity.
At halftime, Grayson took a meaningful lap of honour alongside past teammates such as Chris Banks, Jason Eaton, Bob Bloomer, Keith Knight, John Brough, Shane Duff, Jamie Victory, and Martin Devaney. Also returning to the pitch’s familiar surroundings were notable figures from the 1980s and 1990s, 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 served as assistant during Steve Cotterill’s landmark first tenure.
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A fundraising initiative was launched the same day to support Grayson’s care needs, already garnering over £6,000 in donations.
Neil Grayson’s legacy at Cheltenham began in March 1998 when he joined from Hereford United at 33 years old. He quickly established himself as the club’s top scorer for three consecutive seasons. Grayson played a pivotal role in securing the Conference title in 1998/99 and significantly contributed to Cheltenham’s promotion to League One via the 2001/02 play-offs.
Key moments include his match-winning goal in the remarkable 2-1 comeback at Rushden & Diamonds in April 1999, a victory crucial to the club’s historic first promotion to the English Football League. He also scored the decisive goal in the 3-2 home win over Yeovil Town that clinched the title. His final notable performance in a Robins jersey was a volley narrowly missing the mark at the Millennium Stadium, just before John Finnigan sealed the 3-1 play-off final win over Rushden & Diamonds in May 2002.
Following his remarkable Cheltenham career, Grayson continued playing into his 50s at Forest Green Rovers, Stafford Rangers, and other non-league clubs. Now residing in his hometown of York, he was lovingly transported to Gloucestershire by Newcastle-based fan Ade Metcalf for a memorable two-night visit hosted by former teammate John Brough.
Before the match, Grayson was welcomed into the home dressing room, where he reconnected with former manager Steve Cotterill and met the current Cheltenham squad. He received a commemorative home shirt signed by the team, emblazoned with “Grayson 9” on the back.
In a touching gesture to honour their legendary number nine, Cotterill coordinated with Colchester manager Danny Cowley and referee Tom Reeves to pause the game at the ninth minute, directing all eyes to Grayson sitting in the directors’ box. The day at Whaddon Road was a beautiful celebration of a football icon whose contributions continue to inspire the club and its supporters.