I remember it like it was yesterday.
I had just arrived at Aston Villa as a junior reporter in 2002 – working as a No.2 on the matchday programme with the illustrious Rob Bishop.
To be working in football was something that had my heart glowing – for it to be at Villa Park, home to some of my fondest memories as a teenager was another thing entirely.
Every morning brought a concoction of nervousness and delight as I made my way to my new workplace to learn my trade under ‘Bish’ – he of Birmingham Mail, Express & Star and Birmingham Post repute – and something of a legend on the patch.
Bish’s role on the News & Record was standard – as was mine.
Bish spoke to the manager for his column, the captain too while I worked on the more peripheral pages like News Desk, Junior Villans and the Visitors section.
So imagine my shock when ‘Bish’ suggested that I take care of the manager’s notes one week as he had been called away on a family event.
Tension was the only emotion I felt as I made my way to Bodymoor Heath to chat to Graham Taylor – ‘The Gaffer’ and a man of the highest standing in the game.
I waited furtively in the reception of the old training ground before being beckoned in.
First words from Graham could easily have been: “Wow your palms are sweaty”, “Are you old enough to be working, shouldn’t you be at school?”
Instead he smiled and roared out: “Great to meet you young man and welcome to Aston Villa.”
I listened spellbound as he explained: “You’ll do well here. And please don’t forget – Juan Pablo Angel is over there and Dion Dublin too. You’re just as important as them…you’re one of my team.”
I could barely believe my ears.
Graham and I had a chat for 30 minutes during which time he previewed the Sunderland game and discussed a range of other issues for his upcoming column.
As we finished, my mind raced with how I was going to ‘shape’ the column, how I was going to make it flow well and how I hoped I ‘got it right’.
As I walked away, he finished: “One last thing, just send the column through to my secretary Kathy on fax. I usually change one or two things when Bish writes it so give me a chance to check it.”
Several hours later…it felt like days…I typed in the numbers and the 600-word piece zoomed from Villa Park to Bodymoor Heath.
All other work took a back seat as I stared intently at my phone…when will it ring?
Tring…Tring…”Hello”…..”Hi Paul, it’s Kathy….Graham says that’s perfect, thank you very much, no changes.”
I couldn’t believe it. I had nailed it.
Several days later, I made my way into the Player’s Lounge, with Bish who had driven me, ahead of the pre-match press conference to listen in on Graham face the press.
We arrived early and GT meandered past us on his way back to his office.
“Ah, it’s One Take Brown!” he said as he patted me on the shoulder. “Hey Bish, this lad is good. You can learn a thing or two from him” before he winked at my celebrated partner-in-crime and walked off into the distance.
Remember, this was during a very, very difficult spell in his career with Villa fighting relegation.
He must have had so much on his plate.
But instead he took the time to put a young reporter at ease and welcome him into the Aston Villa family.
I will never forget it – and I will never forget Graham. A true gent!
Paul Brown 