News

Ex-Villain McGrath homeless and in court

FORMER Aston Villa winger Mark Walters has pleaded with old friend Paul McGrath to get his life back on track after his arrest last month for an alleged breach of the peace.

However, the true extent of the former Republic of Ireland international’s demise was only revealed when he appeared before Manchester magistrates. In court McGrath, a self-confessed alcoholic, gave “no fixed abode” as his address.

He was arrested outside the home of his first wife, Claire, in Northenden, Manchester, where he had been staying since splitting from his second wife.

The 43-year-old former Manchester United defender, McGrath, who also played more than 300 games for Villa, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was bailed until February 16.

Walters, who became a good friend with McGrath in their playing days together at Aston Villa, was shocked to hear McGrath was now homeless.

“It’s really sad to hear that it has come to this for Paul,” Walters told the Voice of Sport. “He was one of the best footballers of his generation. Paul shut up a lot of the critics who had written him off when he left Manchester United to come to Villa Park. He was a great player for them.

“I became friendly with Paul over the past few years and it’s shocking to hear he is homeless. I’ve never heard anyone say a bad word against him, whatever his problems with alcohol have been. I really hope he gets his life back on track.”

In an interview last year, McGrath admitted he had been unable the kick the drinking habit which had plagued him throughout his career. He said: “Social drinking doesn’t interest me. I don’t want to drink with people until I am merry. I drink for a blackout. I drink until I can’t function.”

Published: 01 December 2003
Issue: 1091