Villa fans are being asked to join in a tribute to a life long Villa fan, who sadly passed away days after going to Wembley with his family to see Villa earn their place in the FA Cup final.
“Grandad Villa” Graham Hassall, 63, from Weoley Castle enjoyed his final match with his family, watching Villa beat Liverpool in the semi-final at Wembley. Sadly, the ex-Longbridge worker died a few days later, peacefully at home, after a battle with oesophageal cancer.
Read Graham’s story in the Birmingham Mail
Close family friend, Andy Salter, is now trying to set up a special tribute for Grandad Villa.
Andy, from Kings Norton, said: “He was like a dad to me. Took me down the Villa as a kid and used to pick me up so I could stand on the old flood lights to get a better view.”
Andy is asking all the Villa fans at the Wembley final to join in a one minute applause in the 63rd minute of the match in honour of Grandad Villa.
View the one minute applause for Grandad Villa Facebook page
It won’t hurt to stop singing for a minute and have a quick clap I hope people take part.
You surely deserve this Graham X
A fitting tribute. All football fans stand as one at times like this.