Former Saddlers boss will get a star

Former Walsall Football Club manager Ray Graydon is to be honoured on Birmingham's Walk of Stars, it was revealed today.

The 62-year-old won a public vote after going head-to-head with nine other Saddlers legends.

Graydon masterminded one of Walsall's greatest successes when the club won automatic promotion from the old Division Two in 1999 to what is now The Championship.

The club went straight down the following season but then Graydon led Walsall back to promotion again in 2001 and became known as Sir Ray by fans.

The ex-Walsall manager was also a league footballer for 18 years during which time he amassed well over 400 appearances in competitions for various clubs, including Aston Villa, and scored more than 120 goals.

He said: "I am extremely honoured and delighted to have won this award."

Other Midland luminaries to get a star include rock star Ozzy Osbourne and funnyman Frank Skinner.