Friday 13 January 2017 08:33, UK
Tributes have been pouring in following the death of Graham Taylor at the age of 72.
Taylor began his managerial career at Lincoln City but made his name in football after guiding Watford from the Fourth Division to the top-flight in just five years before returning to the club for a second spell.
He also managed Aston Villa on two separate occasions before taking over from Sir Bobby Robson as England boss in 1990, while he also enjoyed a period in charge at Wolves.
Taylor influenced and boosted the career of countless players during his time in the game, with former Aston Villa and England player Paul Merson paying tribute to Taylor.
"I will be forever grateful," Merson told Sky Sports News HQ. "He was a very honest man. What he did at Watford will never be done again, in my opinion.
“To go through the leagues and win the league was phenomenal. To do what he did will never be done again."
Former England striker Alan Shearer, who also played under Taylor, also offered his thoughts on the sad news.
"Completely shocked by news of Graham Taylor. Always held him in the very highest regard - the man who gave me my first @england cap. So sad,” he tweeted.
Current England boss Gareth Southgate said that Taylor's generous personality and love of the game set him apart.
"I found him a gentleman and, as the current England manager, it is very sad to see somebody who was so proud to hold the position pass away," said Southgate.
"I think he cared about football, he had a passion for England. He has given most of his life to English football.
"I think you meet decent football people within the game and he was one of those, certainly somebody who had a passion for coaching and wanted to see young English coaches come through.
"You always talk about people’s contribution within football but you remember them most as people, and he was somebody that had time for everybody and was generous with that time. I think they are the human qualities you remember the most."
FA chairman Greg Clarke paid tribute to Taylor in a statement on the FA's website.
“On behalf of everyone at The FA, I am saddened to hear this news. My thoughts are with Graham’s family and friends,” he said.
“He was a hugely popular and respected figure in the game, not just in English football but in international circles as well.
“I know Graham was very proud of his time as England manager and it was always great to see him at football grounds across the country. He had an exceptional knowledge and a love for the game that never diminished over the years.
“He will be much missed by us all at Wembley and St. George’s Park.”
Taylor helped shape the careers of future stars in his first spell at Watford, including John Barnes, who went on to play for Liverpool and won 79 England caps.
“If there ever was a manger who had no reason to be humble, doing what he did in bringing Watford up to the top division, it was Graham. But he maintained humility throughout and he instilled that in all his players,” Barnes told Sky Sports News HQ.
“Graham started my career, so I know more than most the influence he had on players. I was a 17-year-old and he put me straight into the side but I was a person first and a footballer second.
“He really cares about you off the field and he really prepared me for my whole football career and going to a big club like Liverpool.”
Barnes' team-mate during those heady days, striker Luther Blissett, said Taylor had made a positive impact on his career.
"All else in my football world fades into insignificance now. RIP great man from one who owes you so much #ThankyouGT YOU were the true star," tweeted Blissett.
Watford themselves have also added their tribute to a man who brought them so much success.
“Everyone at Watford is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our most successful manager. We love you, Graham Taylor,” the club tweeted.
Hornets chairman & CEO Scott Duxbury told the club website: “As one, together as a club, we are all utterly devastated to learn of Graham’s passing.”
Watford confirmed they will pay tribute to Taylor at Saturday’s home game against Middlesbrough.
Taylor also had a huge impact during his first spell with Aston Villa, with his success there leading to him being offered the England job.
He took them back to the First Division in his first season before guiding them to second place in the top-flight in 1989-90.
“Graham will always have a place of honour in our history books for his achievements while at the helm,” read a statement on Villa’s official website.
“He will also be fondly remembered by staff at Bodymoor Heath and Villa Park who had the pleasure of working with him.”
Meanwhile, former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told the League Managers Association's website: "He was the natural choice to become the England manager when he did and this was the pinnacle of a hugely successful career.
"I have very fond memories of Graham. He was approachable, open and honest. If he could help you in any way, he always would."
