Thursday 12 January 2017 17:01, UK
Elton John has paid tribute to former Watford and England manager Graham Taylor, who has died at the age of 72 of a suspected heart attack.
The singer was Watford chairman when he appointed Taylor as the club’s manager in 1977 after he had impressed as boss of Lincoln City.
Taylor enjoyed a 10-year spell at Vicarage Road and guided the club from the Fourth Division to the First Division in just five years, with the club finishing second behind Liverpool in the 1982/83 season.
Taylor also led the club to the 1984 FA Cup Final, where they lost 2-0 to Everton, while he returned for a second spell with the club from 1996-2001.
“I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear about Graham's passing. He was like a brother to me,” John said on Instagram.
“We shared an unbreakable bond since we first met. We went on an incredible journey together and it will stay with me forever.
“He took my beloved Watford from the depths of the lower leagues to unchartered territory and into Europe. We have become a leading English club because of his managerial wisdom and genius.
“This is a sad and dark day for Watford, the club and the town. We will cherish Graham and drown our sorrows in the many brilliant memories he gave us.
“I love you Graham. I will miss you very much. My thoughts go out to Rita, Joanne, Karen and the whole Taylor family.”
