Watford to build statue of Graham Taylor at Vicarage Road
Friday 17 February 2017 11:54, UK
Watford have announced plans to honour former manager Graham Taylor by building a statue of him at Vicarage Road.
The former England manager, who passed away last month at the age of 72, enjoyed two stints in charge of the Hornets.
In his first spell, which lasted for a decade (1977-87), Taylor took Watford from the Fourth Division to the First in just five years. He also led the club to the 1984 FA Cup Final, where they lost 2-0 to Everton.
Taylor returned to Watford in 1996 where he enjoyed another five years as their boss and later served as club chairman from 2009 to 2012 before being named honorary life president.
Watford have also confirmed plans to hold an annual pre-season tribute fixture from the beginning of next season in Taylor's honour.
A club statement said: "With the blessing of Graham Taylor's family, Watford FC will move forward with two significant tributes to the late Graham Taylor OBE.
"A statue of Graham is to be commissioned and sited at the stadium, with its location to be agreed with Graham's family and Watford Borough Council.
"In addition, a pre-season tribute fixture - which is expected to become an annual opportunity to remember Watford's greatest-ever manager - will be arranged to take place at Vicarage Road Stadium ahead of the Hornets' 2017-18 campaign.
"Watford FC is pleased to confirm that it will engage with fans' representatives to ensure that supporters play a lead role alongside the club in bringing the statue to life. Again, Graham's family are very supportive of these actions.
"Further details about both tributes will be published as soon as they are confirmed."
