Graham Taylor, who has died aged 72, of a suspected heart attack, is widely regarded as Watford's greatest ever manager and became one of football's most respected figures during a career that spanned almost 50 years. ( fans pay tribute )
Taylor took Watford from the Fourth Division to a second-placed finish in the top flight in five seasons.
He also guided the club to the only FA Cup final of their history - a 2-0 defeat against Everton in 1984
#thankyouGT #watfordfc pic.twitter.com/RkO1fWIpbg
— Watford FC (@WatfordFC) January 13, 2017
Graham Taylor was one of a kind. watfordfc
Graham Taylor was one of a kind. #watfordfc pic.twitter.com/WQlieL01PS
— Ryan Morgan (@RyanMorganMedia) January 12, 2017
Derby County manager Steve Mcclaren says GrahamTaylor death is a "sad loss to football."
Derby County manager @Steve_Mcclaren says #GrahamTaylor death is a"sad loss to football." pic.twitter.com/PEhy546yEt
— ITV News Central (@ITVCentral) January 12, 2017
Former England striker and #MOTD pundit Alan Shearer has paid tribute to Graham Taylor.
Former England striker and #MOTD pundit @AlanShearer has paid tribute to Graham Taylor.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 12, 2017
"He was so in love with the game of football" pic.twitter.com/H6wtBWhrwc
Graham Taylor after he completed Watford’s incredible rise to the top flight in 1982
We met Graham Taylor after he completed Watford’s incredible rise to the top flight in 1982 https://t.co/ximok8LKRO
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 12, 2017
A tribute to the late Graham Taylor, from @England manager @GarethSouthgate: https://t.co/mg1WTXGj4F
— The FA (@FA) January 12, 2017
Graham Taylor OBE (15 September 1944 – 12 January 2017) was an English football player, manager, and chairman of Watford Football Club.
To end your working day, watch this, share this and be in no doubt what Graham Taylor meant to Watford fans...
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) January 12, 2017
RIPhttps://t.co/EiyySmWa3r
Graham Taylor standing up to a racist fan abusing John Barnes �������� pic.twitter.com/ydoIS05BGF
— BigSport (@BigSportGB) January 12, 2017
3pm
All else in my football world fades into insignificance now. RIP great man from one who owes you so much #ThankyouGT
— Luther Blissett (@LBliss8) January 12, 2017
YOU were the true star pic.twitter.com/EqnfJatX7I
2:20pm - Football Foundation
Graham Taylor OBE. A true legend and gentleman of the game, and a wonderful Ambassador for us and grassroots sport as a whole.
Elton John says Graham Taylor “like a brother to me”
I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear about Graham's passing. He was like a brother to me. I love you Graham. I will miss you very much. pic.twitter.com/FD8lEt7pQS
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) January 12, 2017
One of his former England players, Alan Shearer, was among the first to pay tribute.
Shearer tweeted: "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."
The Football Association and the League Managers Association also offered their condolences.
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