TAYLOR’S PUT ON PEDESTAL

ON the day Watford unveiled a statue of Hornets godfather Graham Taylor (above), head coach Javier Gracia was reminded he must keep his friends close and his effigies closer.

Watford are among the bookies’ favourites to go down despite batting away Burnley’s £9million bid for talisman Troy Deeney, and midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure signing a new five-year contract last week.

Gracia said: “It’s very good news Doucoure is staying – I consider him a very important player for the club.”

The Hornets’ latest tribute to Taylor (right), who died at 72 in January last year, was impeccably tasteful.

Favourite son and record goalscorer Luther Blissett joined former coaches John Ward and Tom Walley as Taylor’s widow Rita unveiled award-winning sculptor Douglas Jennings’ bronze image at Vicarage Road.

The club’s last pre-season friendly was less inspiring, although Deeney’s second-half equaliser preserved their unbeaten record in rehearsals.

Gracia said: “I know Graham Taylor was a great manager and a great person as well. I would have liked to have met him because of everything he did for this club.”

Blissett said: “The statue is just perfect – and it’s obviously based on a moment in time when we were playing well, because he looks nice and relaxed!”