Tributes paid after former England manager Taylor dies, aged 72
TRIBUTES have poured in after former England manager Graham Taylor died at the age of 72. He is thought to have suffered a heart attack.
Taylor will be best remembered for his spell in charge of England from 1990-93 and successful stints with Watford and Aston Villa.
He began his footballing career as a player with Scunthorpe and also represented Grimsby and Lincoln before moving into management with the latter.
He also had a spell as manager at Wolves and later became a respected pundit with the BBC and BT Sport.
A family statement read: “With the greatest sadness, we have to announce that Graham passed away at his home early this morning of a suspected heart attack. The family is devastated by this sudden and totally unexpected loss.”
Figures from across the game were quick to pay tribute.
One of his former England players Alan 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.”
Sir Elton John, Taylor’s chairman at Watford, expressed his sadness via an Instagram post.
He wrote: “I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear about Graham’s passing. 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.”
Taylor’s spell in charge of England ended in disappointment after failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup, a campaign chronicled in a TV documentary that became infamous.
Taylor faced fierce criticism at times with the national side, notably for his perceived reliance on the long-ball tactics that served him well in club football. One newspaper ridiculed him by depicting him as a turnip.
Taylor took England to Euro 92 but his side did not progress beyond the group stages. He was derided for substituting striker Gary Lineker when a goal was needed in a decisive game against Sweden.
“Very sad news that Graham Taylor has passed away. An outstanding manager, lover of football and thoroughly decent man,” said Lineker yesterday.
FA chairman Greg Clarke added: “On behalf of everyone at the FA, I am saddened to hear this news. My thoughts are with Graham’s family and friends.
“He was a hugely popular and respected figure in the game, not just in English football but in international circles as well.
“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.”