Former England boss Graham Taylor dies aged 72
Former England manager Graham Taylor has died today, aged 72.
Taylor also managed Aston Villa and led them to runners-up in Division One in the late 1980s.
A family statement said: “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 are devastated by this sudden and totally unexpected loss.”
He also managed Wolves, Watford and Villa after splitting his ten year playing career – notching more than 300 appearances – between Grimsby Town and Lincoln City in 1962-1972.
Tragic news #AVFC #WWFC #Englandhttps://t.co/EhITRQg1iR
— Birmingham Mail (@birminghammail) January 12, 2017
He also had two successful spells at Watford, taking them from the fourth division to the first in five years during a 10-year spell from 1977 until 1987. He returned in 1996 and stayed as manager until 2001.
Sad sad news that my old and last manager at #AVFC Graham Taylor has passed away. Deepest condolences to all of Graham’s family and friends.
— Ian Taylor (@IanTaylor7) January 12, 2017
After taking England to the 1992 European Championship in Sweden, the team did not make it past the group stages. He resigned in 1993 after England failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
Former Villa chairman Sir Doug Ellis, who brought Taylor to the club on both occasions, said: “I enjoyed working with him. We chased him for a long time before he finally conceded and agreed to work for me.
“We had five years working together very well. I am shocked, absolutely shocked.
“He died in his sleep, apparently. I wasn’t aware he had any illness.”
Taylor’s footballing career
As player:
1962–1968 Grimsby Town 189 games
1968–1972 Lincoln City 150 games
As manager:
1972–1977 Lincoln City
1977–1987 Watford
1987–1990 Aston Villa
1990–1993 England
1994–1995 Wolverhampton Wanderers
1996–2001 Watford
2002–2003 Aston Villa
More to come.
Tributes paid to former England boss Graham Taylor
Sad news about Graham Taylor . Had so much respect for him . Gave me my premier league debut and I will always be thankful .
— Peter Crouch (@petercrouch) January 12, 2017
We are deeply saddened today by news of the death of our former manager Graham Taylor. RIP Graham. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/QCU1cCzCxN
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) January 12, 2017
Graham Taylor’s decency towards his media denigrators post-England marked him out as an exceptional man. Never forgot but never showed it.
— Pat Murphy (@patmurphybbc) January 12, 2017
Everyone at #watfordfc is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our most successful manager. We love you, Graham Taylor. #thankyouGT
— Watford FC (@WatfordFC) January 12, 2017
All at Chelsea FC are saddened to learn about the passing of former England manager Graham Taylor, a man much respected throughout the game. pic.twitter.com/hxNImPeNBT
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 12, 2017