Players, Managers And Supporters In Watford Attends Graham Taylor's Funeral

 

Supporters, ex-players and managers were among hundreds who joined family members at Graham Taylor's funeral on Wednesday. The former England manager, who died aged 72 last month after a suspected heart attack, was remembered at a service at St Mary's Church in Watford.

Taylor made his name as a manager in the town, working in tandem with chairman Sir Elton John to help Watford climb football's ladder to the old First Division, where they finished runners-up to Liverpool in 1983.

Luther Blissett and John Barnes, two mainstays of Taylor's Watford team who went on to star for such teams as Milan, Liverpool and England, were pictured arriving for the service. The list of fellow managers in attendance included Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, while an estimated 1,500 fans - mostly in Watford colours - gathered outside.

Among the tributes paid by family members was one from his daughter Joanne, who said: Family first, except on match days', he used to say. A eulogy to Taylor written by John was read out in church by television commentator John Motson.

He wrote: “I have so many wonderful memories of Graham that I could write a whole book. He was without doubt like a brother. He is a legend in this community, in football and in life. I love you my friend. Thank you for everything.”

Taylor worked alongside Motson and other commentators in his later role as a summariser for the BBC.