Former England, Watford manager Taylor dies

Matt Stead

Former England and Watford manager Graham Taylor has died at the age of 72, it has been announced.

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.”

Taylor served as England manager from 1990 to 1993, overseeing a failed Euro 1992 campaign, as well as the country’s unsuccessful attempts to qualify for the 1994 World Cup.

He enjoyed far greater success at club level however, making his name at Watford.

He was appointed manager of the then-Fourth Division side in 1977, overseeing their meteoric rise to the First Division in just five seasons.

The Hornets finished second in Division One under his guidance, before he led them into a UEFA Cup campaign in 1983/84.

Taylor left Watford in 1987 to manage Aston Villa, who he led to promotion to the top flight at the first attempt.

After his three-year stint as England boss, Taylor returned to club management with Wolves in 1994, before enjoying further spells at Watford and Villa.

Taylor had a difficult time in charge of the national team, with criticism about his perceived long-ball game. However under his leadership England qualified for Euro 92 in Sweden.

The tournament was a tough one for England and their manager. His side failed to get out of their group and Taylor also substituted Gary Lineker, in the final group game when a goal was needed, in what proved to be the striker’s final game for England.

Taylor kept his job, but failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup in the United States led to his resignation in November 1993.