Skip to content

Graham Taylor, former England manager, dies aged 72

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The former England, Watford and Aston Villa manager Graham Taylor has died aged 72

Former England manager Graham Taylor has died at the age of 72.

Taylor, born in Worksop in 1944, had a successful club career with Lincoln City, Watford and Aston Villa before becoming the national manager in 1990.

Graham Taylor tributes
Graham Taylor tributes

Football figures share their memories of the former Watford and England boss

He took charge of England between 1990 and 1993, leading them to Euro '92 in Sweden, although he resigned in 1993 after the team failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup in the USA.

"With the greatest sadness, we have to announce that Graham passed away at his home early this morning of a suspected heart attack," a statement from the Taylor family read.

Elton pays tribute to Taylor
Elton pays tribute to Taylor

Elton John pays tribute to his friend and former Watford colleague

"The family are devastated by this sudden and totally unexpected loss."

Taylor's managerial career began at Lincoln City in 1972, where he had been a player prior to him taking charge. Five years later, Taylor began a long association with Watford.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler reflects on Taylor's generous personality and extraordinary career

In his first spell, which lasted for a decade, Taylor took Watford from the Fourth Division to the First in just five years. He also led the club to the 1984 FA Cup Final, where they lost 2-0 to Everton.

Also See:

He left Watford to become manager of Villa in 1987, leading the club to promotion to the First Division a year later. 

Graham Taylor shows his true colours at a press conference to announce that Taylor has been appointed as the new manager of Aston Villa
Image: Taylor's last managerial role was with Aston Villa between 2002 and 2003

After his spell in charge of England, Taylor was soon back in club management with Wolves, before returning to Watford in 1996 where he enjoyed another five years as their boss.

His last managerial role was with Villa, whom he once again took charge of between 2002 and 2003.

Around Sky