Thursday 12 January 2017 19:38, UK
Watford manager Walter Mazzarri says Saturday’s game against Middlesbrough will be devoted to honouring the memory of Graham Taylor.
Taylor, who died aged 72 on Thursday from a suspected heart attack, is considered the greatest manager in Watford’s history and a stand at Vicarage Road was named after him in 2014.
During his first spell in charge he accomplished the remarkable feat of guiding the Hornets from the-then Fourth Division to a second-place finish in the top flight, before going on to lead Watford to the only FA Cup final in their history in 1984.
He went on to have spells in charge of Aston Villa and the England national team, but returned to Watford and masterminded their promotion to the Premier League in 1999.
Saturday’s fixture is sure to be an emotional occasion and there will be a minute’s applause in honour of Taylor prior to the match, during which the Watford players will wear black armbands.
Mazzarri said on Thursday: “I think all the players that are here know, as I know, who Graham Taylor was.
"Tomorrow I will make sure everyone knows and remind them this is another reason why we need to win against Middlesbrough - to be able to dedicate a great game to him and hopefully a win for such a great person and a symbol of the club.”
Watford are 14th in the Premier League table, seven points clear of the drop zone, and Mazzarri wants three points on Saturday to give them some extra breathing space.
"We have already many reasons why we need to win the game on Saturday," he said.
"On top of this now we've got Graham Taylor which gives us an extra reason why we need to win the game against Middlesbrough.
"Together with the fans we know we have to go on the pitch and give everything we've got to obtain the maximum result."
