ALEX FERGUSON has paid tribute to Graham Taylor after the former England manager tragically passed away at the age of 72.
Taylor’s family confirmed he had died at home in Kings Langley, Herts, of a suspected heart attack.
Fans have been paying their respects by laying flowers at Watford stadium Vicarage Road, and Sir Alex says that Taylor was an ‘open and honest’ man who deserves recognition for his services to the game.
Fergie said: “He was the natural choice to become the England manager when he did and this was the pinnacle of a hugely successful career.
“I have very fond memories of Graham. He was approachable, open and honest. If he could help you in any way, he always would. I was really shocked by this terrible news and I send my condolences to to Graham’s wife and all of his family.”
Close friend Elton John was distraught by the news, saying “he was like a brother to me, I loved him” after he died today.
And John – who gave Taylor the Watford job in 1977 – admitted it was a “sad and dark day” after hearing the news.
The pop legend said: “I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear about Graham’s passing.
“He was like a brother to me. We shared an unbreakable bond since we first met.
“We went on an incredible journey together and it will stay with me forever.
“He took my beloved Watford from the depths of the lower leagues to unchartered territory and into Europe.
“We have become a leading English club because of his managerial wisdom and genius.
“This is a sad and dark day for Watford. The club and the town. We will cherish Graham and drown our sorrows in the many brilliant memories he gave us.
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“I love you Graham. I will miss you very much.
“My thoughts go out to Rita, Joanne, Karen and the whole Taylor family.”
Taylor’s family released a short statement in which they said they were “devastated by this sudden and totally unexpected loss.”
Former Aston Villa and Watford boss Taylor is survived by wife Rita, 75, and two grown-up daughters Joanne, 50, and Karen, 48.
After his death was confirmed by his agent at lunchtime, his close family released a short but emotional statement speaking of their shock.
It 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, who was awarded an OBE in 2002 for serviced to football, enjoyed brilliant spells at Watford and Aston Villa, managing both clubs on two separate occasions.
He was hired by former Watford owner John in 1977.
PLAYING CAREER:
1962-1968 Grimbsy Town (189 games)
1968-1972 Lincoln City (150 games)
MANAGEMENT:
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
Taylor, who played for Grimsby Town and Lincoln City in his younger days, was appointed England manager in 1990.
His reign was heavily criticised after a poor Euro 1992 campaign, where they were eliminated by Sweden.
Failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup also led to harsh criticism and his eventual sacking.
He was at the centre of one of The Sun’s most famous back pages with Taylor mocked up as a turnip after England’s disastrous loss to Sweden in Euro 1992.
Under John’s helm, Taylor led unfancied Watford to an unlikely FA Cup final in 1984 – following four promotions between 1978 and 1983.
Taylor then moved to Aston Villa in 1987, challenging eventual winners Liverpool for the title in 1990.
He returned to management with Wolves for 18 months following his England sacking, before a his second spell at Watford.
He again performed miracles for the Hornets, with promotions in successive campaigns that took the club from the third tier to the promised land of the Premier League.
After relegation, Taylor retired midway through the next season, but then came out of retirement eight months later to return to Aston Villa.
Tensions with then-chairman Doug Ellis eventually led him to leave Villa Park.
Taylor became the third manager in the English game , behind Brian Clough and Jim Smith, to reach 1,000 league games.
In his post-management career Taylor served as chairman for Watford FC between 2009 and 2012, where he continued to hold the position of honorary life-president.
He also worked as a pundit for BBC 5Live.
Lawrie McMenemy, who was part of Taylor’s coaching team with England, also paid a glowing tribute to his former boss.
He told talkSPORT: “It’s so sad because 72 is no age is it.
“He was a decent man and like a lot of football people he will be remembered for the possible failure rather than the successes and its wrong. He did what I think all football managers should do if they get the chance and cut their teeth at the lower level.
“He was a good solid bloke, after playing he was managing in Lincolnshire and just got on with it, learnt the ups and downs of it all there.
“Then of course when he went to Watford, his record at Watford is incredible, I think he took them up four divisions didn’t he? In a matter of only four or five years, then finished second top, which for a club like Watford was incredible, because that means, I don’t know who was top that year, because you have the clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal Chelsea and Liverpool all beneath them.
“Also, I remember it well because I was at the Cup final, I bumped in to his chairman who was shedding a tear at the end because they was at Wembley in 1984, so he’s took them all the way to second top and a Wembley final.
“When he got the England Job he was right for it and ready for it, I would then always give him credit for giving me the opportunity to go with England, I looked after the under 21’s, what we had in those years the B team, which I still think would be useful, but that’s another story.”
