RIP to a wonderful person. As a lifelong Villa fan, I've now become interested in his time at Watford too. The work that he did at both clubs was nothing short of phenomenal.
Then you may know when GT took over at Villa in 1987 he described the structure as a shambles. Most staff and indeed supporters would default to not liking someone saying that and start mini campaigns of discontent. He got some but as his first season progressed and promotion on the last game of the season the “shambles” comment was seen as a necessary to accept and improve.
So sad to hear the news of Graham's passing - people in Watford will not forget him. He couldn't do enough for the local community and was a lovely man. I have many happy memories of sitting in the Family Enclosure with my young family in the eighties. RIP to a local legend.
Credit to Elton - lot of owners these days barely know anything about their own clubs, despite his own career, he knew what was going on at other clubs (i.e Charlton) and how that was relevant to Watford.
Thanks for that comment Charlie.. As a long standing Watford supporter ive always looked at Taylor's time as national boss with mixed emotions. I would admit to the fact that he made a few mistakes during that time..but as you say he remained dignified throughout(minus one infamous "fly on the wall" documentary!) At Watford we will always regard him as one of "ours".. and his time as England boss is of less relevance to what he did for us.
Would just like to pay tribute to a gentleman in Graham Taylor. He took a lot of shit off people when England manager but always kept his dignity. A nice man and good club manager. From an Orient fan.
Thank you for posting. Having been at the game I've never seen this whole interview in full. In light of Graham's sad recent passing this is just even more wonderful. The man was very, very special.
Thats the thing though, i think he came across very well in that fly on the wall documentary. He was taking a lot of stick from the press but always kept his dignity. I think most of the players liked him as well. Look at the bit when he is standing by the changing rooms after a victory that saved his job, nearly all the players hug him and say 'see you next month boss'. Also his pre match speech versus the dutch away at the end of that documentary is so inspirational! Shame we didn't win.
England were undercooked when GT was manager, and still are to this day, as there are not enough opportunities for a full squad to go to the world or Euro stage and do more than scrape by to a semi final. We breeze past sides with less of a structure than us and then nothing much after. GT probably the best ever club manager as he could bring players on, whereas the top managers of today just buy them with oligarchs money.
The memories this man gave more than one generation of Watford fans is incredible. My Dad got the first one then i got to experience the second with my Dad. Memories to last a lifetime. Graham Taylor was the best English manager ever just a shame he had shit players to choose from when he was England manager. Clough would have still had a awful selection to choose from
Would have been so easy for him to be bitter, especially after the disgraceful way he was treated by the gutter press. He always kept his dignity and that’s the mark of the man. RIP Graham Taylor.
Graham refused to spend and risk destroying the academy. He made a decision for the club not for himself. A real genuine honest man!
RIP to a wonderful person. As a lifelong Villa fan, I've now become interested in his time at Watford too. The work that he did at both clubs was nothing short of phenomenal.
Then you may know when GT took over at Villa in 1987 he described the structure as a shambles. Most staff and indeed supporters would default to not liking someone saying that and start mini campaigns of discontent. He got some but as his first season progressed and promotion on the last game of the season the “shambles” comment was seen as a necessary to accept and improve.
R.I.P GT. Absolute legend. Such a great loss to the club and town. Thanks for the memories
Lovely fella was Graham.
Great ambassador for football too.
So sad to hear the news of Graham's passing - people in Watford will not forget him. He couldn't do enough for the local community and was a lovely man. I have many happy memories of sitting in the Family Enclosure with my young family in the eighties. RIP to a local legend.
Elton is so gorgeous and passionate and kind!!
One of the greatest moments of my life. What a bunch of fucking legends.
My brother and I, literally born in the hospital next to the Watford's 'Vicarage Road' ground, were there…
Credit to Elton - lot of owners these days barely know anything about their own clubs, despite his own career, he knew what was going on at other clubs (i.e Charlton) and how that was relevant to Watford.
Thanks for that comment Charlie..
As a long standing Watford supporter ive always looked at Taylor's time as national boss with mixed emotions.
I would admit to the fact that he made a few mistakes during that time..but as you say he remained dignified throughout(minus one infamous "fly on the wall" documentary!)
At Watford we will always regard him as one of "ours".. and his time as England boss is of less relevance to what he did for us.
Would just like to pay tribute to a gentleman in Graham Taylor. He took a lot of shit off people when England manager but always kept his dignity. A nice man and good club manager. From an Orient fan.
One of so many great memories that this exceptional man has given us - in my view , one of the best .
I loved this game, many happy memories on this anniversary I cannot believe it’s exactly 20 years today
I can’t believe it was 21 years ago!
Thank you for posting. Having been at the game I've never seen this whole interview in full. In light of Graham's sad recent passing this is just even more wonderful. The man was very, very special.
Thats the thing though, i think he came across very well in that fly on the wall documentary. He was taking a lot of stick from the press but always kept his dignity. I think most of the players liked him as well. Look at the bit when he is standing by the changing rooms after a victory that saved his job, nearly all the players hug him and say 'see you next month boss'.
Also his pre match speech versus the dutch away at the end of that documentary is so inspirational! Shame we didn't win.
Sir Graham Taylor - made Watford. Rescued Villa. Remade Watford.
England were undercooked when GT was manager, and still are to this day, as there are not enough opportunities for a full squad to go to the world or Euro stage and do more than scrape by to a semi final. We breeze past sides with less of a structure than us and then nothing much after. GT probably the best ever club manager as he could bring players on, whereas the top managers of today just buy them with oligarchs money.
The memories this man gave more than one generation of Watford fans is incredible. My Dad got the first one then i got to experience the second with my Dad. Memories to last a lifetime. Graham Taylor was the best English manager ever just a shame he had shit players to choose from when he was England manager. Clough would have still had a awful selection to choose from
Happy for Taylor. After the shit he went through 6 years earlier.
Mariajhon sempre Elton Jhon o melhor dos melhores
GT is my real hero... Along with Mooney... I'm glad he's chairman of our club....
Would have been so easy for him to be bitter, especially after the disgraceful way he was treated by the gutter press. He always kept his dignity and that’s the mark of the man. RIP Graham Taylor.
GT is a Ledge!!!!
Top person Elton :-)
He's beaming. Top man.
Go and have a champagne breakfast,.......... good suggestion to a tee total ex alcoholic..........good old sky
i love you big gay elton!