Sir Alex Ferguson is the latest of Graham Taylor’s contemporaries to pay tribute to the former England manager, who has died at the age of 72.
Taylor was in charge of the England national side while Ferguson was finding his feet south of the border, and the Scot has spoken highly of a man of whom he has ‘very fond memories’.
‘He was approachable, open and honest,’ writes Ferguson, who notes that Taylor ‘applied himself to every facet of football management’.
‘If he could help you in any way, he always would,’ the retired ex-Manchester United manager adds.
Alex Ferguson's tribute to Graham Taylor pic.twitter.com/uMAyuhFWWO
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) January 12, 2017
Taylor passed away this morning from a suspected heart attack, and friends and family have paid tribute.
Elton John, a good friend of Taylor’s, expressed his deep sadness at the news. Meanwhile Watford FC, where the pair enjoyed great success, have confirmed a tribute to their former manager will take place at Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Middlesbrough.
‘The Hornets are deeply saddened to confirm the news that former manager and Honorary Life-President Graham Taylor OBE has died,’ a statement from the club reads.
Aston Villa, where Taylor enjoyed two separate managerial spells either side of his England stint, paid their respects to a man whose impact on the club was transformational.
‘Graham will always have a place of honour in our history books for his achievements while at the helm,’ a club statement reads.
‘He will also be fondly remembered by staff at Bodymoor Heath and Villa Park who had the pleasure of working with him.’
