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Graham Taylor funeral: Crowds gather for England boss goodbye Graham Taylor funeral: Crowds gather for England boss
(about 1 hour later)
Thousands of fans are arriving to pay their respects at the funeral of former England manager Graham Taylor. Football legends have joined fans for the funeral of former Watford, Aston Villa and England boss Graham Taylor.
Fellow football stars including Sir Alex Ferguson and former Peterborough and Barnet manager Barry Fry have been gathering at St Mary's Church, Watford. Stars including John Barnes, Luther Blissett and Sir Alex Ferguson are among those attending the service St Mary's Church, Watford.
Ex-England midfielder Tim Sherwood is also among mourners but ex-Watford owner Sir Elton John will not attend. BBC commentator John Motson will read a tribute from ex-Watford owner Sir Elton John who will not be at the funeral.
Taylor, who died on 12 January aged 72, of a suspected heart attack, took the club to the 1984 FA Cup final. Thousands of fans have lined the streets to pay respects to Taylor, who died on 12 January aged 72.
Rev Tony Rindl, leading the service, said: "Graham's death has come as a great shock to us."
Live: Updates from the Graham Taylor funeralLive: Updates from the Graham Taylor funeral
Up to 5,000 supporters are expected to gather, while more than 400 people, including family, friends, and former players will attend the church service. A number of former Watford players are attending, including Kenny Jackett, Tommy Smith, Alec Chamberlain, Sean Dyche, Malky Mackay, Ross Jenkins, Steve Terry and Steve Sherwood.
A number of former Watford players have also arrived, including Kenny Jackett, Tommy Smith, Alec Chamberlain, Sean Dyche, Malky Mackay, Ross Jenkins, Steve Terry and Steve Sherwood. Current captain Troy Deeney is also at the ceremony. Current captain Troy Deeney is also at the ceremony.
Songs from Graham Taylor's favourite singer, Buddy Holly, have been playing to the crowd, as well as Vera Lynn's We'll Meet Again. Songs from Mr Taylor's favourite singer, Buddy Holly, have been played to the crowd.
The ceremony will be followed by a private family committal later in the day.The ceremony will be followed by a private family committal later in the day.
Taylor was appointed Watford manager by Sir Elton John in 1977 and within five years, took the club from the old Fourth Division to the top flight. Taylor was appointed Watford manager by Sir Elton John in 1977 and within five years took the club from the old Fourth Division to the top flight.
He also worked at Lincoln, Wolves and Aston Villa, guiding the latter to second place in the First Division in 1990. He also managed Lincoln City and Aston Villa, guiding the latter from the second division to second place in the top flight and a return to European football in just three seasons.
After resigning as England boss in 1993 following the team's failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup, he managed Watford for a further five years, between 1996 and 2001. After resigning as England boss in 1993 following the team's failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup, he took over Wolves before a further five-year spell at Watford between 1996 and 2001 when he again guided the club back to the top flight.
He retired from football in 2003, later becoming a BBC pundit. Despite announcing his retirement, he returned to Aston Villa for one last job, managing the Midlands giants in 2002-03.