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Graham Taylor: football luminaries gather for former manager's funeral Graham Taylor funeral: mourners hear Elton John tribute read out
(about 3 hours later)
Luminaries from the world of football have gathered for the funeral of Graham Taylor in Watford, paying tribute to a husband, father, grandfather and one of their own.Luminaries from the world of football have gathered for the funeral of Graham Taylor in Watford, paying tribute to a husband, father, grandfather and one of their own.
“‘Family first, except on match days,’ he used to say,” daughter Joanne told mourners during a poignant service at St Mary’s Church.“‘Family first, except on match days,’ he used to say,” daughter Joanne told mourners during a poignant service at St Mary’s Church.
The former Watford, Aston Villa and Wolves manager died on 12 January, aged 72, following a suspected heart attack.The former Watford, Aston Villa and Wolves manager died on 12 January, aged 72, following a suspected heart attack.
On Wednesday, Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Watford captain Troy Deeney were among the hundreds of mourners to attend.On Wednesday, Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Watford captain Troy Deeney were among the hundreds of mourners to attend.
Up to 1,500 people gathered, many in the gold, black and red of Watford football club, to pay their respects.Up to 1,500 people gathered, many in the gold, black and red of Watford football club, to pay their respects.
Taylor led the Hornets from the old Fourth Division to runners-up in the top flight in his first spell in charge, when Sir Elton John owned the club. He was not present, but his tribute to Taylor was read by John Motson, the BBC commentator, as audio of the service was relayed to those outside.Taylor led the Hornets from the old Fourth Division to runners-up in the top flight in his first spell in charge, when Sir Elton John owned the club. He was not present, but his tribute to Taylor was read by John Motson, the BBC commentator, as audio of the service was relayed to those outside.
“I have so many wonderful memories of Graham that I could write a whole book,” . He was without doubt like a brother,” Elton John said.“I have so many wonderful memories of Graham that I could write a whole book,” . He was without doubt like a brother,” Elton John said.
He also lauded Taylor’s enthusiasm, commitment and passion as Watford became “an unstoppable force of nature”, with the likes of Luther Blissett and John Barnes in the team. Both players were among the mourners.He also lauded Taylor’s enthusiasm, commitment and passion as Watford became “an unstoppable force of nature”, with the likes of Luther Blissett and John Barnes in the team. Both players were among the mourners.
Elton John also relayed how it was Taylor who made him face the spectre of substance abuse. The singer-songwriter said: “His lecture to me one day shook me to my core. He told me how foolish I was and how I was letting myself – and more importantly the club – down. As you can imagine, those words rang so true and I will never forget them.Elton John also relayed how it was Taylor who made him face the spectre of substance abuse. The singer-songwriter said: “His lecture to me one day shook me to my core. He told me how foolish I was and how I was letting myself – and more importantly the club – down. As you can imagine, those words rang so true and I will never forget them.
“To love somebody you must be prepared to be honest and open. And Graham was the most honest and open man I’ve ever met.”“To love somebody you must be prepared to be honest and open. And Graham was the most honest and open man I’ve ever met.”
In 1977, Elton John appointed Taylor as Watford’s boss ahead of England’s World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore. He described Taylor as “a genius from Lincolnshire”.In 1977, Elton John appointed Taylor as Watford’s boss ahead of England’s World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore. He described Taylor as “a genius from Lincolnshire”.
Rev Tony Rindl told mourners that Taylor did not speak until he was five years old, though he soon made up for it.Rev Tony Rindl told mourners that Taylor did not speak until he was five years old, though he soon made up for it.
His family shared their cherished memories and his grandchildren recalled “giggles” and mystery Valentine’s cards, accompanied by a signature kiss.His family shared their cherished memories and his grandchildren recalled “giggles” and mystery Valentine’s cards, accompanied by a signature kiss.
“You always did make us feel so special and so loved,” they said. “We’ll continue to make you proud. You’ll never know how much we’ll miss you.”“You always did make us feel so special and so loved,” they said. “We’ll continue to make you proud. You’ll never know how much we’ll miss you.”