Graham Taylor

Graham Taylor
Clurr · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Graham Taylor
Birth date	September 15, 1944
Birth place	Scunthorpe, England
Death date	January 12, 2017
Death place	Watford, England
Position	Defender
Youthyears1	1960-1962
Youthclubs1	Grimsby Town
Years1	1962-1968
Clubs1	Grimsby Town
Years2	1968-1972
Clubs2	Lincoln City
Years3	1972-1977
Clubs3	Lincoln City (player-manager)
Manageryears1	1972-1977
Managerclubs1	Lincoln City
Manageryears2	1977-1987
Managerclubs2	Watford
Manageryears3	1987-1990
Managerclubs3	Aston Villa
Manageryears4	1990-1993
Managerclubs4	England national football team
Manageryears5	1994-1995
Managerclubs5	Wolverhampton Wanderers
Manageryears6	1996-2001
Managerclubs6	Watford
Manageryears7	2002-2003
Managerclubs7	Aston Villa

Graham Taylor was a renowned English football player and manager, best known for his successful stints as the manager of Watford and the England national football team. Taylor's managerial career spanned over three decades, during which he worked with several prominent clubs, including Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Lincoln City. His playing career was marked by his time at Grimsby Town and Lincoln City, where he played as a defender alongside notable players like Bobby Moore and Bobby Charlton. Taylor's contributions to English football were recognized by his peers, including Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alex Ferguson.

● Early Life

Graham Taylor was born on September 15, 1944, in Scunthorpe, England, to a family of modest means. He grew up in a football-loving household, with his father being an avid supporter of Scunthorpe United. Taylor's early life was influenced by his time at Scunthorpe Grammar School, where he developed a passion for the sport, playing alongside future professionals like Tony Currie and John McGovern. He began his football career at Grimsby Town's youth academy, where he was coached by Bill Shankly and Matt Busby. Taylor's formative years were also shaped by his experiences playing for England's youth teams, under the guidance of coaches like Walter Winterbottom and Alf Ramsey.

● Career

Taylor's playing career spanned over a decade, during which he played for Grimsby Town and Lincoln City. He made his professional debut for Grimsby Town in 1962, playing alongside notable players like George Best and Dennis Law. In 1968, Taylor joined Lincoln City, where he became the club's player-manager in 1972, following in the footsteps of Brian Clough and Don Revie. As a manager, Taylor achieved significant success, leading Lincoln City to promotion to the Third Division in 1976. He later managed Watford, guiding the team to promotion to the First Division in 1982, and Aston Villa, where he worked with players like Paul McGrath and David Platt. Taylor's managerial career was also marked by his tenure as the manager of the England national football team, which included a European Championship campaign and a World Cup qualifying campaign, working with players like David Seaman and Alan Shearer.

● Management Style

Taylor's management style was characterized by his emphasis on discipline, organization, and tactical awareness. He was known for his ability to motivate players, as evident in his work with Watford's John Barnes and Aston Villa's Tony Daley. Taylor's approach to the game was influenced by his experiences playing under coaches like Bill Shankly and Matt Busby, as well as his time managing in the lower divisions, where he developed a keen eye for talent, spotting players like Ian Wright and Chris Sutton. His management style was also shaped by his relationships with other notable managers, including Sir Alex Ferguson and Bobby Robson, with whom he shared ideas and best practices.

● Legacy

Graham Taylor's legacy in English football is profound, with his contributions to the sport recognized by his peers and the football community. He is remembered for his achievements as a manager, particularly his work with Watford and the England national football team. Taylor's influence on the sport extends beyond his playing and managerial career, with his work as a pundit and commentator for BBC Sport and Sky Sports helping to shape the narrative of English football. His legacy is also marked by the Graham Taylor Trophy, awarded to the winner of the Watford-Luton Town derby, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport. Taylor's passing in 2017 was mourned by the football community, with tributes paid by notable figures like Sir Alex Ferguson, Bobby Robson, and Alan Shearer, a reflection of his lasting influence on the sport. Category:English football managers