Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Tokyo Sexwhale on January 12, 2017, 01:12:01 PM
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RIP
Former Aston Villa and England manager Graham Taylor has died.
He was aged 72.
The Birmingham Mail received the tragic news this afternoon.
Taylor became a legendary figure at Villa after leading them from Division Two to runners up in Division One in the late 1980s.
His success at Villa earned him the England job.
He subsequently went on to manage Wolves and returned for a second spell at Villa Park.
Taylor made his name managing Watford.
More to follow
From the Birmingham Mail - links don't work.
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Just been told that Sir Graham has passed away.
No details as yet.
This is really sad news
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-aston-villa-england-boss-12443209
Edit:
Tokyo beat me so feel free to merge
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Birmingham Mail is breaking this - very sad if true
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Very Sad, a lovely man and somebody we owe a lot too. RIP Sir Graham and thank you for everything you did for AVFC and for football
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Oh Christ that's dreadful news.
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Terrible news. Had he been ill?
I imagine there will be a well-deserved tribute at Wolves on Sunday.
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Terrible news.
Great manager, great man. We owe him so much.
RIP Sir Graham.
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I feel sick.
RIP Sir Graham. Eternally grateful to you.
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Tried posting a Mail link.
Just says more to follow.
Tragic
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Oh shit. How sad.
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Devastated.
A rarity in football, a true gentleman.
RIP.
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Confirmed on BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38599231
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So sad to hear the news. Turned us around so quickly, made the three best signings in my time of supporting Villa. Very decent and honourable man. R.I.P.
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Sir Graham Taylor.. now that's what you call a legend..
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RIP. Gutted. One of us. Gentleman.
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Oh that's awful news. RIP.
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Platt, Yorke and McGrath were brilliant signings. Chose us and took us up and then left for the job he really wanted. Great football man.
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Signed McGrath, Platt and Yorke.
(also Ormondroyd and Callaghan, but we'll gloss over that).
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Rest In Peace Graham Taylor. A Villa legend for all he achieved during his first spell at Villa Park.
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I doubt I'll hold anyone in higher regard than I held Sir Graham, awful news.
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One of the nicest gentlemen in football and life
what a sad shame - best wishes and condolences to his family and the thousands of us who loved him
sadly missed
I hope Lineker chokes on his false praise
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Awful news.
R.I.P.
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Sad News.
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Just seen confirmation on BBC - Very sad.
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RIP Great man. Great manager
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Dreadful news. I didn't even know he was ill.
A wonderful man. RIP
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Rest in peace Sir Graham. Thank you for everything you did for Aston Villa.
A sad day.
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RIP Sir Graham, one of our better managerial appointments, sad loss
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Shocked and upset. Graham Taylor R.I.P.
Arguably the Villa manager who took the club the furthest distance in the shortest time period.
Goodison Park, May 1990. The greatest ever away day without a trophy at the end of it. Thank you, Sir.
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I wonder if he'll get a decent reception at the Molineux from both sides on Saturday?
Did the Wolves fans like him?
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RIP. Villa legend.
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Just seen this - hit me like a sledge-hammer. Great man.
Never forget what he did for me after my old man passed away as a kid.
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RIP Mr Taylor so sorry to hear this news you made me believe in Villa again x
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Really sad to hear that, an absolute gentleman and gave me some of my favourite moments as a Villa supporter.
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awful news.
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I wonder if he'll get a decent reception at the Molineux from both sides on Saturday?
Did the Wolves fans like him?
Hopefully everyone will be in their seats ten minutes before KO on Saturday
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Genuinely saddened. Met him when I was little and had my picture took with him which ended up in me and my hero in Roy of the Rovers. Saved the club from the abyss first time. One of the nicest guys in football. RIP and thoughts to his family.
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that news is going to take me a little while to sink in
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Platt, Yorke and McGrath were brilliant signings. Chose us and took us up and then left for the job he really wanted. Great football man.
Arguably our best 3 players over the last 30 years
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Gutted. A great manager for us and a likeable, humble guy.
RIP.
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r.i.p. top man
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Signed McGrath, Platt and Yorke.
(also Ormondroyd and Callaghan, but we'll gloss over that).
ormondroyd was like ronaldo against everton
Met Graham Taylor in Hinckley , he was a lovely gentlement RIP true lengend ...
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Saw him having lunch with (presumably) his wife at a local garden centre a couple of months ago. He looked a little overweight but otherwise OK. If anything he looked a bit bored!
Very sad news - one of the few managers we've had in recent years that genuinely gave us many great days out and mostly happy experiences. Swindon in particular comes to mind.
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Gutting news. The job he did in turning us round when we were on the floor should never be forgotten and rightly puts him up there as a Villa great. I'm sad that I never got to meet him. Such sad news.
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really sad.
RIP Graham, you'll be fondly remembered by many.
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RIP SGT
Awful News. Thank you for giving us hope. Thank you for my first years as a Season Ticket Holder.
Ridiculed by that Rag. Will always be a hero to me.
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Very very sad.
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Platt, Yorke and McGrath were brilliant signings. Chose us and took us up and then left for the job he really wanted. Great football man.
Arguably our best 3 players over the last 30 years
I'm struggling to think of any better.
Benteke, Milner and Laursen close behind I'd say, but not better.
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Very sad news; RIP Sir Graham.
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Villa 6 Everton 2 highlights.
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Really sad the man who made me fall in love with the Villa.
Really lovely gentleman, I bumped into him outside Villa Park and couldn't believe he found time to talk to me. Made the 3 best signings (I believe of any Villa manager). Platt was amazing as a proper box to box midfielder, Yorke I just loved the way he played the game with a smile on his face and McGrath what can be said about the man that hasn't been said a million times before, what a gamble he was.
RIP Sir Graham thanks for making my early Villa supporting years the best of my life.
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So sad, top man and Villa Legend.
RIP Graham, thanks for everything.
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The man who saved the club from oblivion and stood up to Doug. A true Villa Man in the mould of Brian Little.
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Graham Taylor's Claret & Blue Army.
RIP, Holte Ender In The Sky.
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Ahhhhh balls.
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An Everton fan at work just came running in to tell me. Awful, awful news, the first celebrity death that has made me feel sick to my stomach. In my head he'll always be about 50.
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Devastating for his family. RIP GT #AVFC
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Very Sad, a lovely man and somebody we owe a lot too. RIP Sir Graham and thank you for everything you did for AVFC and for football
Puts into words how exactly I feel! Truly a sad day!
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It can never be overstated, exactly how much he did for our club. God bless him.
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Truly heartbreaking news. To lead our great club from relegated in bottom place to runners up in the top flight a mere 3 years later was an absolutely incredible achievement.
He gave me some of my greatest days supporting the Villa.
Absolute legend.
RIP Sir Graham.
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Terrible news.
A strong man with a very clear sense of direction and what he wanted. I cant think of anyone in football who I held in higher regard. A true gentleman and a Villa man.
RIP Sir Graham.
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A man who earned his respect, and for me never lost it.
Bad day for us and all football.
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Thoughts to his family.
Really sad for football, particularly around these parts and Watford.
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Thank you Graham.
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I absolutely loathed the way the Gutter press went after him over the England job.
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I don't easily shed tears but they are in my eyes now. A lovely man, gave us some of the best times that we can remember, dignified and with a realisation of the importance of football but also it's place in the wider world.
A true gentleman.
Thoughts are with his family.
Holte Ender in the sky.
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That is such sad news. He was always a gentleman and the true embodiment of what being part of Aston Villa is.
I will always remember the 3-3 game against Everton in 1990 and 'Graham Taylor's Claret and Blue Army'.
What a day.
What a man.
RIP SGT.
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What awful news. As much as I loved him for what he did at the club, I admired him most of all for his class, dignity and generosity. A truly lovely man and some great memories from his time in charge.
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Really sad news. RIP to one of our true management greats.
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So sad to hear this news, condolences to his family and friends.
A really nice man.
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Very sad news. A great shame that the club is in the same division as when he became our manager for the first time, and he did not live to see the Villa get back into the Premier League, when ever that may be.
Born on 15/9/1944 he is one day younger than me. Makes me wonder how much time is left..........
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There needs to be a suitable memorial at the club for Sir Graham, I don't think it's hyperbole to say he saved the club. I've tweeted Dr Tony and Keith Wyness to hopefully get the idea going.
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Really sad news. RIP to one of our true management greats.
To one of football managements true greats for what he did with us and Watford.
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I never met him but my brother met him at Grimsby Town a couple of years ago when his charity were doing some work with them. When he told him I was a Villa supporter and taking my son to the FA Cup semi final a couple of days later he recorded a lovely video message telling us to enjoy the day and keep the faith!
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Truly a giant among the pantheon of Villans. Absolutely awful news for anyone who cares about this magical club.
As someone of a certain age I remember him turning up at Villa Park at a low point for the club and his honestly and mere presence lifted us in a way that I've not felt since.
In every possible way a gentlemen and a genius.
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Awful. He gave us hope when we were at such a low ebb, and achieved so much with us. I can't recall a single instance of him behaving without dignity and class. My Dad will be very upset, they both walked their dogs in Sutton Park at around the same time of day and Graham was always happy to chat with him. Dad never said as much, but given the number of times they met I think they became quite friendly.
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As SGT managed both clubs I hope there is something special arranged for Saturday's match vs Wolves at Molineaux.
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This is truly sad news.
An honourable man in a way that they are not made so often these days.
I had some contact with him. Once at the age of about seven. I was standing on my seat in The Trinity Road end when a wayward clearance from a Villa player (could have been Derek Mountfield) cleared the pitch and hit me smack in the face knocking me backwards over several rows of seats. What I didn't realise in the haze that followed was that Graham Taylor had seen this from the dugout and sent a steward up to get my name and address. A few days later I was sent a whole load of Villa goodies in the post by him, signed by the first team. The Villa holds so many happy memories for me particularly time spent with my Grandad who also recently died (is that dust in my eye? )
Anyway Graham thanks for all the wonderful memories. Gent and legend.
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Awful news. A great manager - especially 1989-90 season. RIP.
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One of the very best. I will always be thankful for his first spell with us. It could have gone so, so wrong, and it was Sir Graham that made sure it didn't.
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RIP
Very sad news.
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He will always be a Villa Great, but he was a thoroughly decent man too.
It's a sad day for Villa and football in general.
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Terribly sad, what a gentleman.
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Graham Taylors Claret and Blue army for 90 minutes Saturday please.
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My daughter served him and others at a function at the Belfry.She said that he was such a lovely man ,especially after finding out that she was a Villa fan. Villa,Watford and football have lost a giant.
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Expecting a lengthy rendition of 'Graham Taylor's claret and blue army' on Saturday.
RIP
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What a shock. A fantastic manager and compassionate man, really looked up to him. Totally gutted.
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Devastating news. Just devastating. Such a wonderful part of my Villa history and for so many others. Terrible, I am so very sad now. RIP Sir Graham
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Sir Graham came in and turned our club around from one of its lowest points and took us into Europe again. As well as doing a great job for us he was a thoroughly decent human being.
Thank you for the 6-2 against Everton, the 2-0 against Inter Milan, for all the brilliant away days in Division 2, for making us believe in the Villa again. RIP.
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Just thought I should stop by and pay my respects to SGT. Beyond the great success he had here, he was a thoroughly decent man who didn't deserve the appalling treatment he got from the national press. All you can say is that he was truly appreciated at the Villa.
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Do I not like that! Real shame, was a lovely man
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Quite a shock to see this. Very sad news. RIP Sir Graham.
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Terrible, terrible news. A true gentleman who saved us when we were on the abyss. I also hope that the club mark his work with us with a lasting tribute in his name - what that is, i don't know but this great man deserves a suitable memory. That day at Goodison will live with us forever.
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Minutes silence on saturday, of course.
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Shocked. RIP.
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If ever someone deserved a stand naming after them it would Sir Graham
Anyone have any ideas which stand we should petition to get re-named ?
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Totally gutted. Taken too soon. Thanks for the memories.
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Terrible news
My favourite manager, a true gentleman
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I'll never forget the rendition of Graham Taylor's Claret and Blue Army at Goodison Park. May 1990 his final game in that first stint. It was love.
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He always came across as a dignified and lovely down to earth bloke.
I was there on that day at Crewe when 2-0 down at half time and at Swindon when we got promoted. Those days will live with me for a long time.
Thank you and RIP Sir Graham.
Many condolences to his family and friends.
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Awful news that Sir Graham has died so young, he was evidently a true gentleman and a class act as both a manager and a human being.
Easily my biggest regret as a Villa fan is booing Taylor after the Sunderland game during his second spell in 2002/03. I was only 12 at the time and we'd just barely stayed up after years of being top 6/7, but I should have known better.
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I'm sure he'd have forgiven you, he wasn't the grudge-bearing sort.
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Terrible terrible news. He was a True Villa Legend, saved us and turned us round. Sir Graham Taylor RIP.
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Awful news - met him a few times at the cricket - absolute gentleman.
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RIP Sir Graham, thank you for everything x
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Unbelievable... sad, sad news, RIP Graham you're a true Villa man
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What an absolute gentleman and true football man Sir Graham Taylor was. He exuded decency and commanded such respect, that, even as a teenager following Villa, I would have been prepared to run through the proverbial brick wall for him. He was a supreme spotter of talent and man management: the signings of Paul McGrath, Dwight Yorke and David Platt, in context, were three of the finest pieces of business we have done since I started following the club. He brought back Sid Cowans, too! There's so many things I could write about him, all positive and all full of the utmost admiration. A genuinely great man who will be hugely missed. If any of Sir Graham's family read H and V, I extend my deepest condolences to you.
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Thank You Sir Graham. RIP
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There are some really lovely tributes to him on Twitter, every single one calls him a gentleman. Somebody posted about him giving a player a dressing down for not holding a door open for her when she was a young waitress.
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God bless you Sir.
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Was driving home and heard this terrible news. A true gentleman who took over our club at an awful time and made us great again. I will also never forget Goodison Park in May 1980. Already heard comments on radio and no one had a bad word to say about him it seem. RIP
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110 replies in less than an hour in the middle of a normal working day,
says it all really
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I have nothing of any particular originality to add to this thread other than to recount how aged 15 I stayed behind after the Bradford game to collect autographs. I was the only one still there when Graham left the ground. He was funny and friendly and gave me a wave as he drove off up Trinity Road. I'd always hoped I'd meet him again.
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Any Villan aged around 40 or older will be most saddened by this - 72 is no age these days and as someone has already asked, had he been unwell ?
Although he always came over so calm and in control, surely all the stress of his time in charge of England and everything else took its toll. I was just thinking, but for one atrocious decision away to Holland, he would've taken a decent England squad to the 1994 World Cup.
As others have said, he took over at the lowest of low points in 1987 and got us back up at the first attempt, and after a flirt with relegation in 1988/89, he took us to within a whisker of being champions of England the year after. Like life, football is all about ifs and buts, BUT I wonder what may have happened if that penalty had gone in against Wimbledon ?
RIP Sir Graham - Legend is an over used word in football, but you were a true Villa and football legend - I'll miss listening to you on tv and Radio 5.
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RIP
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Heartbroken to see this news. This hurts more than our relegation by some distance for me.
Thank you for everything you did for Aston Villa, Sir Graham. Rest easy and God bless you.
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So very sad. A gentleman if ever there was one & a true Villa legend.
I dread to think where our beloved club would be right now if it wasn't for this man.
RIP Sir Graham Taylor.
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When he took over as manager in 87, following our relegation, the club was in a terrible state. Then in a mere 3 tears to take us to 2nd place in the old First Division, was a superb achievement. Who knows what he might have achieve, if the FA hadn't come calling.
RIP Sir Graham
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RIP SGT.
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Shocked and upset. Graham Taylor R.I.P.
Arguably the Villa manager who took the club the furthest distance in the shortest time period.
Goodison Park, May 1990. The greatest ever away day without a trophy at the end of it. Thank you, Sir.
Summed up perfectly... we should all be eternally grateful for him rescuing the shambles we had become. RIP
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When I first started supporting AVFC, Sir Graham was the Villa manager. He excuded great respect amongst his peers, the fans, the players and the people around him. I saw him many times bellowing infront of me in the lower Trinity at a misplaced pass or a shanked cross. Wish'd that I had actually met him and was gutted when he left us for England. When he came back, I was delighted.
He always had that respect a thoroughly decent man with great affection for the club. I am gutted he has passed. RIP Sir.
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Platt, Yorke and McGrath were brilliant signings. Chose us and took us up and then left for the job he really wanted. Great football man.
Arguably our best 3 players over the last 30 years
And resigned Sid. All four for less than 1m quid. Thanks for everything SGT.
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Very very sad news. Villa legend and a true gent. As others have said, the club owes him so much for winning that promotion. I didn't begrudge him taking the England job - how could you after what he did? - but I wished he hadn't as I felt sure we'd have gone on to win the league with him in charge.
As for his second stint, he probably shouldn't have done it, but I think he took it on because of his decency and his love of the club. We were poor that season, but without GT in charge - and credit where it's due, without Gareth Barry - we may well have gone down otherwise.
RIP Sir Graham
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Been in meetings all day, and just opened the internet for the first time. What horrible news to find.
Thoughts with his loved ones. He truly epitomised everything we want our club to be.
What a tribute it would be if we could get ourselves promoted again this season.
Holte Ender In The Sky.
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'Absolutely gutted to learn of GT's passing. I will always be grateful for his honesty; decency; and for turning us around to bring pride & joy back to VP. My sincerest condolences to his family & many friends in the footy community. Rest Peacefully Sir.
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Only just heard about this terrible news. A real JFK moment for me as I can remember exactly where I was when I heard he'd become our manager. We'd just moved to Ireland and I could only get reception for BBC radio 2 in certain hotspots. I was driving from A to B when I knew I'd be hitting one just prior to the 2pm news. I pulled over tuned the radio and listened. When the sports news announced it you could have heard me cheering back in Brum. My first trip home after leaving was in November 1989 and the match I got to see...Everton 6-2!
Our club has been built on many foundation stones and Graham Taylor deserves his recognition as one as much as anyone else.
RIP Graham Taylor, you will be remembered long and fondly. Thank you.
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A genuine legend in every sense of the word.
Rest in peace Sir Graham Taylor.
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It's striking the number of individual acts of kindness and recognition that are recorded here. He was a warm courteous and funny man with a intelligence the press often overlooked.He was also never afraid to take responsibility -one of the bravest things I've seen at Villa Park was him taking the microphone at the end of his second spell and trying to talk to the supporters about a poor season. Thank you Sir Graham you will always be one of our Villa family.
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Saddened by the news. A real Villa Legend.
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I've told this before but....
We had a bad start to the last relegation season (87?) and hadn't had a win as we travelled to Leicester, we got off the train at around midday and, in those dark days, the Old Bill didn't fancy a load of Villa fans in Leicester City centre and promptly frog marched us to the ground about two and half hours early. We sat down bored and a few Villa players eventually appeared and started to warm up, after a bit SGT popped his head out and was about to go back inside when the 50 or so of us sang 'One Graham Taylor' to him, he looked round and promptly jogged over, hurdled over the hoardings and sat down amongst us for a chat. He was an absolute gent and had a laugh and a joke for 10 mins before concluding with 'right lads, you all behave yourselves today and get behind us, anyone got any final questions?'
'Yeah Graham, when are we going to fucking win?' came an enquiry.
'Today lads, today'
And we did, and kept on winning.
God bless him.
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I've told this before but....
We had a bad start to the last relegation season (87?) and hadn't had a win as we travelled to Leicester, we got off the train at around midday and, in those dark days, the Old Bill didn't fancy a load of Villa fans in Leicester City centre and promptly frog marched us to the ground about two and half hours early. We sat down bored and a few Villa players eventually appeared and started to warm up, after a bit SGT popped his head out and was about to go back inside when the 50 or so of us sang 'One Graham Taylor' to him, he looked round and promptly jogged over, hurdled over the hoardings and sat down amongst us for a chat. He was an absolute gent and had a laugh and a joke for 10 mins before concluding with 'right lads, you all behave yourselves today and get behind us, anyone got any final questions?'
'Yeah Graham, when are we going to fucking win?' came an enquiry.
'Today lads, today'
And we did, and kept on winning.
God bless him.
Great stuff, pw.
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My Dad just rang me to see if I'd heard the news and he reminded me of this story of great kindness and humility from SGT.
Ian, a friend had cystic fibrosis which meant although he was an avid Villa fan his condition wouldn't allow him to get to a game. My Dad wrote to Villa, Steve Stride if he remembers rightly, to see if Ian could get along to Bodymoor Heath one day for a bit of a behind the scenes visit. Ian had several complications with his CF and wasn't expected to live into his 30s.
Graham Taylor replied personally to my old man (I'm now hoping somewhere at their home he's kept that letter, I did ask him!) promising to fulfil Ian's dream of meeting some players and watching them play & train. Well, I can't even begin to describe what SGT ended up doing with Ian. I know he spent the day at BH and was put up at The Belfry by Villa for a couple of nights with his family. They were picked up on the Saturday and travelled with the team on a Flights coach to an away game, memory is failing, can't remember which one but we think it was Middlesborough. Ian sat next to SGT all the way there and back, I've seen some old Polaroids of him playing cards with some of the players. This meant Ian was away from his family for about 24 hours, CF sufferers need to be massaged and helped with dealing with the mucus build up in the respiratory tract & lungs. Ian's Mum usually helped with this but SGT said if she showed him how to do it he'd make sure him and the physios dealt with it, she can have the day off.
Ian died about 6 months after that amazing experience.
SGT came to Ian's funeral, no mean feat considering it was in Surrey. On Ian's coffin was a picture of him laughing and smiling with SGT.
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RIP Sir Graham Taylor. I started supporting Villa in September 1990 just after he'd left but I would like to thank him for the playing staff he left who I enjoyed immensely for my first few seasons. He was a proper football man and a true gentleman.
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Such sad news
I remember the TV interview on his 1st day in the job, and he described the place as a shambles
A fantastic man, we owe him so much
RIP Graham
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Gutted
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A wonderful human being, innovator and hero to so many of us. My small anecdote is from the time my best man at my wedding read a letter from Sir Graham enclosing best wishes from all the first team and gently berating me for getting my priorites wrong by getting married on the same day we were playing the second leg of the youth cup final.
RIP Sir Graham.
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Keep the stories coming guys....I'm filling up but he was a special man.
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My Dad just rang me to see if I'd heard the news and he reminded me of this story of great kindness and humility from SGT.
Ian, a friend had cystic fibrosis which meant although he was an avid Villa fan his condition wouldn't allow him to get to a game. My Dad wrote to Villa, Steve Stride if he remembers rightly, to see if Ian could get along to Bodymoor Heath one day for a bit of a behind the scenes visit. Ian had several complications with his CF and wasn't expected to live into his 30s.
Graham Taylor replied personally to my old man (I'm now hoping somewhere at their home he's kept that letter, I did ask him!) promising to fulfil Ian's dream of meeting some players and watching them play & train. Well, I can't even begin to describe what SGT ended up doing with Ian. I know he spent the day at BH and was put up at The Belfry by Villa for a couple of nights with his family. They were picked up on the Saturday and travelled with the team on a Flights coach to an away game, memory is failing, can't remember which one but we think it was Middlesborough. Ian sat next to SGT all the way there and back, I've seen some old Polaroids of him playing cards with some of the players. This meant Ian was away from his family for about 24 hours, CF sufferers need to be massaged and helped with dealing with the mucus build up in the respiratory tract & lungs. Ian's Mum usually helped with this but SGT said if she showed him how to do it he'd make sure him and the physios dealt with it, she can have the day off.
Ian died about 6 months after that amazing experience.
SGT came to Ian's funeral, no mean feat considering it was in Surrey. On Ian's coffin was a picture of him laughing and smiling with SGT.
I'd managed to keep the tears in until I read that. Such a touching story.
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Really sad. His first spell was a bit before my time, but I'm well aware of he did for the Club. Rest In Peace.
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My Dad just rang me to see if I'd heard the news and he reminded me of this story of great kindness and humility from SGT.
Ian, a friend had cystic fibrosis which meant although he was an avid Villa fan his condition wouldn't allow him to get to a game. My Dad wrote to Villa, Steve Stride if he remembers rightly, to see if Ian could get along to Bodymoor Heath one day for a bit of a behind the scenes visit. Ian had several complications with his CF and wasn't expected to live into his 30s.
Graham Taylor replied personally to my old man (I'm now hoping somewhere at their home he's kept that letter, I did ask him!) promising to fulfil Ian's dream of meeting some players and watching them play & train. Well, I can't even begin to describe what SGT ended up doing with Ian. I know he spent the day at BH and was put up at The Belfry by Villa for a couple of nights with his family. They were picked up on the Saturday and travelled with the team on a Flights coach to an away game, memory is failing, can't remember which one but we think it was Middlesborough. Ian sat next to SGT all the way there and back, I've seen some old Polaroids of him playing cards with some of the players. This meant Ian was away from his family for about 24 hours, CF sufferers need to be massaged and helped with dealing with the mucus build up in the respiratory tract & lungs. Ian's Mum usually helped with this but SGT said if she showed him how to do it he'd make sure him and the physios dealt with it, she can have the day off.
Ian died about 6 months after that amazing experience.
SGT came to Ian's funeral, no mean feat considering it was in Surrey. On Ian's coffin was a picture of him laughing and smiling with SGT.
There are some wonderful posts on here, but, Jon, this is just beautiful.
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Snuffle
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I don't think I can add anything that hasn't already been said, but he meant so much to me for what he did for the club it just doesnt feel right not to express my feelings.
God bless you Sir Graham, for restoring belief and pride in the club. You were always an absolute gentleman, and will remain a hero to many of us. Not just a Villa man, but a football man through and through.
RIP
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My Dad just rang me to see if I'd heard the news and he reminded me of this story of great kindness and humility from SGT.
Ian, a friend had cystic fibrosis which meant although he was an avid Villa fan his condition wouldn't allow him to get to a game. My Dad wrote to Villa, Steve Stride if he remembers rightly, to see if Ian could get along to Bodymoor Heath one day for a bit of a behind the scenes visit. Ian had several complications with his CF and wasn't expected to live into his 30s.
Graham Taylor replied personally to my old man (I'm now hoping somewhere at their home he's kept that letter, I did ask him!) promising to fulfil Ian's dream of meeting some players and watching them play & train. Well, I can't even begin to describe what SGT ended up doing with Ian. I know he spent the day at BH and was put up at The Belfry by Villa for a couple of nights with his family. They were picked up on the Saturday and travelled with the team on a Flights coach to an away game, memory is failing, can't remember which one but we think it was Middlesborough. Ian sat next to SGT all the way there and back, I've seen some old Polaroids of him playing cards with some of the players. This meant Ian was away from his family for about 24 hours, CF sufferers need to be massaged and helped with dealing with the mucus build up in the respiratory tract & lungs. Ian's Mum usually helped with this but SGT said if she showed him how to do it he'd make sure him and the physios dealt with it, she can have the day off.
Ian died about 6 months after that amazing experience.
SGT came to Ian's funeral, no mean feat considering it was in Surrey. On Ian's coffin was a picture of him laughing and smiling with SGT.
There are some wonderful posts on here, but, Jon, this is just beautiful.
In fact, it deserves to be read by a wider audience. Are you posting it anywhere else?
Here's one from the Guardian that illustrates what a decent and generous man he was:
He would take Lincoln's players around the city, to the factories, to the shops, the stores, the offices to meet the supporters. His point was 'they pay to watch you at work, and now they're letting you watch them work for free. Never lose sight that supporters are the lifeblood of football.'
In 1976, Graham Taylor was also asked to give some help the Lykewake Walk - a charity 15 mile trek across the Viking Way on the Lincolnshire Wolds. All the dignitaries, councillors, etc turned up for the start at the village of Bigby, at 9am on a Sunday morning and stood around waiting for Graham to turn up and cut the ribbon to start it. At around 9.30, along he comes, with his usual customary smile and a word for everyone. 'Sorry I'm a bit late'. Turned out that rather than just turn up and start the walk, he'd driven to the finish at Tealby, then jogged the whole distance to be at the start. He then walked it again along with all those who had turned out to join him.
A really, really decent man.
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There's dust in the eyes after reading that, Jon.
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Graham Taylors Claret and Blue army for 90 minutes Saturday please.
I'm expecting this. The bloke deserves it. LEGEND
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My Dad just rang me to see if I'd heard the news and he reminded me of this story of great kindness and humility from SGT.
Ian, a friend had cystic fibrosis which meant although he was an avid Villa fan his condition wouldn't allow him to get to a game. My Dad wrote to Villa, Steve Stride if he remembers rightly, to see if Ian could get along to Bodymoor Heath one day for a bit of a behind the scenes visit. Ian had several complications with his CF and wasn't expected to live into his 30s.
Graham Taylor replied personally to my old man (I'm now hoping somewhere at their home he's kept that letter, I did ask him!) promising to fulfil Ian's dream of meeting some players and watching them play & train. Well, I can't even begin to describe what SGT ended up doing with Ian. I know he spent the day at BH and was put up at The Belfry by Villa for a couple of nights with his family. They were picked up on the Saturday and travelled with the team on a Flights coach to an away game, memory is failing, can't remember which one but we think it was Middlesborough. Ian sat next to SGT all the way there and back, I've seen some old Polaroids of him playing cards with some of the players. This meant Ian was away from his family for about 24 hours, CF sufferers need to be massaged and helped with dealing with the mucus build up in the respiratory tract & lungs. Ian's Mum usually helped with this but SGT said if she showed him how to do it he'd make sure him and the physios dealt with it, she can have the day off.
Ian died about 6 months after that amazing experience.
SGT came to Ian's funeral, no mean feat considering it was in Surrey. On Ian's coffin was a picture of him laughing and smiling with SGT.
There are some wonderful posts on here, but, Jon, this is just beautiful.
I've got something in my eye.
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Just reading Facebook and someone mentioned that at the end of the Everton away game SGT had to be dragged out of the bath by the Police who told him he had to go out and acknowledge us or they feared we might never go home.
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A nice statement from the club has been released. Sorry no link, just heard it read out on SSN.
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RIP Sir Graham, can't quite believe it. Will definitely be some grit in the eye for the tribute that will surely happen on Saturday. A bloody Villa legend.
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What a great man, always had time for everyone. One main memory of him was when my son & I
Was at the Milan airport on the shuttle to the plane home and there to our surprise was Sir Graham standing in there and he spoke with my son then aged 12 & had kind words with him he was England manager then. When on the plane once we took off Graham got up to go to the loo at the rear of plane, he was chatting to all supporters on his way and by the time of decent he had to run back to his seat to land back in Brum. Will never forget the Inter Milan game for Graham Taylor
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RIP...Sir Graham....Thank you for what you did for Aston Villa F.C....A true gentleman in an industry where people like that are few and far between. Once again a heartfelt thank you.
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True gent and a true legend for our football club.
Goodson Park in 1990 was the greatest send off any supporters anywhere have ever given a departing manager - one of the most memorable away days in my 50 years of supporting Villa. It's a real pity he came back later and some fans may only remember he second spell.
Let's show the football world what he meant to us, both at Molineux and a packed Villa Park next week.
The way this good honest man was treated by the national press was nothing short of a disgrace. Villa, Watford and Lincoln supporters know the real man and have so much to thank him for.
Rest in peace Sir Graham, and thanks for the wonderful memories.
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I think SGT was overwhelmed at Goodison, wasn't he quoted as saying "I didn't think they liked me" lol!
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Very sad to hear this. Great guy and someone who really deserves, wholeheartedly, the "legend" tag. Our best manager in modern history in every way, from what he achieved off and on the pitch in his first stint here, to his personality. Top, top man.
Even in retrospect his second stint wasn't as bad as it felt back at the time, and positively halcyon in comparison to the last 6 years. And actually an important period of transition after Gregory left a squad overstuffed with over the hill, mercurial players lacking in fitness and motivation. Much like O Neill, Gregory as a top 6 manager, but another 18 months in the job may have seen implosion given the state of fitness he left many of them.
Not great of course but under the remit he probably had as Doug probably needed to balance the books ready for a potential takeover, I think he did okay. It went to the last week(s) in something of an oddity given we amassed 45 points. Which is gargantuan in comparison to what we managed for our last four seasons in the Prem. Generally if you hit that you're safely clear of the drop zone. Just happened that year it nearly wasn't enough.
There aren't many managers in the game who conduct/conducted themselves with quite the dignity that SGT did.
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Aston Villa and Graham Taylor were made for each other. The share a common bond...Class.
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Fantastic for us, RIP GT, such sad news.
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A nice statement from the club has been released. Sorry no link, just heard it read out on SSN.
Link below
https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/01/12/rip-graham-taylor
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Sad - what a great manager he was for us first time round
Saved us from the fate that Blues, Wolves and Albion suffered for more than a decade dove tailing the 1990 years..
The home game v Bradford is amongst my Top 5 of all time
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Snuffle
Something in your eye there Woofles?
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Some quality stories on here about a quality human being.
A very sad day.
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Sad news indeed, not only did he do a fantastic job at the Villa he always appeared as a sincerely top man.
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Dion Dublin's pretty cut up about it...he's just phoned 5 Live
Clip (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04p7bhp)
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RIP Sir Graham....not much more to say, as I am like many, many others deeply saddened by the news of his passing...
UTV
The Doc
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Paul Brown, from the AVFC Official Blog:
I remember it like it was yesterday.
I had just arrived at Aston Villa as a junior reporter in 2002 – working as a No.2 on the matchday programme with the illustrious Rob Bishop.
To be working in football was something that had my heart glowing – for it to be at Villa Park, home to some of my fondest memories as a teenager was another thing entirely.
Every morning brought a concoction of nervousness and delight as I made my way to my new workplace to learn my trade under ‘Bish’ – he of Birmingham Mail, Express & Star and Birmingham Post repute – and something of a legend on the patch.
Bish’s role on the News & Record was standard – as was mine.
Bish spoke to the manager for his column, the captain too while I worked on the more peripheral pages like News Desk, Junior Villans and the Visitors section.
So imagine my shock when ‘Bish’ suggested that I take care of the manager’s notes one week as he had been called away on a family event.
Tension was the only emotion I felt as I made my way to Bodymoor Heath to chat to Graham Taylor – ‘The Gaffer’ and a man of the highest standing in the game.
I waited furtively in the reception of the old training ground before being beckoned in.
First words from Graham could easily have been: “Wow your palms are sweaty”, “Are you old enough to be working, shouldn’t you be at school?”
Instead he smiled and roared out: “Great to meet you young man and welcome to Aston Villa.”
I listened spellbound as he explained: “You’ll do well here. And please don’t forget – Juan Pablo Angel is over there and Dion Dublin too. You’re just as important as them…you’re one of my team.”
I could barely believe my ears.
Graham and I had a chat for 30 minutes during which time he previewed the Sunderland game and discussed a range of other issues for his upcoming column.
As we finished, my mind raced with how I was going to ‘shape’ the column, how I was going to make it flow well and how I hoped I ‘got it right’.
As I walked away, he finished: “One last thing, just send the column through to my secretary Kathy on fax. I usually change one or two things when Bish writes it so give me a chance to check it.”
Several hours later…it felt like days…I typed in the numbers and the 600-word piece zoomed from Villa Park to Bodymoor Heath.
All other work took a back seat as I stared intently at my phone…when will it ring?
Tring…Tring…”Hello”…..”Hi Paul, it’s Kathy….Graham says that’s perfect, thank you very much, no changes.”
I couldn’t believe it. I had nailed it.
Several days later, I made my way into the Player’s Lounge, with Bish who had driven me, ahead of the pre-match press conference to listen in on Graham face the press.
We arrived early and GT meandered past us on his way back to his office.
“Ah, it’s One Take Brown!” he said as he patted me on the shoulder. “Hey Bish, this lad is good. You can learn a thing or two from him” before he winked at my celebrated partner-in-crime and walked off into the distance.
Remember, this was during a very, very difficult spell in his career with Villa fighting relegation.
He must have had so much on his plate.
But instead he took the time to put a young reporter at ease and welcome him into the Aston Villa family.
I will never forget it – and I will never forget Graham. A true gent!
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My Dad just rang me to see if I'd heard the news and he reminded me of this story of great kindness and humility from SGT.
Ian, a friend had cystic fibrosis which meant although he was an avid Villa fan his condition wouldn't allow him to get to a game. My Dad wrote to Villa, Steve Stride if he remembers rightly, to see if Ian could get along to Bodymoor Heath one day for a bit of a behind the scenes visit. Ian had several complications with his CF and wasn't expected to live into his 30s.
Graham Taylor replied personally to my old man (I'm now hoping somewhere at their home he's kept that letter, I did ask him!) promising to fulfil Ian's dream of meeting some players and watching them play & train. Well, I can't even begin to describe what SGT ended up doing with Ian. I know he spent the day at BH and was put up at The Belfry by Villa for a couple of nights with his family. They were picked up on the Saturday and travelled with the team on a Flights coach to an away game, memory is failing, can't remember which one but we think it was Middlesborough. Ian sat next to SGT all the way there and back, I've seen some old Polaroids of him playing cards with some of the players. This meant Ian was away from his family for about 24 hours, CF sufferers need to be massaged and helped with dealing with the mucus build up in the respiratory tract & lungs. Ian's Mum usually helped with this but SGT said if she showed him how to do it he'd make sure him and the physios dealt with it, she can have the day off.
Ian died about 6 months after that amazing experience.
SGT came to Ian's funeral, no mean feat considering it was in Surrey. On Ian's coffin was a picture of him laughing and smiling with SGT.
This is the man encapsulated in a short story. There wouldn't have been a reporter in sight either. He just did it because it was right.
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Very sad news about a man who saved us from oblivion in 1987. Got to work straight away when he walked through the door at VP and announced the club was "a shambles". How right he was!!
Dread to think where we would have ended up without him.
I thought he still lived in Sutton Coldfield but apparently he down to Hertfordshire last year to be nearer his 2 daughters.
Very touching tributes on news this afternoon which brought back so many happy memories of his first spell at the club.
RIP Sir Graham - a proper football man
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Dion Dublin's pretty cut up about it...he's just phoned 5 Live
Clip (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04p7bhp)
Big Dion had a good season for SGT in his second spell. Dion was fighting the clock by that season. The legs were going but he still hit something like 14 goals IIRC. He was an old school player and it doesn't surprise me how much respect he has for a manager like Graham Taylor. Feel gutted for big Dion and all those who played under him and really bought into his influence.
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Its hard to add anything to all that written here, but 1987 is up there as one of my very favourite seasons supporting the Villa. Gutted, he was an absolute gentleman and a true legend. RIP
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I've no great tale to tell. He put his thumb up to me once with a big smile. Made my day. Gutted.
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Very sad news.
For those who are long time users of this forum and have long memories I made a very ill advised and ignorant post about him not long after his second spell in charge.
It's something I still very much regret and pretty surprised I wasn't banned from the forum there and then.
At the time I posted I did not grasp the significance of how he turned around the club in his first spell (which gives extra meaning with the position we know find ourselves in) and instead based it on his ill-fated second spell (which was still better than the last five seasons).
I actually met him at the NEC at a BBC grassroots football event ain I think 2011 as we were talking about McLeish quickly so must've been the summer he joined us.
I can confirm what others have said...a very charming and courteous man...I think my Mum who's not a Villa fan was more excited to meet him than I was as she was a big fan of his commentaries on 5 Live.
I'd certainly say the football world will be a lot poorer without his contributions.
R.I.P.
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Genuinly saddened by this.
RIP Sir Graham
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Gutted. RIP Sir Graham, and thank you.
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Very sad to hear this. Great guy and someone who really deserves, wholeheartedly, the "legend" tag. Our best manager in modern history in every way, from what he achieved off and on the pitch in his first stint here, to his personality. Top, top man.
Even in retrospect his second stint wasn't as bad as it felt back at the time, and positively halcyon in comparison to the last 6 years. And actually an important period of transition after Gregory left a squad overstuffed with over the hill, mercurial players lacking in fitness and motivation. Much like O Neill, Gregory as a top 6 manager, but another 18 months in the job may have seen implosion given the state of fitness he left many of them.
Not great of course but under the remit he probably had as Doug probably needed to balance the books ready for a potential takeover, I think he did okay. It went to the last week(s) in something of an oddity given we amassed 45 points. Which is gargantuan in comparison to what we managed for our last four seasons in the Prem. Generally if you hit that you're safely clear of the drop zone. Just happened that year it nearly wasn't enough.
There aren't many managers in the game who conduct/conducted themselves with quite the dignity that SGT did.
Yeah it was a very strange year, we really couldn't win away and when we did at Boro we used up all our goals.
At home we were very good though...11 wins I think which we haven't achieved since.
It was probably similar to the Houllier year...transition and because we were used to top 6 the sudden drop down the league was much more of a shock than in the Lambert era.
There was some good football and results in that season but sadly the two SHA results overshadowed things.
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On top of all the other tributes, if it has not been said already, his radio broadcasting was measured and fair. He put the shrill attention seeking colleagues around him firmly in their place. A Villa man in every way. Sleep on Sir Graham.
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Thank you for everything.
RIP Graham Taylor
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I've told this before but....
We had a bad start to the last relegation season (87?) and hadn't had a win as we travelled to Leicester, we got off the train at around midday and, in those dark days, the Old Bill didn't fancy a load of Villa fans in Leicester City centre and promptly frog marched us to the ground about two and half hours early. We sat down bored and a few Villa players eventually appeared and started to warm up, after a bit SGT popped his head out and was about to go back inside when the 50 or so of us sang 'One Graham Taylor' to him, he looked round and promptly jogged over, hurdled over the hoardings and sat down amongst us for a chat. He was an absolute gent and had a laugh and a joke for 10 mins before concluding with 'right lads, you all behave yourselves today and get behind us, anyone got any final questions?'
'Yeah Graham, when are we going to fucking win?' came an enquiry.
'Today lads, today'
And we did, and kept on winning.
God bless him.
I've just told the same story to one of my workmates, one of so many fond memories, particularly from that season in Division Two.
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have been to a family funeral today so already a bit teary but some of these memories and stories have finished me off
RIP Sir Graham Taylor
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Don't think I'll ever forget the day he was appointed the first time round. Always remember watching the lunch time news and seeing him livid saying the club was a shambles and needs shaking, he just gave me that feeling that we were now in safe hands and he was going to sort it out and he did. He didn't just manage the team he managed the whole club even Doug. When you think of favourite all time Villa players - he scouted and bought three of them.
Also remember him signing my programme, he stopped for a couple of minutes, gave me his full attention and asked about my thoughts for the match, as a young Villa fan that was as good as it gets, a truly likeable down to earth guy who knew how to treat the supporters respectfully - much like our new manager.
Very sad news but comforted by the memories of the journey back to the top flight and the glorious 89-90 season, because of this there will always be a bit of Graham Taylors legacy at Aston Villa and I'm sure the club will honour him appropriately. RIP and thanks for everything you did for us Graham.
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So sad.
Graham, Villa needed you and you delivered.
Sorry about the second spell, it wasn't right but typical of you, you wouldn't back down from it.
A genuine, football man and a one-off.
RIP GT.
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Villa fan from Lincoln here, so the news hits doubly hard. It's great to read all these anecdotes about what a great guy he was, and also Elton John's tribute was very touching.
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Villa legend
terrible sad news heard it on radio 5 as it was announced
Never ever forget the "graham Taylor's claret and blue army" at Everton in his final game even now if I meet a evertonian on holiday they still go on about it 26 years later
Sad loss to the footballing world
R.i.p. Sgt
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A decent man. Condolences to his family.
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Apologies for continuing to post on the thread but, memories and thoughts keep returning. I think most of us elder lemons think that the renaissance of Villa after the ignominy of relegation to the third division began with Vic Crowe but, for me, Graham Taylor was the man who first put it into my head that we could actually become a meaningful challenger for first division honours, and so it proved.
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Some of the story's on here are a great testament to a real decent human being.
Thanks for sharing and thank you Mr Graham Taylor.
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That's a beautiful story Jon Crofts, absolutely beautiful, and if there is any one reason why we should be so proud to have had him as our manager, then that story encapsulates it.
Too often ex-players/managers are called "legends", SGT was.
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Some words get bandied around so often they lose their true meaning. Legend is one. Tragedy is another.
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Theres a five live special tonight at 7pm
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Such a shock. Every so often we get a 'right man, right time' appointment and he was just that. Perfect answer to what had just happened and he put a smile back on all our faces. Shook his hand at Edgbaston a few years ago.
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The loss of a true footballing man, very passionate about the sport. A great Manager for Aston Villa, a fete we all hope that Steve Bruce can repeat all these years on. A sad loss for football. Condolences to his family.
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Such a shock. A great man and a great manager. Loved to read his program notes. RIP x
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RIP Sir Graham i am close to tears my thoughts are with his family thank you Graham :'( :'( :'( :'(
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And not just a deep thinker on football, if you have time the link below is SGTs contribution to R2s Jeremey Vine Programme 'What makes us human' feature. Worth a listen.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02kszvb
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Thanks for coming in and help save our club Graham. I shall forever hold you in the highest regard for that period. The second may not have gone to plan but that never clouded what happened previously
Rest in Peace x
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I've been going to villa park since the 60''s. ..I class 2 managers as legends. .Sir Ron and Sir Graham..RIP.....would love it in years to come if I could mention Sir Steve in the same sentence. ..I am gutted.
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Top manager, Top bloke, hope we name a stand after him, he saved us from despair and brought God into our lives, Legend
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That's terrible news I'm shocked R.I.P
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RIP Graham Taylor. As you get older, they say the tears come more easily but I swear I was in floods at this shock news. Graham Taylor's Claret & Blue Army is ringing in my brain as I try to write through the sore eyes.
Thanks for everything you did for our beloved Villa. My sincerest Condolences to all the family. Bob
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RIP Sir Graham Taylor
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That's terrible news I'm shocked R.I.P
I was in Covent Garden today mate, almost called you, we could gone and raised a glass to him.
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R.I.P. Sir Graham, a true legend and football great. Everton away singing GT's claret and blue army was a great send off then and should be sung loudly and proudly over the next couple of games.
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Decent tribute to him just now on Sky Sports News. He was clearly delighted to have a stand named after him at Watford - seems a bit late for us now.
More snuffling.
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Failed nose kid at work who's switched allegiance to Liverpool: "Did you hear Graham Taylor had died? He was a prick, anyway!"
The amazing thing is that I still have a job! I only threatened to rip his arms out of their sockets - I didn't actually do it. Sad enough day as it is without noses trying to be clever. >:(
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I can't add much to all these wonderful memories. I have to admit there is a big lump in my throat having read all the tributes. The exact details might be a bit shaky but as I remember it, one of my favourite memories is a League Cup game against Spurs in the 87/88 season. Spurs came to Second Division Villa and seemed to be heading towards a comfortable victory. At some point SGT flew out of the dug-out and gave both the team and the crowd a fist-shaking reminder of why we were all there. The game seemed to turn in an instant and we ran out 2-1 winners. Great stuff. It was only October in his first season and we hadn't started the season that greatly but I saw on that night that we had got someone really special.
I also remember being on holiday in Menorca when the FA were wooing him and praying that he wouldn't leave us. It was difficult to keep up with the news abroad in those days and I remember being so disappointed when I heard he had taken the England job.
Thankfully I already have my tickets for the Preston game so will be able to show my appreciation a week on Saturday.
RIP SGT
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An absolute gentleman he was. Did a very good job for us too and one of the few managers we've had who really got what the club was about.
I loved the way he took Allan Green to task for coming out with some stupidity during a commentary a few years ago. RIP Sir Graham.
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Only just heard the news on Talksport and I am not ashamed to say I shed a few tears. I met him twice. Once after waiting by the team coach after his first competitive game at Portman Road Ipswich and once at the Nigel Spink testimonial Q&A forum at Sutton Coldfield town hall. I had a photo taken with him and after meeting me briefly five months earlier he remembered my name. Nev of H&V fame was with me on both occasions and I think we both still have o copy the photo we had taken with SGT taken by Terry Weir. I was there when we gave him a great send off at Everton, which he admitted really touched him and I will be part of the other great send off we give him at the next home game.
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Only just heard the news and am very shocked and saddened. Turned the club around in his first spell and the question will always remain of just how far he could have taken us had he not taken the England job.
Met him very briefly once in WH Smith when I was in my teens, it was just after he had left the England job and me and a few of my mates slightly nervously approached him to ask him for his autograph. He was great though and even thanked us!!
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Shocked and devastated. I often wonder how far we would have went and what we would have won if England hadn't come calling. What he achieved in those first few years was absolutely ridiculous for a team in freefall heading for the third division. He went through the club like a dose of salts, left no stone unturned, and completely turned it around with signings like God, Platt and Daley, running the Scousers so close to the title within three years. Was among Liverpool at Anfield when Ian Olney scored early on...they were sitting themselves that day. Even with those three mentioned above, that squad had no right to be anywhere near challenging for the title, but it was all down to Graham. His man-management was un-surpassed. An absolute gentleman who had time for everyone. Spare a thought too for Watford...they'll be hurting also. Rest in Peace Sir Graham. And thanks.
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I heard a story about how he helped Elton John tackle his alcoholism. Apparently they had an early morning meeting and SGT poured a large glass of something like vodka or whiskey for the two them. When Elton John mentioned it might be a bit early for a drink SGT's answer was "I thought that was what you always has for breakfast".
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Going top of the league away at Spurs. Freezing cold but oh what I night. I actually thought we were going to do it that night!
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Very sad news-again one of the very few who walk out of this life with real credit and admiration. A professional Football Manager who always acted with grace and dignity even when the gutter press were belittling his achievements and mocking his appearance( I hope those journalists are today hanging their heads in shame). A message to Mourinho- special one?, don't make me laugh, GT had more gravitas and class in the tip of his little finger.
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That's quite a shock. Top bloke.
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Not ashamed to admit that I shed tears when I saw this awful news. We owe so much to this brilliant and yet modest man for the root and branch surgery he did at Villa in the 80s. Graham Taylor may have been cruelly taken from us, be he will never be forgotten at Villa Park. RIP Sir Graham. Holte Enders In The Sky.
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Just listened to Dion Dublin clip on 5live, brought tears to my eyes. R.I.P SGT.
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Reading all these fantastic tributes to Graham there is one word that encapsulates this man and that is class. Just a fantastic person whose values in life we should all adhere too. On a footballing note he was in charge when I first started going regularly, and for me the 89/90 was my favourite season.
RIP Sir Graham.
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How many people can say they are truly revered by two different clubs? That they are mourned by two clubs and that both clubs see a photo of a man and just see him as being theirs? he has a stand already named after him at Watford and unlikely to have something similar at Villa, but why not a name a block or something after him? I don't know. Such a huge part of us has gone.
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Looking around the internet and social media, I'm sure Sir Graham would be shocked and humbled by the love and respect being shown for him from fans of all clubs. So many pointing out how unfairly he was treated by the press as England manager, almost all mentioning what a great bloke he was, not to mention what he achieved as a club manager. I'm struggling to think of any other manager now or retired that would have such wonderful tributes.
I really hope it brings some comfort to his family.
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I'm not eloquent enough to do Sir Graham justice. Thoughts go out to all his loved ones, a great man who left a great mark on our club. Top Class.
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Was really shocked to see this. Don't really know what to say. Revered by fans of three clubs (people forget that he got Lincoln promoted with a record points haul).
Never lost his dignity even when the gutter press were going out of their way to humiliate him. The world is a little worse off without him.
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Such very sad news, when he should be spending his remaining years enjoying his retirement & watching football matches.
He dragged the club, single-handily back from the brink & almost achieved a miracle. His final game at Everton was an incredible and fitting send off. I hope we give him a rousing rendition at the next home game.
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The world is a little worse off without him.
It really is, though I bet he'd laugh at the idea.
Farewell Sir Graham.
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Only just seen the news, absolutely gutted.
RIP Sir Graham and thank you for everything.
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Sometimes you think it's just you. Then you read Woodhall of course, Chico and Damo, Chris Jameson and many others on this site, and Villa fans beyond.
Not forgetting Watford and Elton, respect from Wolves fans, then those England fans who recognised his effort and dignity in the face of terrible personal abuse from some of the media. Then there's the media, at pains to express their sadness at the passing of a respected colleague. The footballers who had a brief association with or who owe their career and almost their life to one man.
Then you realise it's not just you. You are just someone who had the honour and priviledge to have been touched by a man who will be deeply mourned.
And you appreciate how lucky you were.
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I can't be arsed to learn how to do links but have popped something up on the AVST website.
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R.I.P A thoroughly decent and honest man,seems to be a rarity these days,God bless sir.
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Stunned by this news earlier today.
My favourite memory of him was at Everton in May 1990, what turned out to be the last game of his first stint in charge. I was on the thin away terrace and there must've been 8,000 - 10,000 Villa fans dotted around Goodison, all chanting "we want Taylor" over half an hour after the final whistle.
The fact we weren't celebrating winning the league didn't really matter. He'd taken the club on and turned it around in under three calendar years.
It really felt like we were back.
RIP Sir Graham.
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I was absolutely shocked at lunch time, gutted. Because of SGT I was happy and extremely proud to be a Villa fan for the first time in my lifetime.
Brilliant manager, lovely man, class act, true Villa and football Legend. RIP SGT.
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A truly honourable gentleman of the game. Terribly sad news.
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I can't be arsed to learn how to do links but have popped something up on the AVST website.
And spot on it is, too.
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Don't mind admitting reading this thread has brought a tear to the eye. Genuinely gutted. Lovely lovely bloke. Thoughts are with his family. Will never be forgotten at Villa Park.
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I am gutted I couldn't believe it when someone at work told me the news. I don't have a great deal to add to what has already been said but I was a teenager for his first spell in charge, what he did for us should never be forgotten. I was gutted when we relegated but saved us and took us back to where we belonged.
Legend is banded around all too often but he is someone who full deserves that title. Thanks for all the memories Sir Graham and all you did for us. Rest in peace.
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A class act. A legend without a doubt. Fuck, this is so sad.
Spoke to him a few times and have many similar memories to others on here.
One slightly different one....I walked past him in the car park after we'd played Sheff Utd away on Boxing Day and asked him about a specific team selection. Most managers, players wouldn't have the time of day for something like that (I was only 17!!) ..but do you know what, he stopped and chatted for a good couple of minutes, explained his thinking and wished me well.
A man who treated everyone with respect. Everyone.
Everton away, making me proud to think about it now. Graham Taylor's Claret & Blue army. That's what we thought of him. It won't be repeated for anyone else.
RIP Sir Graham.
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I attended a funeral today and when I got into my car at 2.30 I heard the news and it shook me. RIP Sir Graham and thank you for getting us out of the mire in the late 80's and that wonderful attempt at winning the title in 1990.
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(http://thumb.ibb.co/mjskBF/01c.jpg) (http://ibb.co/mjskBF)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/deJgka/01b.jpg) (http://ibb.co/deJgka)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/nB8srF/01a.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nB8srF)
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I haven't got any stories to tell but I shed a few tears at this sad news it just rounds off a terribly redicously last few months for me ,RIP sir Graham you will always be remembered God bless
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SGT (on Sky just now): "I love football because it means I've never had a proper job in my life!".
Said with a big grin on his face.
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Just bumping.
5 live special now.
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Just bumping.
5 live special now.
5Live has done very well today. I spent 2 hours in a car jounrney earlier this afternoon and it was mostly about Sir Graham.
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Just simply one of my all time heroes.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gMJr3B5xip4
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Heard the news while driving earlier...still struggling to believe it.
He was bloody wonderful for Aston Villa.
RIP Sir Graham.
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I can't be arsed to learn how to do links but have popped something up on the AVST website.
And spot on it is, too.
Cheers Rich. I could have written plenty more but bitter experience tells me that anything too long winded just gets skim read.
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I am living hearing the stories from across football for a man who intrinsically knew what "right" was. A class act. I bet if he could look down on today's eulogies he would be amazed and humbled by the love football people have for him.
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A classy football man who I am proud to have associated with our club. RIP.
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Going top of the league away at Spurs. Freezing cold but oh what I night. I actually thought we were going to do it that night!
I saw us at Spurs quite a few times in the late 80s and 90s as I lived in North London That game stood out because we owned them that night, Made Gazza and Lineker look ordinary.
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Not old enough to have been around for his first spell (was only one when he left for England) but met him at Edgbaston a few years ago and thanked him for all he's done for the Villa. Such a nice bloke.
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Such a sad day. I will never forget the reception he got from all four sides of the ground when we played Watford after he got them promoted,it was real lump in the throat stuff. To get such respect from both sets of fans is something Ive never seen before. Thank you SGT.
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R.I.P Sir Graham :(
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A footballing man who took the bull by the horns at every club he managed, improved Lincoln, Watford creating a minor miracle and at the Villa taking us back to our minimum expectations. Lets give him a big send off on Saturday
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=80BdAp4h1g4
Spurs 0 Villa 2 1990. The night we went top of the league. Seven consecutive victories.
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It seems everyone agrees Graham Taylor always instinctively knew the 'right' thing to do or say and had the rare talent to communicate so effectively that he got the best out of the cast majority of those players who played under him. Whether it was a multi platinum selling diva musician or a star-struck 8 year old he could relate to them and always had time to talk. I met him briefly a couple of times and it became quickly obvious that all the opinions thst had and have of him are absolutely correct. A unique and lovely gentleman.
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My first memory of Sir Graham was a phone call From a Watford supporting colleague telling me we had appointed him . From the despair of being relegated the news lifted me and all of us with good reason.
Years later my son and I met him before a game in the North Stand car park and he spent a few minutes chatting to us and signed my lad's autograph book .
Fought back a few tears today at work very sad day indeed.
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I feel unable to fully put into words the respect and high esteem in which he was held. His knowledge of the game was second to none. To turn three clubs around the way he did was extraordinary. Football has lost one of the best. RIP Sir Graham.
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&sns=tw via @youtube
This day was massive, & the first few seconds sum up SGT. 48k or thereabouts in VP that afternoon (I think!) and the roof nearly came off the Holte when Platt scored. So many other happy memories of those seasons, I was 18/19 that second division season and managed to get 49 games (including the Simod Cup), we were united as a club again and mostly down to one man. Ironic that we have now gone full circle.
Thank you Graham, best appointment we could possibly have made and a man so proud of The Villa x
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&sns=tw via @youtube
This day was massive, & the first few seconds sum up SGT. 48k or thereabouts in VP that afternoon (I think!) and the roof nearly came off the Holte when Platt scored. So many other happy memories of those seasons, I was 18/19 that second division season and managed to get 49 games (including the Simod Cup), we were united as a club again and mostly down to one man. Ironic that we have now gone full circle.
Thank you Graham, best appointment we could possibly have made and a man so proud of The Villa x
It was 36k but it felt like 48k!
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I sincerely hope they hold a silence rather than an applause at saturdays game.
For me, it is more powerful, poignant and dignified.
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I sincerely hope they hold a silence rather than an applause at saturdays game.
For me, it is more powerful, poignant and dignified.
Absolutely.
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&sns=tw via @youtube
This day was massive, & the first few seconds sum up SGT. 48k or thereabouts in VP that afternoon (I think!) and the roof nearly came off the Holte when Platt scored. So many other happy memories of those seasons, I was 18/19 that second division season and managed to get 49 games (including the Simod Cup), we were united as a club again and mostly down to one man. Ironic that we have now gone full circle.
Thank you Graham, best appointment we could possibly have made and a man so proud of The Villa x
It was 36k but it felt like 48k!
You're right, my bad as the youth say!
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Just fuck off Harris
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During the obit feature on Sky Sports News, reference was made to the turnip episode. Whilst this was reasonable to refer to when outlining Graham's time as England manager it was, in my opinion, wrong to crop the name of the newspaper in question from the graphic and refer to it as just "a tabloid"
Remember everyone, Don't Buy The Sun
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&sns=tw via @youtube
This day was massive, & the first few seconds sum up SGT. 48k or thereabouts in VP that afternoon (I think!) and the roof nearly came off the Holte when Platt scored. So many other happy memories of those seasons, I was 18/19 that second division season and managed to get 49 games (including the Simod Cup), we were united as a club again and mostly down to one man. Ironic that we have now gone full circle.
Thank you Graham, best appointment we could possibly have made and a man so proud of The Villa x
It was 36k but it felt like 48k!
That was the day when it really felt that Villa were on our way back.
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Been reading this website for many years, nothing has ever compelled me to post before but todays terrible news has changed that.I was only young when Sir Graham took over first time around, but he was a big part of the reason I fell in love with the Villa, and for that I will always be grateful.RIP Sir Graham and thank you.
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Harry Harris, still in the gutter.
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A class act in everything he did, very very sad news.
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I sincerely hope they hold a silence rather than an applause at saturdays game.
For me, it is more powerful, poignant and dignified.
Absolutely.
There's been an edict from the EFL to all clubs to hold a minutes applause. Just depends on whether wolves decide to do it differently. Unfortunately they will probably too worried about it not being properly observed.
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Doing the rounds now that we should change the name of the North Stand to the SGT Stand. We need to do it.
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I am not sure I can say anything that nobody has yet said but goodbye to a decent man.
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He was a fine man & he brought us back from the brink but it's a no for me.
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Very very upset. What a man.
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Why not? Who was that North fellow anyway?
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Just woken up to this news, it's floored me.
Legend is a horribly overused term but he really was a legend at the Villa.
Thank you Sir Graham.
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Doing the rounds now that we should change the name of the North Stand to the SGT Stand. We need to do it.
No, otherwise where does it end. He was a special man but there are so many figures the club have had in its history, and I'm not sure it would really have been Sir Graham's thing.
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I will never forgive Ronald Koeman.
Younger fans won't remember this
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xUPbB0n8Y4U
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Doing the rounds now that we should change the name of the North Stand to the SGT Stand. We need to do it.
No, otherwise where does it end. He was a special man but there are so many figures the club have had in its history, and I'm not sure it would really have been Sir Graham's thing.
Maybe wait and see what happens about redevelopment of the ground and reconsider it then. It would make more sense for a 'new' stand. There will have to be a Ron Saunders Stand as well.
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I will never forgive Ronald Koeman.
Younger fans won't remember this
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xUPbB0n8Y4U
Not sure that's really how I want to remember him
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Probably already been said but the man saved the greatest Aston Villa player I've ever seen from the scrap heap and for that alone he deserves all the praise in the world.
Now I'm off to blub some more over a pint - fuck this dryathon shit
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I will never forgive Ronald Koeman.
Younger fans won't remember this
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xUPbB0n8Y4U
Not sure that's really how I want to remember him
Sorry, you're right. But Koeman's cheating turned the press against him
I will remember SGT for Christmas 89, beating Man U Arsenal & Chelsea within a week
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During the obit feature on Sky Sports News, reference was made to the turnip episode. Whilst this was reasonable to refer to when outlining Graham's time as England manager it was, in my opinion, wrong to crop the name of the newspaper in question from the graphic and refer to it as just "a tabloid"
Remember everyone, Don't Buy The Sun
Sadly that vile little rag succeeded in cementing some people's opinion of Graham. Had to bite my tongue today when I heard someone at work remark that "the turnip is dead".
Those of us who possess brain cells know what the man was all about. A genuine, humble man who loved the game, but loved the things important to most of us - his family and those he worked with. The compassion he showed to Paul McGrath says all we need to know about Graham Taylor.
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I will never forgive Ronald Koeman.
Younger fans won't remember this
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xUPbB0n8Y4U
Not sure that's really how I want to remember him
Sorry, you're right. But Koeman's cheating turned the press against him
I will remember SGT for Christmas 89, beating Man U Arsenal & Chelsea within a week
My first games at VP
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Will always remember being at Goodison for that 3-3 game. I'm sure Graham Taylor was the first Villa manager to be given the honour of having a claret and blue army.
He must also be the only Villa manager to not get sacked by Deadly, and he came back and didn't get sacked the second time either.
He turned our great club around and brought us to the brink of winning a league title again.
Listening to him talk about the 1989-90 season, he says that the lack of goals at the back end of the season cost us the title. If only Cascarino had lived up to the expectation.
I sometimes regretted not being older when we won the league i was 12, and European Cup, when older fans would talk about trips to Europe, and "being there". But then in my late teens and early twenties we watched Villa set away records in the second division, saw proper Villa legends like McGrath, Birch and Cowans and saw some famous victories, Everton away, Spurs to go top, Swindon all thanks to SGT.
Thanks for the memories.
Graham Taylor's Claret and Blue Army
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During the obit feature on Sky Sports News, reference was made to the turnip episode. Whilst this was reasonable to refer to when outlining Graham's time as England manager it was, in my opinion, wrong to crop the name of the newspaper in question from the graphic and refer to it as just "a tabloid"
Remember everyone, Don't Buy The Sun
Sadly that vile little rag succeeded in cementing some people's opinion of Graham. Had to bite my tongue today when I heard someone at work remark that "the turnip is dead".
I wouldn't have been biting my tongue.
He should have been set straight, SoccerHQ-style.
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Beating Blues 13-0 over three matches in autumn 1988 was another highlight.
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Doing the rounds now that we should change the name of the North Stand to the SGT Stand. We need to do it.
No, otherwise where does it end. He was a special man but there are so many figures the club have had in its history, and I'm not sure it would really have been Sir Graham's thing.
Graham seemed very happy to have a stand named for him at Watford.
However, if this going to be done at VP it should have been done years ago
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I love SGT, but it's a no from me regarding naming a stand after him.
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A Rotherham supporting mate has just posted this on Facebook:
Just got home (ironically from Watford) and seen the news about Graham Taylor, such a shame.
Back in 2012 I was given the news that the mother-in-law was on deaths door and it was time to get home. This was out in Donetsk, the next flight I could get was Donetsk to Kiev after hours later then a morning flight home from there.
In the airport bar there was afew English ready for the same flight when Graham Taylor turned up (he was doing media work out there). He was more than happy chatting to everybody, he asked where I was from, as soon as I said Rotherham he couldnt wait to talk about how good the new ground was going to be, how good it would be for the town amd how our season had been. The man still watched football at all levels even after leaving the game. Discussed plans for the tournament, I explained why I had to make an unplanned journey home and he couldn't have been nicer.
Upon landing in Kiev, waiting for luggage I received a text message just saying "too late. She's gone". I am not ashamed to say that I blubbed like a little girl. The first person to console me was Graham himself. He collected his luggage, sent the rest of the media team off to their hotels and took me to the airport bar to buy me a pint to console me. Spent an hour of his evening with me at the airport bar just to make sure I was okay until I headed to town for more drinks with the Donny Lads.
For that Ill always hold the gent in high esteem, RIP to a true gent.
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Sid's piece in The Guardian is a heartfelt tribute:
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jan/12/graham-taylor-gordon-cowans
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Thank you, Sir Graham Taylor.
Such sad news, today. What a loss.
I've been reading and listening to players' tributes and quite a few from sports journalists, as well, since I heard, this afternoon. I really liked him during his first stint at Villa, which was so exciting.
Since then he's always come over as a man who loved football, an absolute gentleman and someone who wore his expertise lightly whenever he was interviewed or was commentating on the game. My impressions have been confirmed by people on here. A real legend.
RIP.
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Very sad news. Sir Graham Taylor made a huge contribution to Aston Villa. He had the ability to make a very hard hitting point in a polite manner. In the Telegraph in October 2003 (10th on the website) he neatly dissected Alpay Ozalan in a curteously surgical process that left no doubt in the readers mind about some of the practices adopted by players.
RIP Graham.and thanks for rebuilding the club.
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Sid's piece in The Guardian is a heartfelt tribute:
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jan/12/graham-taylor-gordon-cowans
Thanks for pointing us to this, Yossarian. And well done, Gordon - well said.
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I read this on a TMS tribute to Graham (he liked his cricket), "One of the kindest and more genuine men I ever knew. During his time at Villa my daughter was recieving treatment at Birmingham Childrens Hospital, for a brain tumour. Graham got to hear about her and fior the year that she fought the illness, he took Charlotte under his wing and kept in constant contact, inviting her to the ground on several occasion. When she passed away aged only 9 Graham came to Northampton for the funeral despite being right in the middle pf a hectic run of games towards the end of the season and never once did he seek any publicity from the situation. A great football man, who loved all sport, but above all else, a wonderful man who had time for all."
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A story I would like to tell regarding Sir Graham comes from a friend of mine who was involved with non league Halesowen Town. During Graham's time in charge he made the decision to sign Yeltz player Dean Spink. Graham himself did the deal and met with the Halesowen folk to negotiate a deal. At the time I believe transfers fees for players in non league were minimal but the money Halesowen got for Spink by comparison would go a long way to improving The Grove. Not only did Graham do what was a fair deal for Villa but he ensured the deal worked for Halesowen. There was no "We're Aston Villa", he was (typical of the man) honest, genuine and mindful of how the deal could help Halesowen's infrastructure. By all accounts after the deal was agreed, Graham also made a promise to send the strongest team possible to The Grove for a testimonial for two Yeltz players. As is his word a full team was sent to Halesowen with a bumper crowd to help the club and the players.
There are some pictures and comments about Graham here...
http://www.yeltz.co.uk/0/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3210&start=10
Graham Taylor is a true football man and Villa legend, he turned Villa around with great integrity, honesty and decency. RIP Graham - and thank you.
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I sincerely hope they hold a silence rather than an applause at saturdays game.
For me, it is more powerful, poignant and dignified.
Absolutely.
Followed by a game long "Graham Taylor's Claret 'n'Blue Army" in tribute ala Everton 1990.
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I sent a letter the the club in 88 when i was around 14 telling them about my school project about the Villa. A few weeks later a nice big package arrived with a signed personal letter from Graham himself I was well chuffed I've never forgotten that. R.I.P Sir Graham the nicest man in football.
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A legend at Scunthorpe
A legend at Lincoln
A legend at Watford
A legend at The Villa
Is there anyone in the football world like SGT?
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A sad day. One of the most honest, hard working, kind and genuine people to have been involved in the game and we as a club were indeed fortunate to have him as our manager. Rest in Peace Graham Taylor for being a huge part of my Villa supporting life.
Never to be forgotten. Always remembered.
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I read the heartfelt and moving stories from those who knew SGT well, and from those who had a fleeting acquaintance. In almost 50 years of following Villa, this is the saddest day I can remember. Too soon, too soon.
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Had to bite my tongue today when I heard someone at work remark that "the turnip is dead".
It's not the time or place but on the plus side the said person has flagged up the fact that they are a brain dead sheep, incapable of independent thought and unworthy of any kind of acknowledgment in future. It can be trying attempting to be polite to idiots, you don't have to bother doing it now.
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Havent a ticket for Wolves but hope we give him a good send off at VP, Im ready.
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A sign of a true legend is how fondly they are spoke of when alive. Graham Taylor was always held in the highest regard and will go down a major player in the history of our club.
I'm sure it's been said before but I dread to think what would have happened to us without his appointment in 1987.
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Heard some moving tributes tonight but thought there was lovely affection from Pat Murphy. The range of people pouring out their affection has been touching.
RIP to a great football manager and a great man.
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I sincerely hope they hold a silence rather than an applause at saturdays game.
For me, it is more powerful, poignant and dignified.
Absolutely.
Followed by a game long "Graham Taylor's Claret 'n'Blue Army" in tribute ala Everton 1990.
I prefer the applauses. Someone can always ruin the silence, often by accident just entering the ground and not knowing what is going on. But a couple of shouts followed by a load of "shut ups" and a bit of booing is far less dignified than an entire stadium standing to applaud.
I'd also prefer singing "there's only one Graham Taylor", so Wolves fans can join in should they so choose.
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Anyone wishing they had a ticket for Saturday now? I cannot wait to pay my respects.
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I've actively supported Aston Villa since the late 60's, but, for a number of reasons, fell out of love during the mid 80's. Sir Graham Taylor's appointment rekindled my passion from which time I've missed very games, also indoctrinating my children and now grandchildren into 'The Villa' which gives me immense pleasure. My family and I owe the gentleman more than words can say.
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Anyone wishing they had a ticket for Saturday now? I cannot wait to pay my respects.
Smart arse ;)
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I've told this before but....
We had a bad start to the last relegation season (87?) and hadn't had a win as we travelled to Leicester, we got off the train at around midday and, in those dark days, the Old Bill didn't fancy a load of Villa fans in Leicester City centre and promptly frog marched us to the ground about two and half hours early. We sat down bored and a few Villa players eventually appeared and started to warm up, after a bit SGT popped his head out and was about to go back inside when the 50 or so of us sang 'One Graham Taylor' to him, he looked round and promptly jogged over, hurdled over the hoardings and sat down amongst us for a chat. He was an absolute gent and had a laugh and a joke for 10 mins before concluding with 'right lads, you all behave yourselves today and get behind us, anyone got any final questions?'
'Yeah Graham, when are we going to fucking win?' came an enquiry.
'Today lads, today'
And we did, and kept on winning.
God bless him.
I was there and one of the lads who was in the crowd of six of us was a friend of a friend of mine called Wazzy from Castle Brom. He was the guy who shouted the question. Another one of the gang I was with got thrown out. He had travelled to the game strait from getting on a plane from holiday in Spain and before kick off threw up in his sombrero!
For what it is worth I remember it slightly differently to you. I don't recall Wazzy using the F word. I think he just shouted 'when are we going to win Graham'. Nev was sat with us so maybe he can confirm or deny.
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very sad news, but lets remember him as a very positive figure in our club and the football world. And if fools recall the abuse he had from the Sin and other Tabloid newspapers, they are beneath contempt. His record as a club manager is second to none, and talking about second that Is where he left us when he went for the England job.
Had he stayed, our history could have been so different. But he put us back at the top and we were there for years because of him. And he shares with Brian Little and Ron Atkinson a bond with the fans that other managers have neither had nor looked like wanting. He was always friendly and approachable, if only by email in later years.
My fondest memories is off the field, one pre season he held a meet the fans in the Holte Suite and brought along J Lloyd Samuel and Peter Crouch and other players. A lovely evening, and they came round the tables and talked to the fans. It felt that Villa was, while he was there, a real family.
So different to now. Au Revoir Sir Graham. A knight in both the legal sense and the chivalric sense. You were an honourable man.
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Harry Harris, still in the gutter.
Why the fuck did R5 have that ****** on?
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Harry Harris, still in the gutter.
Why the fuck did R5 have that c*** on?
BBC innit. Going down the pan fast.
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Well what terribly upsetting news to hear of Graham's death, he was an absolute gent, and in my lifetime only Ron Saunders is ahead of him in the all time Villa managers list. He was honest, decent and bloody good in his job. He brought pride back to Aston Villa in '87 when we were rock bottom and I'll never forget that and I doubt any other Villa fan would either.
As an aside, my niece visits a respite centre for disabled people (in Sutton), and every year without fail Graham would turn up to hand out awards and watch the little plays and concerts they'd put on for parents and carers and generally be a good egg to all there. They all loved him because he had time for everyone and always had a good word of encouragement to say to people to give them a gee up.
Lovely man who will be missed. RIP Graham Taylor.
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https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jan/12/graham-taylor-gordon-cowans
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Sir Graham Taylor - A fine and polite man who -was not afraid to make his points in a direct and firm manner
The article below was from the Telegraph.
FOOTBALL
Alpay proves more trouble than he's worthy By Graham Taylor
12:01AM BST 25 Oct 2003
Patience finally ran out at Aston Villa this week when their troublesome Turk, Alpay Ozalan, commonly known in the dressing room as Alfie, was released from his contract. His spat with David Beckham during the Euro 2004 qualifier in Istanbul was, it seems, the final straw.
As his manager during my 15-month reign at Villa Park, I had become accustomed to having to deal with the differing moods of Alfie the person, but could never get to grips with Alfie the player simply because he was so rarely available for selection.
Before that crucial Turkey v England game earlier this month he saw fit to give an interview with a tabloid newspaper in which he was quoted as saying that I told lies about him and that I was too old.
I cannot do anything about the latter accusation, but rather than take legal action, I am going to try to explain what it really was like managing him and how difficult it is these days for a manager to handle a 'problem player'.
ADVERTISEMENT
I first saw Alpay play for the Villa in my role as non-executive director, when John Gregory was manager, and must admit to being reasonably impressed at his central-defensive partnership with the Swedish player Oli Mellberg. It was, however, noticeable that on some occasions Mellberg had to rescue Alpay from his poor positional play.
On becoming manager I did a check on the background of those players about whom I felt I needed more information. My Turkish informant advised me that Villa had paid Fenerbahce about £2 million more than was expected for the player. Alpay, he said, was a decent player but would never admit to any mistakes in a match being his fault. Oh, and he was inclined to make a couple of major errors each game.
Was that worrying? Not at the time, because Alfie had not played since being injured some three months previously. I thought I would have the time to assess him as a person, which for me is as crucial as to how good a player I may judge him.
In fact, almost as I took up the managerial reigns I was informed that Alfie had booked himself into a clinic in Munich because he was not satisfied with the treatment or diagnosis of his injury. Subsequently, the club's medical staff presented me with Alpay's day-to-day diagnosis and treatment dossier.
As I was unable to meet Alpay due to his absence I authorised the physiotherpist Jim Walker to go and spend a week with the player at the clinic to observe what type of treatment he was receiving. At the end of the season, Alfie would claim that no one from the club had shown an interest in him when he was in the clinic and that he had paid £25,000 of his own money in medical fees.
In contract negotiations after the World Cup the club agreed to pay his fees, even though he had gone without their authority. Understandably, though, they would like the invoices for the fees. To my knowledge no such invoices or medical reports have been presented to Aston Villa.
There was rumour that the Turkish FA had both paved the way for Alpay to attend the clinic and looked after the expense in their endeavours to have him fit for the World Cup.
Consequently I only saw Alpay on two or three occasions in the latter part of the 2001-02 season. One of those was when he informed the club's press officer that he would be returning to the club for the last home game of the season against Southampton. Please announce that on the club's website, he requested.
He duly turned up. He ran the customary end of season lap of honour with the other players, kissing the club crest on his blazer.
He seemed happy and proclaimed himself fit and so, as we had one remaining away game at Chelsea, we agreed that he would report to the training ground on the following Tuesday to prepare for the possibility of him making an appearance, even if only as a substitute.
The next time I saw him was in Hong Kong where he was playing for Turkey in a mini-tournament in preparation for the World Cup. Through the Turkish officials I arranged a meeting with him and asked him why he had not reported to the club as agreed.
His reply was that he had told Jim Walker he would not be coming, and that I must understand that this World Cup was a of crucial importance to him and that he had not wanted to risk being injured against Chelsea. Jim Walker knew nothing of the so-called conversation.
I watched Turkey play all their World Cup games. I saw Alfie get sent off against Brazil and then listened to the announcement of him being nominated in a best World Cup squad.
Turkey were in the World Cup finals for only the second time and had reached the semi-finals. A magnificient achievement and one where football politics at this level meant there had to be a Turkish player in the World team. There were too many good forward players from other countries. Not too many outstanding centre backs, though I would still put Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell ahead of Alfie, but England had been knocked out at the quarter-final stage.
Now the problems really started. In the World Cup XI and with Pini Zahavi as his agent, who could really blame Alfie for thinking that the next club was Real Madrid, Juventus, Barcelona, or AC Milan? Forget Aston Villa, even though there were still two years left on his contract.
Surprisingly, I did have some sympathy for him. Even though he was 29 at the time and not the most mature person. Who would not be thinking along those lines? Whispers in his ears promising massive financial rewards would indeed be hard to resist.
Where did this leave Aston Villa? With a player who was convinced he was getting a move to a bigger and better club and that this would happen before the August transfer window closed.
I have to say that as his manager I was fervently hoping that a club would come in for him as I had witnessed his attitude before and after the World Cup and was not convinced that he was reliable as a person off the pitch or as a player on it. These are decisions that managers have to take and we do not get them right all of the time, but I was not prepared to tolerate Alpay's lack of commitment to the club.
Understandably the Villa chairman, Doug Ellis, would not make public the asking price, but it was being made abundantly clear by Alpay and his representatives that as the transfer market had collapsed Villa should not expect to get back the £5 million-plus that they had paid Fenerbache. Try explaining that to Doug!
As the days passed and no club came in for him, it was intimated that Alfie would not be averse to considering improved financial terms in a new contract. So Villa were now in a position of either selling Alpay at a reduced fee or giving him a new contract on better terms.
By the time the transfer window had closed there had not been one offer for the player and all my media comments seemed to have revolved around Alpay. This was to continue for pretty well the rest of the season.
I was not prepared to be reliant on Alfie and signed Ronny Johnsen on a free transfer knowing that a fit Ronny and Oli Mellberg would be the best centre-back pairing in the club.
The number of meetings and phone calls with Alpay and his representatives - and the latter changed on numerous occasions as the season went on - did little to persuade me that anything but a move for the player was the right thing for everybody.
But there had to be a buying club for that to happen. The accusation was that Villa were pricing him out of the market. That was not true. As far as I was aware no club had put in a bid for him and I am sure the chairman would have told me if he had received one.
The situation was dragging everyone down and unfortunately Alfie's training began to turn for the worse. In small-sided games he would play in a wide position, showing little real interest and from being at the front in certain training sessions he began to appear at the back. All the signs of a 'problem player'.
When he was away on international duty it was a standard joke with the Villa coaching staff that I would have more calls from the media in the week because he would be sounding off in the belief that what he said abroad would not come back to England. He still does that.
There is one national journalist who sat next to him on a flight, explained who he was and did an interview with him. Later Alfie denied that he had spoken to him.
He would give you the charm offensive and probably then a denial of what he was supposed to have said. Then his story would change two or three times. Hard to follow, believe me.
There was no real problem in the Turkey game until Alpay's reaction to David Beckham's penalty miss. Only those involved know what happened in the tunnel at half-time, but would any of that happened if Alpay had not been so silly?
I gave him one final chance to ressurect his career with the Villa by playing him in an away game at Charlton, but the reaction by a large section of the Villa supporters told me that even they had enough.
My problem was that I could not convince Ellis to move him on for next to nothing, and yet all the time his actions were eating away at the standards and values I was expecting from the other Villa players, especially the younger ones. We needed Alpay and a couple of other players to leave, but Doug found it impossible to cut his losses. The problem of being a public limited company and not just a football club perhaps?
It is extremely difficult for a club when dealing with a 'problem player' because there is little disciplinary action they can take and what they can do has little effect on the player's circumstances.
In Alfie's case he was not prepared to play in the reserve team and to be truthful it would not have been beneficial for the younger players if he had played as his attitude was not right. They deserved better than that.
I have managed hundreds of players throughout my career and it is impossible to get on well with everyone. There will always be problems, but Alfie was a major disappointment to me because he just could not be trusted.
I never knew from one day to another what he was going to say or how he was going to act or indeed whether I would get another message that he was ill and could not report for training. That meant yet another visit by the club doctor.
Alpay is a proud man and, on many occasions, a friendly man and I have not liked what has happened to him. But I feel sorry for Villa and for the chairman. And as is usual it is the supporters who have been let down.
Kissing the badge means nothing. It should not be necessary. Players should show supporters how much they care by how they play and by how they conduct themselves. And if Alfie had come back from the World Cup intent on showing the Villa supporters what a good player he was, then he might just have got the transfer he was after.
Now, in extraordinary circumstances, he has got his wish
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I've told this before but....
We had a bad start to the last relegation season (87?) and hadn't had a win as we travelled to Leicester, we got off the train at around midday and, in those dark days, the Old Bill didn't fancy a load of Villa fans in Leicester City centre and promptly frog marched us to the ground about two and half hours early. We sat down bored and a few Villa players eventually appeared and started to warm up, after a bit SGT popped his head out and was about to go back inside when the 50 or so of us sang 'One Graham Taylor' to him, he looked round and promptly jogged over, hurdled over the hoardings and sat down amongst us for a chat. He was an absolute gent and had a laugh and a joke for 10 mins before concluding with 'right lads, you all behave yourselves today and get behind us, anyone got any final questions?'
'Yeah Graham, when are we going to fucking win?' came an enquiry.
'Today lads, today'
And we did, and kept on winning.
God bless him.
I was there and one of the lads who was in the crowd of six of us was a friend of a friend of mine called Wazzy from Castle Brom. He was the guy who shouted the question. Another one of the gang I was with got thrown out. He had travelled to the game strait from getting on a plane from holiday in Spain and before kick off threw up in his sombrero!
For what it is worth I remember it slightly differently to you. I don't recall Wazzy using the F word. I think he just shouted 'when are we going to win Graham'. Nev was sat with us so maybe he can confirm or deny.
Well it was thirty years ago and the basic jist is there. As it happens I was thinking about this earlier and one of the lads I was with was from Castle Brom or Smiths Wood. I didn't really know him well, just from down the match, I can't mind his name but he was an Indian/Pakistani kid a few years older than me who biked everywhere.
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A genuine, principled man. RIP
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http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/graham-taylor-aston-villa-letter-12446790
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Had a look on Watford's twitter to see their respect to SGT and noticed they've put a book of condolences at the club for people to leave their messages....Troy Deeney was pictured.
Anyone know if we've got any plans to do this. Would be lovely for the Taylor family to read given the stories posted on here and elsewhere.
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It's not often that I contribute with comment here but I do read the pages daily. It seems a long time ago now but I ran a football team in Birmingham, had my coaching badges and through the county FA got involved with professional clubs. Villa was and will always be my team, however I recall with great affection an evening at Villa park, I had my 7 yr old son with me and we were walking back to the car passing the old entrance to the offices via the north stand out strode Mr Taylor, he walked past one of the Clarke brothers who I think was trying to get a move to the Villa, and straight to my lad.
His warmth, enthusiasm and charm flowed from him as he crouched and spoke to my son, "do you want to be a player for this magnificent club son, .". I then remember him saying "work hard and you'll achieve all that you want" after a little while he draped his coat over his arm, shook my hand and walked off to his car. I'll never forget that night, and it summed him up to a tee. A lovely human being with no airs and graces and one who will sadly be missed. RIP
UTV
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Can't remember the year, but Villa beat Watford 4-0. Graham was managing them at the time, and I remember as he walked up the touchline Villa fans were leaning out to shake his hand and he was all smiles.....then he got a massive chant of 'there's only one Graham Taylor' and 'Graham, give us a wave'.....and even before that, when he'd left Villa, he wrote a letter to the Evening Mail or Sutton Coldfield news, can't remember which, saying how much he'd enjoyed his time and what it meant to him....
A class act. He will be missed.
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Since reading Jon Crofts' story at around 7pm I've barely stopped blubbing at all the tributes.
What a phenomenal man (SGT, not JC, although I keep an open mind!).
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Can't remember the year, but Villa beat Watford 4-0. Graham was managing them at the time, and I remember as he walked up the touchline Villa fans were leaning out to shake his hand and he was all smiles.....then he got a massive chant of 'there's only one Graham Taylor' and 'Graham, give us a wave'.....and even before that, when he'd left Villa, he wrote a letter to the Evening Mail or Sutton Coldfield news, can't remember which, saying how much he'd enjoyed his time and what it meant to him....
A class act. He will be missed.
Feb 2000. Only time i've bet on a game inside the ground, had a fiver on us to win 3-0. 0-0 at half time, 3-0 after an hour and me hoping we wouldn't score again. Up popped Richard Walker to score with about 10 to go. I was probably more miserable about him scoring than the Watford fans.
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A true gentleman.
I had the pleasure of meeting Graham in Venice when I was living in Italy. My parents were visiting me and it was a hot day in May, very humid. He was with his wife Rita, a lovely lady, and I spotted him as we were strolling around. His first time at Villa was when I was very young, so I don't remember those days very clearly, but I had a season ticket for the 2002-2003 season, and knew the importance of the man to the club. And the club to the man.
We politely approached him, and I thanked him for his love and hard work for my dearest club. After about 10 minutes of him and my dad discussing football, and my mum and Rita discussing Italian food(and me just standing there), Graham told us he was hot and hungry and suggested we go to a bar for some food. 'It's on me, he declared. I need to convince your father that he supports the wrong club'(my dearest dad being a Leicester fan).
So with that, we went to a lovely cafe Graham knew, ate wonderful pizza and drank prosecco throughout the afternoon until the early evening. I remember how entertaining, articulate and genuinely funny he was. His knowledge of Villa put mine to shame. This was just after the end of the 2009-2010 season and he absolutely loved Ashley Young. He was still fuming about Vidic at Wembley, too. We invited him back to the house I was living in in Padova at the time, and he accepted.
Two hours later, Graham, Rita, my mum and dad, plus me and 6 Italian housemates were sat in our kitchen, playing guitar, feasting and talking about Villa. He didn't bat an eyelid when my Palestinian friend brought out a Shisha pipe and added a little hashish to the bowl. I simply could not believe it. Couldn't believe how much he loved us, the fans, either. At the end of the night, Graham politely excused himself and that was the last time I ever saw him. One of the true legends of my life.
Despite a small language barrier-my housemates didn't speak English wonderfully, neither did I have much command of the Italian language at that point, I assumed they had understood who he was. I was wrong. They thought he was my uncle, and it's still a running joke to this day, especially after they checked exactly who he was online. To those 6 housemates, he is my 'super brilliant uncle from Aston Villa'.
Brilliant man, brilliant. I loved him.
I feel extremely sad today.
Rest in peace Graham, you'll never be forgotten. I'll try digging out some photos of that evening and will post them on here when I do.
And thank you for everything.
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It doesn't normally affect me when some one famous passes away but i've sat here with tears in my eyes reading the tributes to SGT i met him a couple of times & as been said by most people he was one of lifes true gentlemen.
To do what he did with lincoln & watford & then come to us & save the club from going into freefall which we where in danger of doing is on a par with any of the so called greats.
Some of my best days watching Villa was in Grahams time at the club.
Thanks for the memories SGT
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That's a brilliant post Axl and says everything about what a great person Graham Taylor was. He was a true gentleman and will be sorely missed. RIP Sir Graham.
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Amazing, Axl. Best Villa story ever. After reading that, I don't need to read anything else about GT and believe me, I've spent most of the day doing just that.
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My Dad just rang me to see if I'd heard the news and he reminded me of this story of great kindness and humility from SGT.
Ian, a friend had cystic fibrosis which meant although he was an avid Villa fan his condition wouldn't allow him to get to a game. My Dad wrote to Villa, Steve Stride if he remembers rightly, to see if Ian could get along to Bodymoor Heath one day for a bit of a behind the scenes visit. Ian had several complications with his CF and wasn't expected to live into his 30s.
Graham Taylor replied personally to my old man (I'm now hoping somewhere at their home he's kept that letter, I did ask him!) promising to fulfil Ian's dream of meeting some players and watching them play & train. Well, I can't even begin to describe what SGT ended up doing with Ian. I know he spent the day at BH and was put up at The Belfry by Villa for a couple of nights with his family. They were picked up on the Saturday and travelled with the team on a Flights coach to an away game, memory is failing, can't remember which one but we think it was Middlesborough. Ian sat next to SGT all the way there and back, I've seen some old Polaroids of him playing cards with some of the players. This meant Ian was away from his family for about 24 hours, CF sufferers need to be massaged and helped with dealing with the mucus build up in the respiratory tract & lungs. Ian's Mum usually helped with this but SGT said if she showed him how to do it he'd make sure him and the physios dealt with it, she can have the day off.
Ian died about 6 months after that amazing experience.
SGT came to Ian's funeral, no mean feat considering it was in Surrey. On Ian's coffin was a picture of him laughing and smiling with SGT.
Jon, thank you for posting that. Wonderful story and I really shouldn't have read this at work. I need to go into a meeting room as I now have grit in my eyes.
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RIP SGT - passionate, humane, charismatic, real and of course a thorough gentleman.
A true gem from the old school. Gutted.
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Thank you for all the great stories. Lots of dust in my eye at work today.
A Celtic fan (who as an aside is very good friends with Alec Mcleish which may explain his reaction) walked up to me in the bar after work tonight shook my hand and said "Villa lost a good man today" and looked genuinely gutted. As noted in many fora today it's rare to see such universal love and praise for someone from across the football world.
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Some wonderful stories in here of a great man.
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Super post, Axl, just super.
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One of my best memories was promotion at Swindon. Villa fans crowded around my radio at the end of the game. Seemed like ever waiting for the final whistle at the 2 other games. Who knows where we would have been without Graham as the team had been very poor for a few year previous. RIP Graham Taylor.
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The more you read the more you hear of an epic man he was.
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A true gentleman.
I had the pleasure of meeting Graham in Venice when I was living in Italy. My parents were visiting me and it was a hot day in May, very humid. He was with his wife Rita, a lovely lady, and I spotted him as we were strolling around. His first time at Villa was when I was very young, so I don't remember those days very clearly, but I had a season ticket for the 2002-2003 season, and knew the importance of the man to the club. And the club to the man.
We politely approached him, and I thanked him for his love and hard work for my dearest club. After about 10 minutes of him and my dad discussing football, and my mum and Rita discussing Italian food(and me just standing there), Graham told us he was hot and hungry and suggested we go to a bar for some food. 'It's on me, he declared. I need to convince your father that he supports the wrong club'(my dearest dad being a Leicester fan).
So with that, we went to a lovely cafe Graham knew, ate wonderful pizza and drank prosecco throughout the afternoon until the early evening. I remember how entertaining, articulate and genuinely funny he was. His knowledge of Villa put mine to shame. This was just after the end of the 2009-2010 season and he absolutely loved Ashley Young. He was still fuming about Vidic at Wembley, too. We invited him back to the house I was living in in Padova at the time, and he accepted.
Two hours later, Graham, Rita, my mum and dad, plus me and 6 Italian housemates were sat in our kitchen, playing guitar, feasting and talking about Villa. He didn't bat an eyelid when my Palestinian friend brought out a Shisha pipe and added a little hashish to the bowl. I simply could not believe it. Couldn't believe how much he loved us, the fans, either. At the end of the night, Graham politely excused himself and that was the last time I ever saw him. One of the true legends of my life.
Despite a small language barrier-my housemates didn't speak English wonderfully, neither did I have much command of the Italian language at that point, I assumed they had understood who he was. I was wrong. They thought he was my uncle, and it's still a running joke to this day, especially after they checked exactly who he was online. To those 6 housemates, he is my 'super brilliant uncle from Aston Villa'.
Brilliant man, brilliant. I loved him.
I feel extremely sad today.
Rest in peace Graham, you'll never be forgotten. I'll try digging out some photos of that evening and will post them on here when I do.
And thank you for everything.
Which basically says it all.
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I really hope the Rectums in the gutter press, particularly those responsible for the infamous "Turnip" caricature are feeling slightly low this morning - you will NEVER EVER be held in the esteem this man was. EVER.....
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Some brilliant stories on here. I met SGT a couple of times and he was a great bloke, as we all know. My best memory was Swindon away when we won promotion. I was 12 and with my dad and had travelled down on the family club coaches run by Dave Wallis. SGT invited everyone off the coach into the dressing room after the match to meet him and the players. I recall SGT shouting to an undressed Garry Thompson to cover up as there were ladies present!
A great gesture and obviously a memorable moment for all of us (people were boarding the coach with bits of kit and champagne bottles as souvenirs). Like many stories on here, something that just wouldn't happen today.
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Not sure whether it has been posted already, but good obit. from Phil McNulty.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38596836
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Axl, that is some memory to cherish.
I became a Villa fan under SGT's reign but was too young to appreciate it.
My only brush with him was during his second spell after beating Chelsea on the last day of the 2001/02 season. Dublin, Vassell and Crouched had all played their part in a win. We also had Angel, Balaban and I think Allback on the books. He was milling around the team bus and my dad asked him "What are you going to do with all those strikers you have?" "Keep 'em, I hope!" he replied quickly.
Has anyone read any tributes from Dwight? He rang Graham from the Nou Camp on the night of the Champions League Final in '99 to thank him for what he had done for him. I imagine he's pretty cut-up at the moment.
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When I joined the Army at 16, SGT was in his first year at VP.
I was missing home and missing going to the Villa, my mum wrote to the club saying I was homesick and suffering a bit and asked if anyone could help (all unknown to me)
At mail call a few weeks later a large brown envelope appeared for me stamped 'Aston Villa F.C' when I opened it there was a hand written letter from SGT asking how I was and that he hoped I would get over the homesickness. He said the Villa would always be here for me whenever I needed the club. He also sent me a glossy colour photo of the first team signed by him. (Not the usual type of print but an actual glossy photo) He wrote on the back 'Thanks for the service your doing, Graham.'
It made my day, and made helped me to get over my homesickness.
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When I joined the Army at 16, SGT was in his first year at VP.
I was missing home and missing going to the Villa, my mum wrote to the club saying I was homesick and suffering a bit and asked if anyone could help (all unknown to me)
At mail call a few weeks later a large brown envelope appeared for me stamped 'Aston Villa F.C' when I opened it there was a hand written letter from SGT asking how I was and that he hoped I would get over the homesickness. He said the Villa would always be here for me whenever I needed the club. He also sent me a glossy colour photo of the first team signed by him. (Not the usual type of print but an actual glossy photo) He wrote on the back 'Thanks for the service your doing, Graham.'
It made my day, and made helped me to get over my homesickness.
Incredible story. Thanks for sharing.
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The more you read the more you hear of an epic man he was.
100% this
Not since probably Bobby Robson has football lost such a decent man, the level of tributes from all quarters is astounding but not surprising to anyone who knew him - and to think this news broke on a day a modern footballer (Payet) threw his rattle out and does not want to play for his reputed £160k per week.
What has Harris said?
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A true gentleman.
[..........]
Brilliant man, brilliant. I loved him.
I feel extremely sad today.
Rest in peace Graham, you'll never be forgotten. I'll try digging out some photos of that evening and will post them on here when I do.
And thank you for everything.
Fantastic story Nik. The biggest regret is that this man deserved to win the League in 1990 but...
What he did for Watford (twice) and the broken Villa when he took over in 1987 was on par with Clough's achievements at Derby and Forest.
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I'm not sure if this has been posted on here already but, talking about the family-man side of Taylor, do you remember when we played Man United at Old Trafford and he decided that it was more important for him to attend his daughter's graduation than to sit on a bench watching his team play?
There's a man with his priorities in the right order.
Also, a fantastic black and white photo on the back of the Metro today of Sir Graham standing in front of the old Trinity.
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I'm not sure if this has been posted on here already but, talking about the family-man side of Taylor, do you remember when we played Man United at Old Trafford and he decided that it was more important for him to attend his daughter's graduation than to sit on a bench watching his team play?
There's a man with his priorities in the right order.
I was thinking about this last night. I completely agree with you.
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Still tearful as I read all the tributes !
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Apologies if this has already been posted....
https://mobile.twitter.com/TalesFromTheVic/status/819680448095879171
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Sir Graham was in charge when my mom started taking me along to the Villa. These we're really special days and games I will never forget. I remember my late father taking me up to Bodymoor Heath and Graham came over and chatted with us. I wasnt listening as I was on player lookout for autographs but Graham chatted with my Dad for a good 5 minutes. I have no idea what was said but both my Dad and Graham left the conversation laughing. Really sad day yesterday, may you rest in peace.
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After reading all of the tributes yesterday evening, I was minded to look over the pages relating to Sir Graham in Paul McGrath's autobiography. There is page after page of evidence of the goodness of the man. I thought the following summed him up particularly well, so thought I'd post it on here:
I had liked Graham Taylor from the first time we spoke. He had a quirky way about him. He'd bounce up and down out of his chair, all energy and business. Even those chats in his office, they weren't all doom and gloom. He had a lovely way of lightening things. 'Ah big man, step into my clinic'.
The thing that struck me above all else was that he was interested in me. I mean he had every reason to be furious. One of his big summer signings had turned out to be a walking mess. I couldn't have argued if he was obnoxious, if he'd turned on me saying 'What the fuck are you like you dozy twat?'
But he was open and caring. I always felt welcome in his office. He'd say to me, 'Look, if you need something, come to me. We're all here to help you.' That was his attitude. He gave me his home number. I felt I could talk to him on a level I had probably never talked on with anyone else in football.
He even said to me that if I ever felt things getting on top of me again, I would be welcome to come and stay with him and his wife, Rita. I don't think I'm being melodramatic when I say that he literally rescued me from a very bad, bad scene.
It wasn't just a case of giving me the time of day. He was giving me time. I was getting a lot off my chest when I'd go to see him. In many ways, I was at a point of crisis in my life and I needed someone to pull me back from it. My confidence was in ribbons.
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Remember this when it was broadcast.Like many have said , could listen to the Great man all day.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02kszvb
The Jeremy Vine show are doing a feature about Sir Graham's England tenure later on today.
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Football is not really a game (not really a game anymore full-stop) - industry, marked by tales of altruism.
No doubt SGT would shake-off all the kind words for his multiple acts of decency to strangers as him just being a human-being but I think Pat Murphy put it nicely last night. ''He was always in danger of bringing the game into repute''.
He must have had a bellyfull of it all when he decided to quit in 2003.
Makes me angrier thinking about that horrible podcast of Jimmy ''Bantz'' Bullard and one interview he did with Lee Hendrie (who I've always defended on here) and the pair of thick pricks laughing about a story of Hendrie acting the dick at a London hotel while SGT was in charge and a journalist, who was at the same hotel and witnessing the drunken larking-about in question, rang Graham (instead of printing a story falling in his lap, which in itself may have been because of the respect with which he held Graham) to tell him what his players were up to.
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Everything has already been said. Such sad news. RIP SGT.
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Football is not really a game (not really a game anymore full-stop) - industry, marked by tales of altruism.
No doubt SGT would shake-off all the kind words for his multiple acts of decency to strangers as him just being a human-being but I think Pat Murphy put it nicely last night. ''He was always in danger of bringing the game into repute''.
He must have had a bellyfull of it all when he decided to quit in 2003.
Makes me angrier thinking about that horrible podcast of Jimmy ''Bantz'' Bullard and one interview he did with Lee Hendrie (who I've always defended on here) and the pair of thick pricks laughing about a story of Hendrie acting the dick at a London hotel while SGT was in charge and a journalist, who was at the same hotel and witnessing the drunken larking-about in question, rang Graham (instead of printing a story falling in his lap, which in itself may have been because of the respect with which he held Graham) to tell him what his players were up to.
Pat Murphy put it nicely last night. ''He was always in danger of bringing the game into repute" - Fantastic quote
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1 day on still can't quite believe it but reading the stories on here gives me comfort. That one from Axl is fantastic, he was so generous with his time with supporters its amazing.
He had an impact on so many of us we really need to think how we can honour him appropriately. For me a statue or stand doesn't do him justice would like something more innovative, alive and in keeping with Grahams enthusiasm for the game and it's people. I'm sure with the right idea presented Dr Tony and the club would get behind it financially.
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It's weird, but far from the news sinking in and coming to terms with it, the more I read, the more upset I'm getting. And I was pretty upset to begin with.
As referred to by Bren'd earlier, this is the incident with Alan Green, copied and pasted from the Daily Heil to save you generating any clicks for them. I could swear Green's hissy fit was on air but I could be wrong.
Charles Sale: Home truths from Taylor anger Green
By Charles Sale for the Daily Mail23:02, 08 Sep 2009, updated 19:37, 09 Sep 2009
There has been yet another fall-out between 5 Live's maverick football commentator Alan Green and one of his colleagues - this time former England manager Graham Taylor.
The bust-up occurred during the Kazakhstan World Cup qualifier when Taylor, who has become a popular and respected member of the England media corps, was working alongside Green on the match coverage.
Green made an outlandish comment about wanting 'to shoot' those taking part in a Mexican wave in the stadium to which Taylor retorted, understandably: 'Sometimes you do say stupid things.' Afterwards Green admonished Taylor: 'Never, never call me stupid on air again.'
This provoked Taylor to tell Green - not before time - a few home truths about the way he treats fellow 5 Live team members. But having got that off his chest, Taylor offered a hand of friendship the following day, which was not accepted - sparking another Taylor managerial hairdryer in Green's direction.
Since then Taylor and his agent have had words with the 5 Live management about the former Watford and Aston Villa boss greatly enjoying his 5 Live work but just not needing the sort of confrontation he had had with Green, who last season refused to travel on the same plane as 5 Live presenter Mark Saggers - now working for talkSPORT.
Both Taylor and Green will be part of the 5 Live team at Wembley tonight for the World Cup qualifier against Croatia - but it's guaranteed any dialogue between them on air will be minimal.
A spokesperson for 5 Live, who have consistently turned a blind eye to Green controversies because he's always been an outstanding commentator, said: 'There is no problem between Alan Green and Graham Taylor, who work regularly and happily together.'
If you have any more tears to shed, Paul McGrath's reaction on Twitter yesterday may just the care of that.
https://twitter.com/Paulmcgrath5/status/819547959398432768
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The tributes from all across football shows the esteem he was held in and bloody right too.
Has Platt said anything? If ever a player was created by a manager it was Platty - he owed SGT for his career
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My first game of football was watching Lincoln City get promoted from the 4th Division. I was too young to know or even care who the manager was at the time. The start of a big journey for him.
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For any H&V'ers that may still buy the Sun from time to time I thought it would be worthwhile posting this here. Taken from football365.com's mediawatch feature;
Is that an apology, then?
‘Golden Graham’ reads The Sun’s headline after the tragic passing of former England manager Graham Taylor at the age of 72.
‘He never bore grudge… even after this’ reads the secondary headline, pointing to The Sun’s own infamous headline of ‘Swedes 2 Turnips 1’ from 1993.
‘YOU HAD to admire Graham Taylor for his ever-so-English ability to look his tormentors, myself included, full on and never bear a grudge,’ writes former football chief Alex Montgomery, brought back for a special column.
‘It would have been so easy for him as England manager to snub papers like The Sun. Instead he chose to ignore what was a campaign to get him out of the job when his challenge for the 1992 European Championships failed so badly. That resulted in our classic headline above my match report.
‘As it turned out, Taylor always admired the headline that summed up his failure as England manager. It was penned by the great SunSport production journalist Dave Clement, an absolute master of the tabloid headline.’
Taylor did indeed admire that headline, but what Montgomery fails to mention is just how much The Sun’s subsequent coverage hurt Taylor. He was belittled, vilified and humiliated, mocked up as a root vegetable and given a moniker that would haunt him for the rest of his life. This was the worst strand of tabloid journalism: personal attacks to sell copy.
“The operation on my knee, goodness it hurt. It was the sort of pain people say they wouldn’t wish on their worst enemies. I’m different, I would,” Taylor said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph in 2013.
“I remember I met Kelvin McKenzie, who was the editor of The Sun at the time, and he told me I was being over-sensitive to complain about his paper calling me a turnip. He said it was a bit of fun. Well, I was at a match in Brentford several years later, making my way to my car after the game when I saw out of corner of my eye two yobbish-looking people coming out of the pub with a pint in each hand.
“They were shouting ‘there’s the effin turnip’ and they chucked the pints over me. If it wasn’t for the swift action of the Brentford security people, I reckon it would have been worse. Was that just a bit of fun, Kelvin?”
As for the ‘master of the tabloid headline’ Clement, Taylor wasn’t exactly enamoured. When Clement retired, The Sun crassly invited Taylor to present him with a special leaving present: an autographed copy of that headline. It was an invitation that Taylor rejected out of hand.
To not accept the paper’s guilt in Taylor’s struggles is one thing, but to turn the first paragraphs of your tribute to a kind, humble man into a self-celebration of your newspaper’s work really is quite another. Still, not the like The Sun to fail to reveal the full truth, is it?"
They really are the lowest of the low. absolute shithouses
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They've got some front, Classic headline my arse.
If that rag had only a shred of the dignity SGT had then a lot of families might have been saved a lot of heartache over the years.
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For any H&V'ers that may still buy the Sun from time to time I thought it would be worthwhile posting this here. Taken from football365.com's mediawatch feature;
Is that an apology, then?
‘Golden Graham’ reads The Sun’s headline after the tragic passing of former England manager Graham Taylor at the age of 72.
‘He never bore grudge… even after this’ reads the secondary headline, pointing to The Sun’s own infamous headline of ‘Swedes 2 Turnips 1’ from 1993.
‘YOU HAD to admire Graham Taylor for his ever-so-English ability to look his tormentors, myself included, full on and never bear a grudge,’ writes former football chief Alex Montgomery, brought back for a special column.
‘It would have been so easy for him as England manager to snub papers like The Sun. Instead he chose to ignore what was a campaign to get him out of the job when his challenge for the 1992 European Championships failed so badly. That resulted in our classic headline above my match report.
‘As it turned out, Taylor always admired the headline that summed up his failure as England manager. It was penned by the great SunSport production journalist Dave Clement, an absolute master of the tabloid headline.’
Taylor did indeed admire that headline, but what Montgomery fails to mention is just how much The Sun’s subsequent coverage hurt Taylor. He was belittled, vilified and humiliated, mocked up as a root vegetable and given a moniker that would haunt him for the rest of his life. This was the worst strand of tabloid journalism: personal attacks to sell copy.
“The operation on my knee, goodness it hurt. It was the sort of pain people say they wouldn’t wish on their worst enemies. I’m different, I would,” Taylor said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph in 2013.
“I remember I met Kelvin McKenzie, who was the editor of The Sun at the time, and he told me I was being over-sensitive to complain about his paper calling me a turnip. He said it was a bit of fun. Well, I was at a match in Brentford several years later, making my way to my car after the game when I saw out of corner of my eye two yobbish-looking people coming out of the pub with a pint in each hand.
“They were shouting ‘there’s the effin turnip’ and they chucked the pints over me. If it wasn’t for the swift action of the Brentford security people, I reckon it would have been worse. Was that just a bit of fun, Kelvin?”
As for the ‘master of the tabloid headline’ Clement, Taylor wasn’t exactly enamoured. When Clement retired, The Sun crassly invited Taylor to present him with a special leaving present: an autographed copy of that headline. It was an invitation that Taylor rejected out of hand.
To not accept the paper’s guilt in Taylor’s struggles is one thing, but to turn the first paragraphs of your tribute to a kind, humble man into a self-celebration of your newspaper’s work really is quite another. Still, not the like The Sun to fail to reveal the full truth, is it?"
They really are the lowest of the low. absolute shithouses
Excuse of a newspaper. Read by Luddites and knuckledraggers without a shred of dignity between them.
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My Dad just rang me to see if I'd heard the news and he reminded me of this story of great kindness and humility from SGT.
Ian, a friend had cystic fibrosis which meant although he was an avid Villa fan his condition wouldn't allow him to get to a game. My Dad wrote to Villa, Steve Stride if he remembers rightly, to see if Ian could get along to Bodymoor Heath one day for a bit of a behind the scenes visit. Ian had several complications with his CF and wasn't expected to live into his 30s.
Graham Taylor replied personally to my old man (I'm now hoping somewhere at their home he's kept that letter, I did ask him!) promising to fulfil Ian's dream of meeting some players and watching them play & train. Well, I can't even begin to describe what SGT ended up doing with Ian. I know he spent the day at BH and was put up at The Belfry by Villa for a couple of nights with his family. They were picked up on the Saturday and travelled with the team on a Flights coach to an away game, memory is failing, can't remember which one but we think it was Middlesborough. Ian sat next to SGT all the way there and back, I've seen some old Polaroids of him playing cards with some of the players. This meant Ian was away from his family for about 24 hours, CF sufferers need to be massaged and helped with dealing with the mucus build up in the respiratory tract & lungs. Ian's Mum usually helped with this but SGT said if she showed him how to do it he'd make sure him and the physios dealt with it, she can have the day off.
Ian died about 6 months after that amazing experience.
SGT came to Ian's funeral, no mean feat considering it was in Surrey. On Ian's coffin was a picture of him laughing and smiling with SGT.
Love this story and says all you need to know about the man.
Hope you don't mind Jon but put this on Twitter and people love the story. Notice one of the usual suspects who don't source where it's lifted from have picked up on it and it's going sort of 'viral'.
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Pat Murphy put it nicely last night. ''He was always in danger of bringing the game into repute" - Fantastic quote
And that would have meant a life time ban from football by FIFA.
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I was too upset at hearing the news to post anything yesterday and having read 24 pages of tributes to the great man on here over my lunch break today can feel tears welling in my eyes again.
A lovely man, a great manager, a bloody decent human being - thank you for everything you did for Aston Villa
Rest In Peace Sir Graham Taylor x
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https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/01/13/bruce-on-taylor
Here is Brucie's tribute to SGT. I started to fill up. Even though he does that usual finishing off the journalists sentence habit.
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It's weird, but far from the news sinking in and coming to terms with it, the more I read, the more upset I'm getting. And I was pretty upset to begin with.
As referred to by Bren'd earlier, this is the incident with Alan Green, copied and pasted from the Daily Heil to save you generating any clicks for them. I could swear Green's hissy fit was on air but I could be wrong.
Charles Sale: Home truths from Taylor anger Green
By Charles Sale for the Daily Mail23:02, 08 Sep 2009, updated 19:37, 09 Sep 2009
There has been yet another fall-out between 5 Live's maverick football commentator Alan Green and one of his colleagues - this time former England manager Graham Taylor.
The bust-up occurred during the Kazakhstan World Cup qualifier when Taylor, who has become a popular and respected member of the England media corps, was working alongside Green on the match coverage.
Green made an outlandish comment about wanting 'to shoot' those taking part in a Mexican wave in the stadium to which Taylor retorted, understandably: 'Sometimes you do say stupid things.' Afterwards Green admonished Taylor: 'Never, never call me stupid on air again.'
This provoked Taylor to tell Green - not before time - a few home truths about the way he treats fellow 5 Live team members. But having got that off his chest, Taylor offered a hand of friendship the following day, which was not accepted - sparking another Taylor managerial hairdryer in Green's direction.
Since then Taylor and his agent have had words with the 5 Live management about the former Watford and Aston Villa boss greatly enjoying his 5 Live work but just not needing the sort of confrontation he had had with Green, who last season refused to travel on the same plane as 5 Live presenter Mark Saggers - now working for talkSPORT.
Both Taylor and Green will be part of the 5 Live team at Wembley tonight for the World Cup qualifier against Croatia - but it's guaranteed any dialogue between them on air will be minimal.
A spokesperson for 5 Live, who have consistently turned a blind eye to Green controversies because he's always been an outstanding commentator, said: 'There is no problem between Alan Green and Graham Taylor, who work regularly and happily together.'
If you have any more tears to shed, Paul McGrath's reaction on Twitter yesterday may just the care of that.
https://twitter.com/Paulmcgrath5/status/819547959398432768
In my opiniong Green is another despicable oaf. And I don't get this fawning over his commentaries. They are ok, that is all.
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'Fawning' over Green's commentaries?
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Just referring to the article itself Chris where they say BBC were too scared to do anything about his behaviour because of his outstanding commentaries.
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Green was once a great commentator but any praise recieved was instantly taken as a licence to become something different altogether. He believes what he says is of more importance than that which he is talking about.
Graham Taylor was a great manager who turned into a fine broadcaster, Green isn't even the latter.
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Just referring to the article itself Chris where they say BBC were too scared to do anything about his behaviour because of his outstanding commentaries.
Got you! Personally I don't know anybody who likes him!
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I don't think I have ever felt more upset by the passing of someone I never met.
So why, when I read the news last night, although alone in a hotel room, did I blurt out loud "Oh God, please no"?
Well you've all said it so well, but to sum it up in my own way-
It's not because he was a great football manager.
It's not because he managed my beloved football team twice.
It's not even because he put the smile back on my face after the wilderness years of the mid eighties and took us back where we belonged.
It's because in an unkind and intolerant world, where vacuous celebrity and moody petulance is the benchmark style for football managers (and many others besides), he was someone who greeted both great success and public failure with humility and dignity, didn't take himself too seriously, knew what was important in life and was capable of great acts of quiet charity. He is the type of man I want my sons to be, and I'm just sorry he won't have more time to spread his positive influence.
He certainly deserved it.
Thankyou Sir.
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I met him when he was back at Watford the second time. I'd been sent to the training ground to film the squad training for some game or other.
I have the kind of job where I sometimes have to talk to well-known people, and usually I think nothing of it - it's just my work, I'm wearing a suit and playing the part of a TV news reporter who looks a bit like me.
But this was one of just two or three times where I was actually really nervous. I was worried I was going to start gushing and making a fool of myself. As it turned out I was fine, until right at the end. We finished the interview, I thanked him and told him I supported the Villa.
'Oh yes?' He said and smiled. Waiting for me to say something else.
'You know we all call you... *Sir* Graham Taylor, don't you?'
He threw his head back and laughed, and shook my hand. I don't know if I was telling him something he didn't know.
But I tell you what, I'm bloody glad I told him.
Anyway I'm now sitting in a McDonalds in County Durham, crying like a baby.
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Nice one Damon.
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I don't think I have ever felt more upset by the passing of someone I never met.
So why, when I read the news last night, although alone in a hotel room, did I blurt out loud "Oh God, please no"?
Well you've all said it so well, but to sum it up in my own way-
It's not because he was a great football manager.
It's not because he managed my beloved football team twice.
It's not even because he put the smile back on my face after the wilderness years of the mid eighties and took us back where we belonged.
It's because in an unkind and intolerant world, where vacuous celebrity and moody petulance is the benchmark style for football managers (and many others besides), he was someone who greeted both great success and public failure with humility and dignity, didn't take himself too seriously, knew what was important in life and was capable of great acts of quiet charity. He is the type of man I want my sons to be, and I'm just sorry he won't have more time to spread his positive influence.
He certainly deserved it.
Thankyou Sir.
Totally agree, GG
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Just found my tickets from the memorable game at Everton before Graham's England appointment. Front row of upper tier; what a day that was.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/e0vDWF/20170113_152609.jpg) (http://ibb.co/e0vDWF)
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I met him when he was back at Watford the second time. I'd been sent to the training ground to film the squad training for some game or other.
I have the kind of job where I sometimes have to talk to well-known people, and usually I think nothing of it - it's just my work, I'm wearing a suit and playing the part of a TV news reporter who looks a bit like me.
But this was one of just two or three times where I was actually really nervous. I was worried I was going to start gushing and making a fool of myself. As it turned out I was fine, until right at the end. We finished the interview, I thanked him and told him I supported the Villa.
'Oh yes?' He said and smiled. Waiting for me to say something else.
'You know we all call you... *Sir* Graham Taylor, don't you?'
He threw his head back and laughed, and shook my hand. I don't know if I was telling him something he didn't know.
But I tell you what, I'm bloody glad I told him.
Anyway I'm now sitting in a McDonalds in County Durham, crying like a baby.
At a book signing before he started with England I walked up to the front of the line as I just wanted to see him. I didn't have money for a book but knew I had to talk to him. I just blurted out, " Good luck sire and thank-you for everything". He looked at me smiled and said something that I can't remember but I remember him smiling as he spoke. Anybody else I'd call this my awkward star struck moment. But not then and still not now. I'm just happy I spoke to him.
You know I see him and always think of a Villa man. But he's not and never was. What's dawned on me more and more is that he was everyone's and he felt as much for us as everyone he worked for and every human being he came into contact with.
I don't know. I'm rambling now. I love reading these stories but wish we didn't have to. I've never thought I'd find it incredibly difficult when someone I don't know passes on. Christ I hope I go before Brian Little. Sorry I'm just talking shite now.
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For any H&V'ers that may still buy the Sun from time to time I thought it would be worthwhile posting this here. Taken from football365.com's mediawatch feature;
Is that an apology, then?
‘Golden Graham’ reads The Sun’s headline after the tragic passing of former England manager Graham Taylor at the age of 72.
‘He never bore grudge… even after this’ reads the secondary headline, pointing to The Sun’s own infamous headline of ‘Swedes 2 Turnips 1’ from 1993.
‘YOU HAD to admire Graham Taylor for his ever-so-English ability to look his tormentors, myself included, full on and never bear a grudge,’ writes former football chief Alex Montgomery, brought back for a special column.
‘It would have been so easy for him as England manager to snub papers like The Sun. Instead he chose to ignore what was a campaign to get him out of the job when his challenge for the 1992 European Championships failed so badly. That resulted in our classic headline above my match report.
‘As it turned out, Taylor always admired the headline that summed up his failure as England manager. It was penned by the great SunSport production journalist Dave Clement, an absolute master of the tabloid headline.’
Taylor did indeed admire that headline, but what Montgomery fails to mention is just how much The Sun’s subsequent coverage hurt Taylor. He was belittled, vilified and humiliated, mocked up as a root vegetable and given a moniker that would haunt him for the rest of his life. This was the worst strand of tabloid journalism: personal attacks to sell copy.
“The operation on my knee, goodness it hurt. It was the sort of pain people say they wouldn’t wish on their worst enemies. I’m different, I would,” Taylor said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph in 2013.
“I remember I met Kelvin McKenzie, who was the editor of The Sun at the time, and he told me I was being over-sensitive to complain about his paper calling me a turnip. He said it was a bit of fun. Well, I was at a match in Brentford several years later, making my way to my car after the game when I saw out of corner of my eye two yobbish-looking people coming out of the pub with a pint in each hand.
“They were shouting ‘there’s the effin turnip’ and they chucked the pints over me. If it wasn’t for the swift action of the Brentford security people, I reckon it would have been worse. Was that just a bit of fun, Kelvin?”
As for the ‘master of the tabloid headline’ Clement, Taylor wasn’t exactly enamoured. When Clement retired, The Sun crassly invited Taylor to present him with a special leaving present: an autographed copy of that headline. It was an invitation that Taylor rejected out of hand.
To not accept the paper’s guilt in Taylor’s struggles is one thing, but to turn the first paragraphs of your tribute to a kind, humble man into a self-celebration of your newspaper’s work really is quite another. Still, not the like The Sun to fail to reveal the full truth, is it?"
They really are the lowest of the low. absolute shithouses
The Sun. Outraged by everything, yet ashamed of nothing.
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Cascarino just on Today FM asked for his memories of SGT.
He said when he was round at Doug's to sign for Villa, negotiations were stalling between Doug and Cascarino. Sir Graham, not involved in the talks concerning figures, pops into the living room for a quick word in Cascarino's ear - "I know you're unsure about the offer but you know, Teddy Sheringham was my first choice". ''Well, you're a good judge of a player!" Cascarino replied.
Added that he felt unfortunate not to have worked with SGT for longer than three or four months. Maybe it was three months too many.
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Read a lovely story on Twitter today from former Watford player, Gifton Noel-Williams.
He was a young lad at Watford when SGT took over for the second time. He got called into SGT office and had recently become a young father and was worried that SGT was gonna give him a bollocking. SGT sat him down and asked if he was ok for money, did he need anything for the baby? Noel - Williams said he needed about 300 pounds worth of things for the baby. SGT got out his own personal cheque book and wrote a cheque for a grand to give to Noel-Williams. Told him not to worry about money and concentrate on his football and when he is at home, his young child.
We we're so lucky to have him as a part of the Villa family.
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Read a lovely story on Twitter today from former Watford player, Gifton Noel-Williams.
He was a young lad at Watford when SGT took over for the second time. He got called into SGT office and had recently become a young father and was worried that SGT was gonna give him a bollocking. SGT sat him down and asked if he was ok for money, did he need anything for the baby? Noel - Williams said he needed about 300 pounds worth of things for the baby. SGT got out his own personal cheque book and wrote a cheque for a grand to give to Noel-Williams. Told him not to worry about money and concentrate on his football and when he is at home, his young child.
We we're so lucky to have him as a part of the Villa family.
That's just made me weep like a baby
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I sincerely hope they hold a silence rather than an applause at saturdays game.
For me, it is more powerful, poignant and dignified.
Absolutely.
Followed by a game long "Graham Taylor's Claret 'n'Blue Army" in tribute ala Everton 1990.
Amen to that
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Apperently and unfortunately it is going to be a minutes applause with the two captains and some ex players laying flowers from what has come out from Wolves today.
I agree with andyh that the silence would be more appropriate and a fitting tribute to a caring, kind and dignified man.
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http://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/Off_The_Ball/Highlights_from_Off_The_Ball/174784/From_the_vault_Paul_McGrath_with_Graham_Taylor_2011
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Read a lovely story on Twitter today from former Watford player, Gifton Noel-Williams.
He was a young lad at Watford when SGT took over for the second time. He got called into SGT office and had recently become a young father and was worried that SGT was gonna give him a bollocking. SGT sat him down and asked if he was ok for money, did he need anything for the baby? Noel - Williams said he needed about 300 pounds worth of things for the baby. SGT got out his own personal cheque book and wrote a cheque for a grand to give to Noel-Williams. Told him not to worry about money and concentrate on his football and when he is at home, his young child.
We we're so lucky to have him as a part of the Villa family.
That's just made me weep like a baby
You're not alone mate, I was like that earlier when I first read it.
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Nicely covered on the Jeremy Vine show on Radio 2 today. A couple of touching stories, no doubt have been mentioned on this thread. Needless to say I was getting misty eyed at work listening to it. Seems that virtually everyone who met him thought he was a thoroughly good bloke.
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There will be tributes at Halesowen Town tomorrow prior to the match against Whitby. Sir Graham is remembered fondly by many Yeltz folk.
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It's been bittersweet to read all the memories of Sir Graham on here and round and about. You just get the impression of a fantastic person who cared about other people, and if we came across folk like that more often, life would be a much nicer place. Not just for his achievements but for just being Graham Taylor means he'll be greatly missed.
I never met him, but my granddad Bill used to drink in the Hardwick Arms in Streetly. On the odd occasion Villa players would pop in, and so would Sir Graham. One day I came home from school to be handed a set of Villa's published accounts for the season with his autograph on the front. My granddad explained that I was Villa mad, and Sir Graham said it was the only thing he had on him that had anything Villa on it that he could sign. In the subsequent years I recieved signed footballs and other bits and bobs, and would still treasure them if I hadn't lost them in a house fire some years ago. Bill used to get Christmas cards from the whole squad. Losing Sir Graham makes me feel like I've lost another piece of my granddad. It sucks.
RIP, Sir. You'll be greatly mourned.
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So many Sir Graham's stories have had me having a little weep but Jon Croft's tale was the most moving, got a little story of my own, when SGT returned the 2nd time he was on a Radio WM phone in back when it was a decent sports station, Graham mentioned that he had always tried to personally reply to as many fans as possible so I got in touch, I wrote the letters from Steve, David and Sean Kirk ( My 2 sons), we would sit down and decide what to ask him about the club, transfer targets etc etc, had 3 or 4 replies which went into great detail about the players we mentioned and his opinions of them and his ideas on how to get team performing better during that difficult season, but he would also always ask how we all were and how the boys were doing at school etc, made us feel very special.
God Bless Sir Graham Taylor
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the reaction to SGT passing has been truly remarkable. Wonderful tributes all over, especially on this site, and in the proper papers. GOrdon Cowans in the Guardian and quotes from Paul McGrath very excellent.
But lets try to make this more than a one day wonder. The man was exceptional, so his passing should be marked by a publication which gathers as many stories and passes them on so future generations will know how we regarded him. Might even set a standard for some to aspire to.
There is enough expertise and contacts in this fan base to make a special publication possible, and if it were sold to raise money for Acorns or a charity of the families choice, perhaps the heart foundation, then I am sure reproduction fees would be waived. It would show the world that English fans are about more than money and success.
So how about it? THis site has some wonderful stuff. So can we get the authors to agree to let their copyright material be made available as a first step? Then get a publishing operation together and go for it. The talent is there if the will is displayed.
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In 1999, I watched the play off final between Watford and Bolton and shouted for Watford all afternoon. At the scene of some of SGT's worst nightmares, was one of his greatest triumphs in taking Watford back to the top flight. His face at the end of the match was a picture to behold. Beat SHA in the semis as well.
As for Villa, it's all been mentioned. Saved us from oblivion after the Turner/McNeill debacles, memorable away days culminating with promotion at Swindon, hitting Everton for six, the Christmas triple, White Hart Lane, the magical day at Goodison, brought Sid back, made McGrath a legend, made Ian Ormondroyd believe he was a footballer, spotted David Platt and bought Dwight Yorke for £10,000.
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Can a subscriber to the Guardians Fiver email copy and paste yesterday's edition? I seem to have become unsubscribed and would be interested in their reporting of SGT's death.
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Sorry I'm late to this and also sorry if this has been posted already.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Jkq4Agl3yo8
Some see this as his worst hour. I see it as his best. Because we can all have grace and charm when life is good. Here is true grace when it's hardest not to be graceful.
RIP Sir Graham
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I was at a dinner with him once. His honesty and Yorke anikdotes were the highlights but such a nice bloke. Very sad.
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Not much of a story compared to some on here but still - as my old man prepped me for the Holte my first Villa game was a pre-season match at Moor Green with a Villa XI (it was 4-3, in case you're wondering). As a kid I hung around outside the dressing room afterwards in search of autographs and found myself getting the seemingly 9ft tall Ian Ormondroyd's scribe when SGT burst out of the door. Like most he could have bolted for the coach but he made a point of greeting everyone who had waited. I'll never forget him looking me in the eye and telling me my dad had done well and I should be proud to support such a great football club. He also told me I'd grow to be as tall as 'Sticks'.
He got one part right.
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Very rarely watch Football Focus , but today's programme has a tribute to Graham Taylor.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08bcgd8
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In 1999, I watched the play off final between Watford and Bolton and shouted for Watford all afternoon. At the scene of some of SGT's worst nightmares, was one of his greatest triumphs in taking Watford back to the top flight. His face at the end of the match was a picture to behold. Beat SHA in the semis as well.
As for Villa, it's all been mentioned. Saved us from oblivion after the Turner/McNeill debacles, memorable away days culminating with promotion at Swindon, hitting Everton for six, the Christmas triple, White Hart Lane, the magical day at Goodison, brought Sid back, made McGrath a legend, made Ian Ormondroyd believe he was a footballer, spotted David Platt and bought Dwight Yorke for £10,000.
I also went to that Wembley match with my then young lad,
it's a short train journey for me and we went just to shout for GT
he had a bumpy ride at times with the press and was treated dreadfully at times so it's lovely to see the outpouring of goodness towards him from football people everywhere
but he will always be truly revered at two clubs
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(http://thumb.ibb.co/nhFYyv/20170114_132517.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nhFYyv)
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How we all survived in that corner, I'll never know. What a day!
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Can a subscriber to the Guardians Fiver email copy and paste yesterday's edition? I seem to have become unsubscribed and would be interested in their reporting of SGT's death.
GRAHAM TAYLOR (1944-2017)
The former England manager Graham Taylor has died aged 72 following a suspected heart attack.
Taylor, whose playing career took him to Grimsby Town and Lincoln City, managed England during a turbulent spell from 1990 until 1993 and also had two spells in charge at Aston Villa and Watford, as well as managerial tenures at Wolves and Lincoln. In recent years he had worked as a pundit on the BBC and BT Sport. “With the greatest sadness, we have to announce that Graham passed away at his home early this morning of a suspected heart attack,” read a family statement. “The family are devastated by this sudden and totally unexpected loss.”
More: Graham Taylor, former England manager, dies at the age of 72
Taylor had a difficult time in charge of the national team, with criticism about his perceived long-ball game. Under his leadership England qualified for Euro 92 in Sweden, although the tournament was a tough one. His side failed to get out of their group after losing to the hosts, although Taylor kept his job. However, failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup led to his resignation in November 1993. Taylor, the subject of An Impossible Job, one of the most famous and most loved British sport documentaries of all time, was subjected to vicious ridicule while England boss, specifically after the Sweden defeat, something he discussed years later. “I thought ‘Swedes 2 Turnips 1’ was a great headline, though I didn’t see the pictures the next day,” he later recalled. “But that did upset my parents. Some people who read the Sun feel they can address you in any manner they see fit. I think the majority of the public thought it was unfair. What helped me is I didn’t run away from management, but resurrected my career. I take pride in that.”
This had all followed his achievements while in charge at Vicarage Road. After taking over in 1977, he led the club from the Fourth Division to the top tier, where they finished second in 1983, qualifying for the Uefa Cup and reaching the FA Cup final the following year. Sir Elton John, the former Watford owner and honorary life president, paid tribute to Taylor. “He was like a brother to me,” he said. “We shared an unbreakable bond since we first met. We went on an incredible journey together and it will stay with me forever.” Taylor then took charge at Villa after their relegation from the First Division in 1987 and restored them at the first attempt; two years later, in 1990, they finished runners-up to Liverpool. He later came out of managerial retirement to take charge of Villa for a second spell in 2002, having already returned for a second time in charge of Watford from 1996 to 2001.
Speaking in 2002, Taylor reflected on the pressures of management. “People think they know me, they think they know what my background is, and they’ll ha-ha me for it,” he said. “But they don’t know. They don’t really know what I’ve come through and what I’ve had to do to achieve what I have.”
‘Elton and I were almost like brothers’: Taylor’s football firsts and lasts (2006)
‘People think they know me, but they don’t’ – Graham Taylor interview (2002)
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Graham was one of the nicest, kindest, most honest and honourable men I ever met in football in more than 30 years of making TV programming about the game. When we suggested the original film he was very keen for everyone to see exactly what the England job was all about. Obviously he hoped it would end with qualification for the World Cup, but it wasn’t to be. He handled the fallout from that and the film that followed with utter fairness, complete candour and total dignity. When he saw the final version he simply said ‘Well, that’s how it was. But my mother isn’t going to like the swearing.’ He could have bailed out at any point and he could even have stopped the film going out, but he didn’t. He was a complete gentleman and a massive loss to the game” – Neil Duncanson, producer of An Impossible Job.
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Wonderful interview with SGT and Paul McGrath from back in 2011 here (http://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/Off_The_Ball/Highlights_from_Off_The_Ball/174784/From_the_vault_Paul_McGrath_with_Graham_Taylor_2011)
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My letter to the Meaning Evil:
"Proper fans do not boo!
Letters
May 12, 2003, 10:15:00
Your headline says: "Fans were right to boo us, admits boss". No they
were not.
Plenty of true Villa fans were disgusted with the boos at the end of the
match during Graham Taylor's speech.
Yes, it has been a difficult season, but the booing was totally out of
order.
May I respectfully suggest that the Burberry Brigade at the rear of the
Upper Holte (where the majority of abuse comes from) who deemed it fit to
boo their manager during his announcement, find another club to support and
let the real fans support their team?"
Somewhere is the letter he wrote to me expressing his gratitude for the support, written on the day he resigned. I cannot believe that was nearly 14 years ago.
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Just watched the tribute at Watford before their game. Dust everywhere in this room.
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Just watched the tribute at Watford before their game. Dust everywhere in this room.
Listened on 5Live, presenters and commentators struggling to hold it together afterwards, along with me.
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Just watched the tribute at Watford before their game. Dust everywhere in this room.
Listened on 5Live, presenters and commentators struggling to hold it together afterwards, along with me.
Heard that, they were all very moved.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C2IywI3WEAI3tax.jpg)
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Just watched the tribute at Watford before their game. Dust everywhere in this room.
Chopped onions in mine.
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(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p180x540/15965728_1573598599334359_5355640803989285840_n.jpg?oh=d642829f5696dde4584ce835f21414fb&oe=590FCE47)
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That's brilliant and very moving by Watford. I hope we do something every bit as fitting for our next home game.
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so Sad, a real Gentleman.
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What a response there's been to his death. What a mark to leave on the world, to be held in such high regard by so very many people. I don't think there's been a 5 Live presenter this weekend who hasn't been in tears.
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And our crock of absolute shit produce a performance like that.
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And our crock of absolute shit produce a performance like that.
Not the time or the place.
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My apologies. Please feel free to delete the comment.
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Just an idea, maybe the next heroes and villains could be a tribute to Sir Graham with a compilation of stories about him and articles of his time here?
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Great idea
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https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/820254749840654337
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I really hope the Villa do something suitably magificent for the great man at the next game.
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From what I saw on TV, I thought the flower-petal shirt tribute was very underwhelming, though the emotion probably carried the moment.
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I thought it was perfect.
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I watched all the tributes, and had a let down moment.
We loved SGT for being who he was and what he did with us.
So many more respected him for all the things he did and seems he did good things most of the time.
The tribute from Elton John and Watford was special, His heart was probably there.
Bit like an old girlfriend who you did not realize still had a soft spot for her Ex,
Watford fans said he was more than a manager he was theirs.
If he had stayed at the Villa, who knows, he could have built a dynasty.
I hope against Preston we give this deserving man his due.
Have I missed the tribute from HDE ?
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Have I missed the tribute from HDE ?
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/www.birmingha*mail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/graham-taylor-doug-ellis-pays-12443606.amp?client=ms-android-h3g-gb
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Have I missed the tribute from HDE ?
There's a bit about HDE in an error strewn story on the Brum Mail site
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Loved the Watford 'we're still standing' banner.
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The various eulogies to Graham have been heartfelt and a measure of the esteem in which he is held. I would not take away anything that the Watford fans feel for him - and Rita and the girls were there on Saturday. I have been disappointed though that a number of tributes have failed to mention Villa at all. I hope that we rectify that on Saturday and remind everyone of the enormous role that he played and why we will be forever grateful to him.
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SGT built Watford, he resurrected us. I don't begrudge them their claim that he is theirs, I understand it. For us Villa fans we know what he did for us, other members of the football community don't. That's the difference IMO.
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His achievements in 2 spells at Watford were extraordinary, impossible even.
1st spell - Fourth division to First Division runners up in 5 seasons
2nd spell - Third division to Premier League in 2 seasons
He was great for Villa, but that's Roy Of The Rovers stuff.
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His achievements in 2 spells at Watford were extraordinary, impossible even.
1st spell - Fourth division to First Division runners up in 5 seasons
2nd spell - Third division to Premier League in 2 seasons
He was great for Villa, but that's Roy Of The Rovers stuff.
That's crazy when you see it like that in black and white truly amazing 😯😮 what a pity bobby robson stepped down when he did.
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What I think was especially impressive above Watford, is that not only had they never been in the top flight before, they'd only spent three years in their entire history in the Second Division before his arrival.
I think we tend to think of Watford as a club that belongs in the top two leagues, but they were nowhere near that before he arrived. Just a Southern Rochdale or Hartlepool.
Obviously Mr Dwight deserves a bit of credit too, but what Taylor achieved was phenomenal.
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I've become intrigued by what he did at Watford almost as much by what I know about what he did at the Villa. Watching some of his old interviews alongside Elton John.
I think it was said that Watford have spent only three seasons outside the top two divisions in the past 40 years when SGT became involved with the club. Previous to that I don't think they'd ever been above that level. He made players live within 30 miles of the ground and got them involved in local charity work, wanting the club to build fortress out of Vicarage Rd.
This sort of thing parallels nicely with what Garry Thompson said SGT told him directly about dressing professionally around the club and that when he arrived at Villa Park "something smelt 'wrong' about the place". A change swept through (sound familiar?) players weren't to be lazy, not just on the field but off it. The discovery of John Barnes is quite similar to that of Dwight Yorke and how he liked players of that ilk to express themselves.
In a footballing sense, so much more than the kick and rush tactician he was sometimes labelled as. He puts a lot of managers to shame (especially today) in terms of having the attitude that management and players will win for themselves but also for those who are paying to watch week in, week out.
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What I think was especially impressive above Watford, is that not only had they never been in the top flight before, they'd only spent three years in their entire history in the Second Division before his arrival.
I think we tend to think of Watford as a club that belongs in the top two leagues, but they were nowhere near that before he arrived. Just a Southern Rochdale or Hartlepool.
Obviously Mr Dwight deserves a bit of credit too, but what Taylor achieved was phenomenal.
They didn't have a roof on the dugout for years because he said if the fans had to get wet so could he.
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I do think people forget how small a club Watford really are because of what Sir Graham turned them into. Last season was the first time in their history they averaged 20,000.
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As if we needed more evidence of the calibre of the man: http://www.independent.ie/sport/columnists/vincent-hogan/vincent-hogan-there-are-bigger-things-than-football-son-the-words-graham-taylor-used-to-rescue-a-legend-35369889.html
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There hasn't been a lot to be proud of in the last few years, but everything that I read about SGT just makes me even more proud that he was our manager. A great manager of a great club, and a great human being.
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It's a well known story, but the bit in bold intrigued me. Does anyone know who he was referring to?
But Villa's form tapered towards the end of the season, winning just four of their last ten games, a period that coincided with Tony Cascarino's arrival from Millwall. "I tried to sign Teddy Sheringham," reflected Taylor. "No chance. So Doug tells me I've £1.4m to spend and I have to spend it.
"Cascarino? I reckon £750,000. Doug buys him for £1.4m. And the supporters... Now it's not Cascarino's fault, it's not my fault and I can understand why Doug has done it... But Cascarino is saddled with this fee and, eventually, the supporters saying he's cost us the title.
"But he didn't. I know the people who've let me down and it's not Tony Cascarino. Perhaps I was even partly responsible myself because it was all over the papers that I was getting the England job."
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I don't really remember anyone letting us down, that season. Even Cascarino always gave his all. We were unlucky with Mountfield getting injured and ran out of steam, while Liverpool just kept winning. I don't really think of anyone in particular being to blame for us not winning the title.
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I don't really remember anyone letting us down, that season. Even Cascarino always gave his all. We were unlucky with Mountfield getting injured and ran out of steam, while Liverpool just kept winning. I don't really think of anyone in particular being to blame for us not winning the title.
Them signing Ronnie bastard Rosenthal out of fucking nowhere did for us more than anything.
Same a few years later. Man Utd only buying Cantona because Dion Dublin bost his leg.
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I don't really remember anyone letting us down, that season. Even Cascarino always gave his all. We were unlucky with Mountfield getting injured and ran out of steam, while Liverpool just kept winning. I don't really think of anyone in particular being to blame for us not winning the title.
Them signing Ronnie bastard Rosenthal out of fucking nowhere did for us more than anything.
Same a few years later. Man Utd only buying Cantona because Dion Dublin bost his leg.
Liverpool had a mad run where they lost once after November then got 23 points from their last nine games. No club on earth could have matched that.
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This is all bringing back David Platt's missed penalty against Wimbledon.
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David Squires cartoon from The Grauniad:
(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/a51af6fffb7f11dcbbfcd860b0560eecf5a0fb84/47_37_1956_3413/master/1956.jpg?w=940&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&s=4be2564b2f901009913e0020a41ab5b5)
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I don't really remember anyone letting us down, that season. Even Cascarino always gave his all. We were unlucky with Mountfield getting injured and ran out of steam, while Liverpool just kept winning. I don't really think of anyone in particular being to blame for us not winning the title.
Them signing Ronnie bastard Rosenthal out of fucking nowhere did for us more than anything.
Same a few years later. Man Utd only buying Cantona because Dion Dublin bost his leg.
A combination of Dublin getting injured, number one target Hurst getting injured, and Howard Wilkinson being an absolute fucking imbecile of the highest order.
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David Squires cartoon from The Grauniad:
That last sentence sums up everything that's been said.
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David Squires cartoon from The Grauniad:
That last sentence sums up everything that's been said.
100% agree
I am a little pissed that I have not seen any reference from David Platt - or has GT been erased like his time with us as a player?
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David Squires cartoon from The Grauniad:
That last sentence sums up everything that's been said.
100% agree
I am a little pissed that I have not seen any reference from David Platt - or has GT been erased like his time with us as a player?
Perhaps he's going to pay his respects in private.
Anyway the club have said former players will pay their respect before kick off against Preston, and Sir Graham's final Villa captain (Steve Staunton) will lay a wreath. Apparently Rita and family will also be present.
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Weekend tribute announced:-
https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/01/17/graham-taylor-villa-park-tribute
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Sounds like it should be a good tribute. I suppose it has worked out well that Watford and ourselves were at home in successive weeks, so that the Taylor family didn't have to choose which to attend.
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Nice cartoon and tribute from Squires (whose book - part prose/part comic-strip as per the SGT one on the history of football I'm currently reading).
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Nice cartoon and tribute from Squires (whose book - part prose/part comic-strip as per the SGT one on the history of football I'm currently reading).
It is ace, ended up buying it for two other people for Christmas.
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Lovely tribute at Lincoln
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The boy and I are on the Holte saturday, hoping to see some of our favourite sons, Mcgrath, Platt, Yorke, Daley, Ormandroyd, who knows?
Im hoping for a good turn out.
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I just want a win. That would be the best tribute. All his other teams have won... even the one that played against us!
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Watford drew didn't they.
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I just want a win. That would be the best tribute. All his other teams have won... even the one that played against us!
Think youre asking for a bit much there, but we can live in hope.
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Watford drew didn't they.
Ermmm... you appear to be correct. Stupid league anyway.
🙄
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I hope it is a full house for this at the weekend. Wish I could be there. This is the one opportunity where together we can pay our respects to such an influential figure in the long, proud history of our club.
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His achievements in 2 spells at Watford were extraordinary, impossible even.
1st spell - Fourth division to First Division runners up in 5 seasons
2nd spell - Third division to Premier League in 2 seasons
He was great for Villa, but that's Roy Of The Rovers stuff.
this is why I don't think we should name a stand after him or anything like that. We'd be pissing on Watford's bonfire a bit and I wouldn't want us to do that.
I do want us to give him a great and respectful send-off at the Preston match though and show our appreciation of the man and what he did for Villa.
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Maybe rename Bodymoor Heath - or parts of it - after SGT, after all he did a great job in re-juvenating the set up there. He was a great grass-roots man and understood the importance of getting the academies right at football clubs. I agree with others when they say naming parts of Villa Park, itself, should be reserved for the likes of Saunders, McGregor, Ramsay etc.
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Maybe rename Bodymoor Heath - or parts of it - after SGT, after all he did a great job in re-juvenating the set up there. He was a great grass-roots man and understood the importance of getting the academies right at football clubs. I agree with others when they say naming parts of Villa Park, itself, should be reserved for the likes of Saunders, McGregor, Ramsay etc.
Agree strongly - Taylor was massively influential but those three do fall into legendary status imo
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I think the North Stand should be the Graham Taylor stand, the Witton Lane should be the Ron Saunders Stand and the naming rights for BMH should be sold to one of Tonys mates for £75 million just like Everton have done.
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I wish we could do something a bit more timeless and unique, like a giant mural we could add to at appropriate times, or a pertinent quote from Sir Graham printed in such a way that everyone who comes past would see and know where he and were coming from.
I'd be up for shifting Tom Hanks' image and quote from the Academy walls and putting one of Sir Graham's up instead too.
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I wish we could do something a bit more timeless and unique, like a giant mural we could add to at appropriate times, or a pertinent quote from Sir Graham printed in such a way that everyone who comes past would see and know where he and were coming from.
I'd be up for shifting Tom Hanks' image and quote from the Academy walls and putting one of Sir Graham's up instead too.
Like the idea of mural/mosaics, you could cover the range of legendary Villains over the back of the New North Stand. Villa famous quotes along the roofline of all the stands.
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Evening Mail, Monday 18th May, 1987:-
(http://thumb.ibb.co/d3CNaa/20170119_160535.jpg) (http://ibb.co/d3CNaa)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/k3xYgF/20170119_160641.jpg) (http://ibb.co/k3xYgF)
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17p for the Meaning Evil. I wouldn't pay that today.
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I wish we could do something a bit more timeless and unique, like a giant mural we could add to at appropriate times, or a pertinent quote from Sir Graham printed in such a way that everyone who comes past would see and know where he and were coming from.
I'd be up for shifting Tom Hanks' image and quote from the Academy walls and putting one of Sir Graham's up instead too.
'This place is a shambles'
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How about -
'The line between success and failure is so thin that you don't believe either and just enjoy your life.'
He said this after the Derby home game in 1989/90.
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How about ... you got yourselves in this mess now get yourselves out of it ...
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How about -
'The line between success and failure is so thin that you don't believe either and just enjoy your life.'
He said this after the Derby home game in 1989/90.
I remember and then Arthur Cox then said something about losing spoils the Sunday roast
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I thought this looked incredible:
https://twitter.com/Hazza1874/status/822845274263613440
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My ace photography!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/01_zpswygn7flu.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/01a_zps5gc34uj7.jpg)
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Great job, PWS and thank you.
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My ace photography!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/01_zpswygn7flu.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/01a_zps5gc34uj7.jpg)
Is your head lopsided?
Erm...seriously though nice pics
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Oh and fair play to the Preston fans. Despite the amount of them acting like complete bellends, they were great during the 2 tributes.
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Try doing it when you're sodding freezing on that cramped Lower North ya cheeky git!
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Oh and fair play to the Preston fans. Despite the amount of them acting like complete bellends, they were great during the 2 tributes.
Fair play to them during the minutes applause they were singing louder than us in the upper doug
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David Squires cartoon from The Grauniad:
That last sentence sums up everything that's been said.
100% agree
I am a little pissed that I have not seen any reference from David Platt - or has GT been erased like his time with us as a player?
Platt was at the game today.
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He walked past me on the north stand car park he's lost loads of weight :D probably fitter than some of our players.
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Was Jim Walker there on the touchline today?
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Was Jim Walker there on the touchline today?
Yes
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Was Jim Walker there on the touchline today?
Yes
Good stuff, I was thinking about him this week. Nice touch bringing him back.
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David Squires cartoon from The Grauniad:
That last sentence sums up everything that's been said.
100% agree
I am a little pissed that I have not seen any reference from David Platt - or has GT been erased like his time with us as a player?
Platt was at the game today.
I know I spoke to him. Jim Walker Alan evens darius vassall spinky Cowans ian taylor. No God though which is axshame
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McInally was also there today. He then had to walk up through the away fans to the Doug upper gantry which was a good effort.
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Apparently David Platt was there as well. Anyone see him?
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I'd have liked it if they'd have told us who the players were.
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I'd have liked it if they'd have told us who the players were.
Yes, me too-I thought it was all a bit flat and underwhelming. The club normally get these things right but I thought more could have been made of yesterdays tribute. I actually thought that the impromptu "lights on" was more effective. I'm not sure how long that had been planned for, I only read about it on Friday.
Going back to the official tribute, I was sat opposite (DE) and struggled to make out who was who. I worked out Ian Taylor (who was nailed on to be involved) and Spink, due mainly to his bulk. Other than that, I couldn't tell who was who-I thought Vassell was Yorke.
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Anyone got a picture of the players?
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Anyone got a picture of the players?
There's a little clip on the Villa page of the newspaper that we're not allowed to mention-Shows some of the players (and Jim Walker)
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Cheers, I'll have a look.
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I'd have liked it if they'd have told us who the players were.
I don't know about that to be honest. Maybe the kind of thing that's done at a testimonial or something rather than the remenberence of soneone passing.
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Some kind of screen montage would have been good.
Watford managed a crowd display with less time to organise it too.
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Some kind of screen montage would have been good.
Watford managed a crowd display with less time to organise it too.
I wonder if that was part of the problem. Theirs had the feel of spontaneity when the shock and grief surrounding his death was still evident whereas ours was old news.
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It was a bit underwhelming but the 72 minute thing with the lights was fantastic and a very impressive sight.
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Great images, PWS.
Added to my photo collection of AV memorabilia.
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I remember when I fell really ill and was out of commission for a while. I decided this was an opportunity to catch up with letter-writing and got to it.
One man I wrote to was GT, as he was doing really well back at Watford. Needless to say, to those who have read this thread, he replied in full. He once wrote to say that the reception he got from the Holte/whole crowd when he came back with Watford in 2000 was one of the proudest days of his life.
What a great bloke! I still can't really believe that he's gone.
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Sir Graham's Funeral today at 1:00pm
11:59
A reminder that the Graham Taylor funeral is at 13:00 GMT and can be heard on BBC Three Counties with a special live text from BBC Beds, Bucks and Herts available now.
BBC
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Touching tribute to Graham on Central News tonight .
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It's currently the number one in the most read pages on the BBC website.
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Touching tribute to Graham on Central News tonight .
Saw it. Was very moving.
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Wonderful 4 page spread about Sir Graham in this months Backpass magazine
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bit in the mail about us not sending a club official to the funeral?
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bit in the mail about us not sending a club official to the funeral?
Someone on (I think) Facebook mentioned that.
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bit in the mail about us not sending a club official to the funeral?
Someone on (I think) Facebook mentioned that.
Poor form if true.
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I would imagine that some of the staff who worked with him and are still here now were there.
I know Steve Stride went. Not sure about Doug though.
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Very disappointing if we didn't.
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bit in the mail about us not sending a club official to the funeral?
Someone on (I think) Facebook mentioned that.
Poor form if true.
Indeed, but there's been such a massive turnover at senior level that they just might not have been recognised. But if it is true it's disgraceful.
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"there were plenty of former villa players and staff in attendence, plus the six current personnel from taylor's time, but nobody from villa's executive. a spokesman said the owner was abroad, the chief executive didn't know taylor and the company secretary, who was keen to go, was caught up in the aftermath of transfer deadline day."
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I was wondering why there were no mentions of Villa in the press after the funeral. Pat Murphy was quick to praise Watford FC after the funeral but nothing about us. Can't believe we could be as crass not to send an official representative to one of the club's best ever managers. Very disappointing.
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I suppose they could say they sent employees who knew him rather than a director who didn't.
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Surely a funeral is a very personal affair and it warrants only people who knew the great man?
I would feel very uncomfortable attending a funeral to someone I didn't know. I expect many former people connected to our club were there and surely that's all that matters.
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But then they'd surely have gone in a personal capacity.
Someone representing Aston Villa Football Club from the Owner right through to the supporters should have been in attendance to represent the entire club IMO.
I'm surprised as we rarely get these things wrong but if there as no representation then we did, and did on a day it really did matter to many of us.
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did Doug not go,
I know he's old and ill but i'm sure he still gets to matches
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Surely a funeral is a very personal affair and it warrants only people who knew the great man?
I would feel very uncomfortable attending a funeral to someone I didn't know. I expect many former people connected to our club were there and surely that's all that matters.
My take on it. Plenty of Villa there. The club has did a great tribute on matchday.
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did Doug not go,
I know he's old and ill but i'm sure he still gets to matches
As much as I dislike the old git, I don't hold it against him for not going. If anyone heard him when Jim White tried to get his opinion on SGT after his passing, it's as well he didn't go, and I mean no disrespect by that. It's the only time I've felt sorry for him.
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Surely a funeral is a very personal affair and it warrants only people who knew the great man?
I would feel very uncomfortable attending a funeral to someone I didn't know. I expect many former people connected to our club were there and surely that's all that matters.
My take on it. Plenty of Villa there. The club has did a great tribute on matchday.
Did anyone meet Mrs Taylor in the car park when she arrived, and wasn't sure where she was meant go. poor form really.
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I think a few of the tributes paid in the current H&V need a wider audience:
there was only one…
When news of Graham Taylor’s death broke I wrote a story for www.thebirminghampress.net and published it on the H&V messageboard under the heading “The piece I never wanted to write.” A few people replied by saying that it was the piece they never wanted to read, and that response was typical of the reaction throughout football when the news broke.
It’s hard to think of many times when there has been such widespread, deep and sincere mourning of a football figure. The closest comparison was Bobby Robson, and that’s a fair one because both men suffered incredible amounts of media hostility to emerge on the other side with their dignity intact an d become respected elder statesmen of the game.
I don’t need to repeat Sir Graham’s achievements during his time at Villa because they’re well known and I’m sure they will be given full coverage elsewhere in these pages. Suffice to say that he was the most influential figure at the club since Ron Saunders. Other managers won trophies, equalled his league achievements and had their team playing better football, but none of them could have done so without the almost-miraculous three year period that began when Graham Taylor inherited his shambles.
Could Ron Atkinson have put together his team without the money that came in from David
Platt? Would Brian Little’s side have been anywhere near as good without Dwight Yorke? Would any Villa manager from then on have been as effective had we missed out on the opening years of the Premier League cash bonanza? And how much poorer would the club have been without the God-like genius of Paul McGrath? We owe all of that to Graham Taylor.
When he arrived we were at what proved to be the end of a decline unparalleled in English football history, from European champions to the second division in five years. At the time, though, it didn’t seem the end. In fact, going straight through the divisions seemed more of a possibility than getting back up. Any ordinary manager wouldn’t have touched the job with a bargepole but Graham Taylor jumped at the chance to put the resurrection of a fallen giant on the CV that would lead him to the England job.
To give just one example of the situation he inherited, Villa had 23 professionals on the books when he joined. Fifteen of them were either out of contract, in the last year of their contract, or injured. No wonder Villa were regarded as unmanageable.
We might have been feeling sorry for ourselves but the new manager made sure that such feelings didn’t get in his way. As he put it, a shambles became a mess and although results were mixed in the first weeks of the season they soon improved on the back of record-breaking away form. It was fun to watch the Villa again and although there were a few times when it seemed that the revival was coming to an end, the fun never stopped, culminating in the best away trip ever – the 3-3 draw at Everton that marked the manager’s final game in charge. Even though the most unlikely of title challenges had been lost the previous week, everyone who set out for Goodison knew it was going to be a special day, and it was, from the game itself to the send-off that the manager received. That was the respect in which he was held.
Twelve years later came the return, further proof of the adage that you should never go back. It’s often overlooked that Graham was a director at the time, although as he said, the role had seen him visit Bodymoor Heath twice, attend a handful of board meetings and watch a few games at Villa Park. None of this would have prepared him for the maelstrom he walked into. As he put it, “In 1987 it wasn’t a split club, there was nothing there. When I returned there were splits all over the club.” If anything, this was an understatement. Alpay was as good as on strike, Juan Pablo Angel still smarting from the treatment he’d received when he first joined over a year earlier, Peter Schmeichel the recipient of a lucrative contract that meant he had to play when fit and several others, most notably David Ginola, on massive wages despite having been frozen out by John Gregory.
Equally damaging was the situation off the pitch, with supporters in open revolt to the extent that in certain quarters anything Doug Ellis did was wrong and anyone who worked for him a stooge. There was little wonder that the team struggled throughout 2002-03 and that, sadly, Graham came in for abuse from those who either hadn’t been around during his first term or who chose to ignore it for the sake of club politics. The nadir came when he was shamefully booed after the final home game of the season against Sunderland. Here, though, came another example of his character. Lesser managers have hidden in such circumstances. Graham Taylor came onto the pitch to address his critics.
It was no surprise that Graham resigned within days of the season ending, refusing compensation in order that he was able to speak publicly about the situation. He had always been able to sum up affairs at Villa Park succinctly and one thing he said at this time summed up perfectly the biggest problem that he and a succession of Villa managers had faced, “There are some people at the club who work for Doug Ellis rather than Aston Villa”. Of course, by this and other veiled criticisms Taylor promptly won back much of the support he had lost from Ellis’s critics and from then on he settled into the role of one of football’s wise old men. His work for the BBC won praise and he rarely mentioned the Villa, apart from the occasional comment about Doug and some justified criticism of his treatment at the hands of the Lerner regime.
Graham’s death came as a tremendous shock, not least because he had always seemed so full of life and enthusiasm for football. It was even a surprise that he was aged 72 – to many of us he was still the young manager whose trailblazing we had been privileged to witness at first hand.
After the news broke, attention focussed on his work at Watford – unsurprisingly, because while he performed miracles for us, what he did at Vicarage Road would have been laughed out of a Roy of the Rovers scriptwriters meeting. Before his time they’d never been in the top flight and only been promoted once to the second – Walsall had a better record. But while the national focus was Watford and England, it was closer to home that most of the stories about Taylor’s personal qualities began to emerge.
It seems as though a book could be filled about the times he met people, particularly Villa supporters, and talked for as long as they wanted, about the acts of kindness he performed and the times he went out of his way to help people. He sought neither reward nor publicity, because that was the sort of man Graham Taylor was. His death was mourned not only because we were losing a man who exemplified decency, who in the words of BBC Radio’s Pat Murphy was in danger of bringing the game into repute, but also because many of us felt as though we’d lost someone close. Graham had many qualities, but perhaps his greatest was that he had the rare ability to make people who he’d never met feel as though they knew him.
Many words have been said about him and many epitaphs written. It’s hard to pick one out, but cartoonist David Squires summed up what many of us felt, and gave another reason why grown men admitted that they wept at the news. “At a time when it feels like the world could do with a few more decent people, his loss is felt keenly”.
There’s only one Graham Taylor. There always was. There always will be.
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i heard the news today,
oh boy
I don’t suppose I was the only middle-aged man who was stopped in his tracks when they heard the news at work. I don’t suppose I was the only one who had to make their excuses and leave the room, either. It sounds ridiculous, crying over the death of a man you never met, you didn’t know, who probably never even knew you existed, and all because he once, many years ago, managed the football team you support.
Well, football’s like that. It’s not rational, it’s not supposed to be. It stirs the emotions like nothing else. It’s not perfect and there are some unsavoury characters involved, which is another reason why I was so upset at the death of Graham Taylor, because he seemed to have so much left to offer and because the world can’t afford to lose such a decent man.
With that in mind I started thinking about when he was our manager, some of the great games, and how often his basic decency shone through.
The first game when it seemed as though we had something going for us was when we beat league leaders Bradford 4-2 at Valley Parade. The two Grays made their debuts, Stuart scoring twice, and it seemed as though we have a team coming together. What made the win even more unlikely was that a few days earlier Bradford had won 5-0 in the Simod Cup at Villa Park. “We needed that like a hole in the head,” was the Taylor response.
The next game for the memory bank was the 2-1 at St Andrews the week before Christmas that was the perfect answer to their win at Vila Park in our first home game of the season. I don’t doubt Sir Graham would have said that beating them was no more important than anyone else, but he would have known how much it meant.
In all the great away performances that season, one trip that I remember vividly was a defeat. Losing 2-1 at Blackburn could have been a big blow but we were going to re-double our efforts while they seemed to think they’d done the hard bit. Our manager would never allow such complacency. I also liked the comment from David Platt. I think it was his first away game since his move from Crewe and he said we’d had more fans there than he’d ever seen at Gresty Road.
Then, the final week of the season. Bradford at home on Bank Holiday Monday. The biggest crowd of the season and an atmosphere such as I’ve rarely known at Villa Park. It wasn’t just that this was a big occasion. All season there’d been a bond between fans and the players. The whole season was summed up in these ninety minutes. As Platt again put it, “We came onto the pitch, looked at the crowd and there wasn’t one of us who wouldn’t have died for Aston Villa”.
Bradford came up against an unstoppable force of nature. I can think of a handful of occasions when it’s happened – Bournemouth in the third, Liverpool 1981, the first Inter game, Tranmere, Albion in the FA Cup. When Villa Park is like that we’re unbeatable, and Graham Taylor made it that way for the first time in years. Maybe that’s why we were could finish the job off five days later. The force that beat Bradford continued at the County Ground, Swindon, where we got a result as lesser teams failed. To witness him being carried around the pitch was to see that an unbreakable bond had been formed. Refusing a civic reception because “finishing second is nothing to celebrate” was further proof that we not only had a great manager, we had a great man.
In 1988-89 we didn’t really expect to take the first division by storm and there wasn’t much to shout about but once again a few days provided the highlight of the season. On November 5th what’s been called as anything up to a hundred thousand on the Nicholl/Old Trafford scale but was probably around 8,000 travelled to see us draw 1-1 with Manchester United, our equaliser scored by the returning Gordon Cowans. One man, though, was missing. Our manager was attending his daughter’s graduation. I can imagine the reaction if it happened now, but that gesture summed him up. He knew his priorities.
The other game was four days later, when we beat Blues 6-0 in the Simod Cup, in front of a crowd that wasn’t much bigger than the number we’d taken to Old Trafford. I know it was a bit like kicking a puppy, but it was fun. “I wish it could have ended at half-time” was the Taylor response, although whether that was out of sympathy for the opposition or because it was cold and he was bored, he didn’t say.
Then came the FA Cup tie at Crewe, when the manager came out with his second most famous quote, when we were two-nil down at half-time. “You got yourselves into this mess, you get yourselves out of it.” They did, 3-2.
We overlook the fact that Sir Graham came in for some criticism at this time, as he did at the start of 1989-90. But, he stuck to his guns and no-one can say he didn’t do the right thing. In particular, he did what few Villa managers have ever done in knowing when to sell a player. His signings are legendary, but just as important was getting the money to pay for them by off-loading Alan McInally to Bayern Munich. £1.1 million for a player who cost £225,000 and gave half a season’s good service was one of the best bits of business a Villa manager has ever done.
And so on to 1989-90. A poor start, then we clicked into gear with a couple of good results including a win at Maine Road which if I remember correctly was one of those odd TV games in the days when television was first working out what to do with football and was only shown in the Midlands and north-west.
We’d won four straight league games when we played Everton on Bonfire Night, again on TV. It’s another game that will be remembered for many years and it showed the world that Graham Taylor’s collection of promising youngsters, journeymen and oddities was ready to take on all-comers. 46 points from eighteen games and an unprecedented three consecutive Manager of the Month awards was further proof.
Possibly the best Christmas of all time – 3-0 against Manchester United on Boxing Day (and God bless West Midlands Finest for making that one a 12 o’clock kick-off because so much enjoyment couldn’t happen later in the day, or something), Fergie on the dole, thank you very much for Paul McGrath and the tenth goal of the season for David Platt. 2-1 against Arsenal before a New Year’s Day masterclass , 3-0 at Chelsea with Tony Daley running half the length of the pitch to score a magnificent solo goal. We took thousands to stand on the eyesore that was the away end at Stamford Bridge and I couldn’t help but think of the times a handful of us had turned up at such places to see a mid-eighties capitulation.
Then came the best performance of Sir Graham’s Villa career, the 2-0 win at White Hart Lane that made us think the unthinkable. David Platt and Gordon Cowans owned the pitch while Ian Ormondroyd looked every one of his many inches a world-class performer. He, and the rest of the team, reached heights that night that they never would again.
When you’re at the top there’s only one direction to travel, and maybe Villa did look down and froze. Liverpool came up with the sort of run that separates champions from the rest and unfortunately Tony Cascarino wasn’t to prove the last great signing. The goals dried up and all that was left was that last day at Goodison, when the Gods looked kindly on us to provide good weather and a marvellous game of football while we sang, shouted, clapped, roared and showed our appreciation of the man who had given us so much in such a short time.
I’d rather not talk about his return, as the Villa job was as impossible then as in 1987, and I don’t think Graham wanted to spend his time fire-fighting any more. Some of the work he did, such as bringing in a welfare officer and ensuring Bodymoor was upgraded, showed he was probably more concerned with overall club matters than with what happened on the pitch and a director of football role would have suited him better. It’s a period best forgotten for many reasons, and should never detract from the many great things that were done by a truly great man.
Mark Richards
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random thoughts
Some from the H&V website, others that didn’t fit in anywhere else.
I was having lunch in the mac café in Cannon Hill Park over the road from Edgbaston when I heard the sad news. Graham Taylor was a Warwickshire member and loved cricket.
As I was trying to take it all in a couple of Warwickshire lads came in and sat at the table next to me. I guess they were in their early twenties, second teamers maybe, doing pre-season gym work and maybe nets on a cold January day.
There were a couple of empty seats at their table. I wondered “What if?” What if Graham had walked in, I had gone to chat with him, and I had suggested we go and join them? I reckon he would have done it gladly.
At that age they might or might not have known much about him. But about this I am sure. He would have been understanding with his time with them. And they would have been captivated. Whether they chatted cricket or football – they would have learned a lot from him. And he would have made sure they knew, if they didn’t know already, how lucky they were to be earning a living playing the game.
Graham Taylor was a real old-fashioned football man. And a very fine club manager, in the true sense of the word.
Charles Ross.
The writer was editor of Wolves fanzine A Load of Bull.
I don’t suppose anything I could say will be original. Better writers than I have written thousands of words, people who knew him have made some wonderfully touching tributes. The wave of public affection is something I’ve never known before.
I can understand why Villa, Watford and Lincoln supporters feel how they do. He performed miracles at all three clubs. It took me a while to understand why everyone else in football felt the same. The reason, when you stop to think, is quite simple. He was a decent man. He exemplified all that was good in people, and how you wished you could behave yourself.
Sir Graham used his fame for good purpose. He was involved with charitable causes but more than that, he knew he was in a position where he could make people feel better. The things he did and the time he spent with, it seems, anyone who asked him, showed that he was a special man indeed. He rarely did them publicly and most have only come to light since his death.
The most important thing he did, though, was in the public eye. He suffered the most appalling abuse at the hands of the media and far from becoming bitter, he survived it and went on to beat them at their own game. Graham Taylor the broadcaster was mourned almost as much as Graham Taylor the manager. Does anyone even remember the name of the lowlife who thought up that headline?
Sir Graham showed dignity. He never stopped respecting the people who paid his wages and allowed him to enjoy a career doing what he loved. In return we showed him the respect that he deserved. There’s been talk of statutes, and of a stand named after him at Villa Park to match the one at Vicarage Road. Sir Graham has a much greater legacy than that. Whenever you hear his name, you can’t help but smile. That’s a legacy.
Mac McColgan
“This place is a shambles.”
Winning 4-2 up at Bradford – the first sign we were on our way.
Small Heath 1 Villa 2 – Happy Christmas to you.
David Platt.
Bradford at home and an atmosphere that said “We’re back”.
Getting promoted at Swindon.
Alan McInally.
8,000 of us at Old Trafford but one man missing because he had his priorities right.
Villa 13 Small Heath 0.
Dwight Yorke.
6-2 against Everton on Bonfire Night with the country noticing us for the first time.
Boxing Day 1989 – “Thank you very much for Paul McGrath” and “Fergie on the dole”.
Chelsea 0 Villa 3. Tony Daley’s finest hour.
Spurs 0 Villa 2 and daring to dream.
Goodison and the best day out ever.
The reception when he came back with Watford.
Being the only man at Villa Park with any dignity on the night we sunk to their level.
Going on the pitch after the last match of the season when lesser men would have hidden.
Villa 2 Manchester United 2 in 2010-11 and listening to his pride in watching a patched-up Villa team matched the Stretford billionaires. No BBC neutrality that day.
Paul Turner
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Thanks Dave
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I wonder if the time will come when I can read about Graham without tears in my eyes. Thank you to everyone who has articulated how many of us are feeling.
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The memories are as clear as if they happened last year and not 30 years ago. Thanks for posting them. I never met Sir Graham but felt that he "got" us and understood what the Villa was all about.
If I had met him, I think I'd have been reduced to a babbling, speechless wreck and no doubt this fine human being would have put me at ease. He's up there with McGregor, Ramsay and Saunders as one of the most significant people in our history.
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He had the indefinable quality that made you feel as though you knew him even though you'd never met and if you met him once you thought of him as a friend. Ironically, the only other man I'd say the same about was Terry Weir.
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He had the indefinable quality that made you feel as though you knew him even though you'd never met and if you met him once you thought of him as a friend. Ironically, the only other man I'd say the same about was Terry Weir.
So very true Dave - both absolute Gentlemen
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He had the indefinable quality that made you feel as though you knew him even though you'd never met and if you met him once you thought of him as a friend. Ironically, the only other man I'd say the same about was Terry Weir.
Absolutely. Graham and Terry were two of the few people associated with Villa, or in life in general, that there is no 'but' about - as in 'he's great bloke but...'. They were just great.
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the one other living person who I would rank up there with Terry Weir and Graham Taylor would be Steve Stride - a true gent and villain.
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the one other living person who I would rank up there with Terry Weir and Graham Taylor would be Steve Stride - a true gent and villain.
He's gone, but Tony Barton for me as well
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Brum Mail
Aston Villa will play Watford in a friendly as part of a tribute to the late Graham Taylor.
The two clubs have agreed to face each other in memory of their former manager who sadly passed away in January.
A date has not yet been set but is expected to be confirmed for this summer during the pre-season period.
Taylor worked wonders at both clubs during an exceptional managerial career where he also led the England national team.
His Watford side finished second in the First Division in 1983 and reached the FA Cup final in 1984.
After 10 years at Vicarage Road the ex-boss moved to Villa in 1987 where he first won promotion to the top flight and then two seasons later claimed a second‑place finish.
Details of the game and where it will be played will be announced by both clubs later this year.
It’s expected to draw a big crowd as fans of both clubs, as well as Taylor’s friends, family and former work colleagues, all helped push for the arrangement.
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I'd expect the game to be at Vicarage Road as we're planning to rip up our pitch over the summer.
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Yep, the club have already said there won't be any home pre-season friendlies.
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We're not doing the pitch til the following season now, but we still aren't having any home friendlies.
It was said at the Trust AGM last night.
I think it's right to have it at Watford anyway - we have already established that he was an even bigger deal to them than us.
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No pre-season friendlies I am pretty sure is because of the work being done to remove the seats from the back of the lower North so the disabled facilities can be upgraded to what they should be
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I think it's right to have it at Watford anyway - we have already established that he was an even bigger deal to them than us.
Imagine just how that could be possible!
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Happy for it to be at Watford. Hopefully we ditch our irritating recent habit of having away friendlies on stupid days. Get it played on a Saturday and get the big support that SGT deserves.
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https://www.watfordfc.com/club/graham-taylor-matchday-confirmation
Match day announced as Saturday 29th July, 3pm.
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We will receive 4500 tickets. Should be a good day and good tribute to him. 90 minutes of Graham Taylor's claret and blue army.
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Maybe "there's only one Graham Taylor" might be more appropriate, so both teams can join in.
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Happy for it to be at Watford. Hopefully we ditch our irritating recent habit of having away friendlies on stupid days. Get it played on a Saturday and get the big support that SGT deserves.
totally agree...I shall be there !
UTV
The Doc
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Watford did these window boards as a tribute and are now auctioning them off with proceeds being split between a couple of Graham's favourite charities. I know they are Watford but just in case anyone is interested just search "Graham Taylor window board" on ebay, just under 3 days left on all 8 items.
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/vuMAAOSwdGFY26L5/s-l1600.jpg)
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Another tribute:
http://thebirminghampress.com/2017/05/london-midland-to-name-train-after-graham-taylor/
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Became our manager 30 years ago today.
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Watford statue:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football
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Link to the article
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-45029694
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Well deserved and well done to Watford. It isn't the best likeness in the world but I have seen plenty worse statues of football figures over the years.
Reading the summary of what he achieved at Watford, Villa and then Watford second time around always really brings it home how great his achievements were.
I am very proud of the framed picture I have in my living room of myself and Nev with SGT and Nigel Spink at Spink's testimonial Q&A forum in early 1988.
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A fitting tribute to a fantastic man. I only hope that we can honour our greatest ever manager in the same way someday soon.
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Can we change this thread title to something more fitting/respectful? Something like Sir Graham tributes.
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Became our manager 30 years ago today.
He was appointed on the same day as I left school (apart from having to go back in on occasions for my O' level exams). I ducked into a supermarket to avoid the eggs and flower fights and saw the headline on the front page of The Mail.
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what wouldn't you give to be going into battle tomorrow night with him at the helm.
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Can we change this thread title to something more fitting/respectful? Something like Sir Graham tributes.
'Graham Taylor'
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Can we change this thread title to something more fitting/respectful? Something like Sir Graham tributes.
'Graham Taylor'
‘Sir Graham Taylor’.
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Can we change this thread title to something more fitting/respectful? Something like Sir Graham tributes.
'Graham Taylor'
‘Sir Graham Taylor’.
Much better thanks
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Excellent
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The best tribute we could pay the great man would be to sort this "shambles" of a club out and be challenging for the title within 18 months of promotion.
Ideally with a beanpole winger.
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Graham Taylor's Claret and Blue army!
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Graham Taylor's Claret and Blue army!
Which will always remind me of his last game at Goodison.
We also did an impressively long and loud Big Fat Ron's claret and blue army at Grimsby in the cup in midweek in BFR's first season.
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Graham Taylor's Claret and Blue army!
Which will always remind me of his last game at Goodison.
That was such an amazing experience. Relentess.
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Well deserved and well done to Watford. It isn't the best likeness in the world but I have seen plenty worse statues of football figures over the years.
The likeness may not be great, I thought it was Bobby Robson when I first saw it, but what a brilliant statue. By having space either side of him on the bench, it will allow generations of Watford fans to be photographed sitting next to him, ensuring his memory lives on for ever.
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Well deserved and well done to Watford. It isn't the best likeness in the world but I have seen plenty worse statues of football figures over the years.
The likeness may not be great, I thought it was Bobby Robson when I first saw it, but what a brilliant statue. By having space either side of him on the bench, it will allow generations of Watford fans to be photographed sitting next to him, ensuring his memory lives on for ever.
Good point. Although I should say I have a picture of myself and SGT framed in my living room. We are the two better looking ones than the other two blokes in the picture. Apologies for any offence to Nev and Nigel Spink. ;)
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Just seen Watford are doing a few tributes today to remember him given he passed away three years ago.
Have we got anything planned for Tuesday?
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:-\ :-X
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:-X
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Just seen Watford are doing a few tributes today to remember him given he passed away three years ago.
Have we got anything planned for Tuesday?
Poor show if villa didn't do any tribute last Sunday
Maybe it's saved for the Graham Taylor derby on Tuesday
Why should we? We've never done it for any other manager.
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I absolutely loved SGT and will always be grateful for what he did for us, like most on here I was really upset when he passed. But the time for tributes was then and we can’t keep revisiting this every year.
He’ll never be forgotten.
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Just seen Watford are doing a few tributes today to remember him given he passed away three years ago.
Have we got anything planned for Tuesday?
Poor show if villa didn't do any tribute last Sunday
Maybe it's saved for the Graham Taylor derby on Tuesday
Why should we? We've never done it for any other manager.
Agreed, as much as I loved SGT
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I absolutely loved SGT and will always be grateful for what he did for us, like most on here I was really upset when he passed. But the time for tributes was then and we can’t keep revisiting this every year.
He’ll never be forgotten.
Exactly this for me too.
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I can understand why Watford did it given that he took them from the 4th division to runners-up in the 1st (and they wouldn't be in the PL now if not for him), but as much as he did a great job for us, and he was a wonderful man, it doesn't really feel appropriate for us to revisit his passing every year.
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I recommend his book. It took him a while to get over leaving Watford.
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Four years today. There's still only one Graham Taylor.
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Graham Taylor's claret and blue army!
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What a gentleman
Fuck you Lineker for complaining all through his time with England
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Four years today. There's still only one Graham Taylor.
I was at Portman Road for his first game (my old man was working in the area at the time so I was able to hang around with Nev and meet SGT after the game) and I was at his legendary last game at Goodison. I have a framed photo of myself, Nev, SGT and Nigel Spink taken at (I think) Sutton Coldfield town hall around January 1988 if I remember correctly. It was a Q&A as part of Spink's testimonial year. Terry Weir took the photo and kindly sent me a copy.
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What a gentleman
Fuck you Lineker for complaining all through his time with England
Seconded, Lineker acted like a spoilt child despite SGT bending the rules regarding mobile phones for him during Euro '92 due to Lineker's son's illness. Also let's give a disonarable mention to Lineker's arrogant twat of an agent John Holmes who was always sticking his oar in at every opportunity.
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SGT still revered and appreciated, RIP
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I can understand why Watford did it given that he took them from the 4th division to runners-up in the 1st (and they wouldn't be in the PL now if not for him), but as much as he did a great job for us, and he was a wonderful man, it doesn't really feel appropriate for us to revisit his passing every year.
I have no idea why I posted this. I was, like on so many other occasions, wrong.
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One regret is never meeting him. What a job he did.
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I can understand why Watford did it given that he took them from the 4th division to runners-up in the 1st (and they wouldn't be in the PL now if not for him), but as much as he did a great job for us, and he was a wonderful man, it doesn't really feel appropriate for us to revisit his passing every year.
I have no idea why I posted this. I was, like on so many other occasions, wrong.
Not really, in context of the club doing something at games I think you're right. The fans remembering him however they see fit is right but not as a big thing from the club.
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One regret is never meeting him. What a job he did.
My one regret the only time I met him was asking him about Bosko fxuking Balaban. Actually no, it was after beating Chelsea 3-1 away last day of the season 2002, my Dad asked him "What are you going to do with all those strikers you've got?" (Dion, Darius, Crouch, Allback, Angel, Balaban), to which SGT flashed a smile and said quickly "Keep them, I hope!".
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Worth a listen/watch. John Barnes comes across way better here then he does as a pundit. Includes some heart warning stories and observations about Graham Taylor.
https://youtu.be/Mcn9BgGgsuA
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35 years ago today Sir Graham was appointed as Aston Villa Manager.
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Cheers.
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35 years ago today Sir Graham was appointed as Aston Villa Manager.
And our journey back started
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Where have those 35 years of my life gone!
Remember buying the Evening Paper and seeing a photo of Sir Graham holding a Villa match ball also the interview where he described the club as a shambles.
Sir Graham was brilliant for us and I have fantastic memories of that promotion season.
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He said the club was a shambles when he arrived.
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Quite simply, one of our greatest managers. Pulled us out of the crap when we were starting to contemplate a tumble into the 3rd Division and took us to the brink of the League title within 3 seasons.
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He said the club was a shambles when he arrived.
I remember that well. He didn't give a shit did he? What manager he was.
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I won't have a bad word said against him. It was difficult when he returned in 2002-03 and he struggled with the squad, and the abuse he used to receive on multiple forums from people who simply could not have grasped the inormity what he'd done for us first time around.
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Although Ron Saunders was, arguably, the best in my time, Graham Taylor was certainly my favourite
It used to really get to me the sh*t load of abuse he used to get when England manager.
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The man who saved the playing side of the club from the jaws of oblivion.
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Graham Taylor's claret and blue army!
(I have a post on Facebook which says this; there are 2000 comments under it saying exactly the same thing)
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Graham Taylor's claret and blue army!
(I have a post on Facebook which says this; there are 2000 comments under it saying exactly the same thing)
Is my memory fading or was this sung continuously through half time in his last game at Goodison?
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It was. And given plenty of long minutes at many other games too.
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the abuse he used to receive on multiple forums from people who simply could not have grasped the inormity what he'd done for us first time around.
It was enfuriating.
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Graham Taylor's claret and blue army!
(I have a post on Facebook which says this; there are 2000 comments under it saying exactly the same thing)
Is my memory fading or was this sung continuously through half time in his last game at Goodison?
Yep. Applause from the Scousers as the 2nd half kicked off, christ what a wonderful day.
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Graham Taylor's claret and blue army!
(I have a post on Facebook which says this; there are 2000 comments under it saying exactly the same thing)
Is my memory fading or was this sung continuously through half time in his last game at Goodison?
Yep. Applause from the Scousers as the 2nd half kicked off, christ what a wonderful day.
That match will stay with me forever for the atmosphere.
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That Everton away day was quite simply the best away day ever.
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That Everton away day was quite simply the best away day ever.
It was fantastic. Sir Graham was clearly humbled by the reception the fans gave him after the game.
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A man who I've got nothing but respect for. I honestly believe we could of gone into freefall if we'd made the wrong appointment but he came in & turned our club around.
He also came across as a genuinely decent person.
His treatment by a section of our support 2nd time around is 1 of the only times ive been ashamed & embarrassed to be a villa fan
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His treatment when he was England manager was ten times worse!
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Not sure if it has been posted elsewhere.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67508164
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I read that earlier. Such a nice read.
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I felt his comments about talking to the team before the 1984 Cup final could have undermined Sir GT.
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I felt his comments about talking to the team before the 1984 Cup final could have undermined Sir GT.
Yeah, sounded a bit ego-driven too.
Lineker must have felt salty towards SGT for a long time after Euro'92 but it strikes me that he respected him in later life when they were colleagues at the BBC.
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I remember that run we went on when we finished runners-up. Didn't matter who we played they were destroyed. A confidence I've rarely seen since. All down to Sir Graham.
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I felt his comments about talking to the team before the 1984 Cup final could have undermined Sir GT.
To be fair, I think Elton's comment was probably with almost forty years of hindsight and reflection. His blubbing through Abide With Me suggests that on the day he was just as pleased to simply be there. The interview - and everything I've ever heard him or Taylor say previously about their relationship - would suggest that Elton wouldn't have done anything to undermine the manager or the football side of the club.
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He'd have been around 37 at the time, not sure the players would have given much of a shit what he had to say.
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You don't think the players would have taken him seriously...
(https://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/709071/28229400/1576002286593/elton-john-chicken-costume.jpg?token=xsOWmaVk%2BO9PX8N2fUn0Zxqmfqc%3D)
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You don't think the players would have taken him seriously...
(https://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/709071/28229400/1576002286593/elton-john-chicken-costume.jpg?token=xsOWmaVk%2BO9PX8N2fUn0Zxqmfqc%3D)
Doesn't everyone dress like that at home?
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Will certainly be getting the book. Did Watford go from 4th division right up to 2nd in 4-5 years or was that Swansea?
Anyway a brilliant rise up the division by them (was going to say it could be done in the 1980s but of course their neighbours have replicated it in last decade) masterminded by two seemingly different characters who just clicked.
It's easy to forget that SGT in the mid 90s was basically seen as finished at managerial level, not just for England obviously but he was sacked by Wolves aswell IIRC so the phone stopped ringing at that point so just as interested to read about his second spell and Elton John deciding to give him another go and of course again Watford quickly rose from mid table in division two up to the premier league in about three years.
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Watford won the 4th Division in 1978, got promoted from the 3rd in 1979 and then from the 2nd in 1982. Swansea got promoted from the 4th Division with Watford in 1978 and the 3rd in 1979 but then got into to 1st Division in 1981. Watford lasted a lot longer in the top division (not relegated until after SGT in 1988). Swansea went down in 1983.
Edit: Swansea then proceeded to get relegated twice more in three seasons and were back in the 4th Division in 1986.
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I know its not about Villa, its Watford but theirs a fantastic podcast out called Enjoy the Game, its Watfords rise under Sir Graham, its fantastic, what a amazing human being he was.
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I know its not about Villa, its Watford but theirs a fantastic podcast out called Enjoy the Game, its Watfords rise under Sir Graham, its fantastic, what a amazing human being he was.
There's a decent new book out too about the same subject called Watford Forever, read it last month and it's well worth a look if you're a fan of SGT.
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Thank You