Graham Taylor OBE had an illustrious managerial career, which included two spells in the Premier League with Watford and Aston Villa.

Following a playing career with Grimsby Town and Lincoln City, Taylor took charge of the latter, winning the Fourth Division title in 1976 during a five-year spell.

The Nottinghamshire-born manager was hired by Watford in June 1977 by owner Sir Elton John with the club in the Fourth Division.

Only five years later, the Hornets were in the top flight, finishing second in their first season at that level - their highest league position.

In 1983/84, Taylor led Watford to the third round of the UEFA Cup before finishing runner-up to Everton in the 1984 FA Cup final.

Taylor left for Aston Villa in 1987 and guided the Midlands club to promotion to the First Division at his first attempt before securing top-flight safety on the final day in the following season.

Aston Villa made a complete turnaround under Taylor in the next campaign, finishing second behind Liverpool before he accepted the England national team job in 1990.

Taylor led England to the 1992 European Championship before leaving in November 1993.

After a spell with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Taylor rejoined Watford in a General Manager role in February 1996 and became the club's manager a year later.

The Hornets were led to back-to-back promotions to the Premier League, but were relegated at the first attempt in 1999/00 despite memorable victories at Anfield and at home to Chelsea.

Taylor retired at the end of the 2000/01 season, becoming the third manager to take charge of 1,000 league matches in England after Brian Clough and Jim Smith.

Retirement did not last long for the former England manager as he returned to Premier League side Aston Villa in February 2002, before retiring for a final time at the conclusion of the 2002/03 campaign.

In 2014, Watford renamed their west stand to Graham Taylor Stand in recognition of their greatest ever manager.

Graham Taylor OBE passed away on 12 January 2017.