The life of Watford’s greatest ever manager and his work with a charity that recycles football kits and distributes them to children and adults in the developing world is being celebrated by a new t-shirt and print on sale from today.
Sean Tidy and Graeme Collette, the founders of the Made in Watford clothing brand, have collaborated with KitAid for their latest design which is based on the late Hornets manager’s statue outside Vicarage Road and also inspired by table football game Subbuteo.
The former England manager was patron of the Watford-based charity and it will receive 25 per cent of the profits from the sale of the t-shirt and poster, while a further 25 per cent will be donated to Made in Watford’s usual charity the Watford Foodbank run by the Trussell Trust.
Sean explained they were keen to do something positive for KitAid after being introduced to its founder, Derrick Williams, last year.
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He said: “We decided to base the hand drawn style design on the statue at Watford FC, as a celebration of GT’s life and work.
“Originally the design was red and white, the colours of the KitAid logo, but after careful consideration we wanted to create something more classically ‘football’ and settled on the green/white of the football pitch, originally inspired by a Subbuteo box.
Sean Tidy, left, and Graeme Collette launched Made in Watford in October
“These colours also allow the design to appeal to a wider audience, rather than just people who know the charity, or see the design on our website.
“GT made a huge impact on clubs around the UK including Watford, Villa and Wolves, as well as his stint as England manager. Not only will this design raise money for KitAid and Watford Foodbank, it’s also there for fans to show their appreciation.”
The t-shirt and print are on sale now
Derrick, who founded KitAid in 1998, said: “We are really pleased to work with Made in Watford and we love their designs. The Graham Taylor t-shirt and art poster are lovely tributes to the great man, who we are proud to be associated with.
“Graham was our patron for many years and he would be pleased to know both items will raise much needed funds to help us continue supporting football projects across the developing world.
“Proceeds raised from this project will support KitAid FC in Mulanje, Malawi. They are a squad of 30 boys who are football crazy and we sponsor them to play matches further afield as they have beaten every team in their district.
“I am sure Graham would also be pleased to know the Watford Foodbank will benefit from sales.”
The t-shirt and A3 print are available to buy from the Made in Watford website madeinwatford.co.uk
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