A defaced gold plaque honouring Watford great Graham Taylor has been replaced.

The vandalised plaque was discovered by Watford legend Luther Blissett on a bench in Cassiobury Park at the beginning of September.

The plaque, which was dedicated to Mr Taylor by singer and Watford FC honorary life-president Sir Elton John in 2017, has now been replaced with a shiny new one that says In loving memory of friend Graham Taylor. Much loved. Elton.

Watford's mayor Peter Taylor pledged to have the plaque replaced as a "matter of priority" after sharing news about the "unacceptable" damage on September 7.

Watford Observer: The vandalised plaque. Credit: Watford Borough CouncilThe vandalised plaque. Credit: Watford Borough Council

Today, he posted a picture of the new plaque, and said: "Earlier this month Luther Blissett got in touch to say that the plaque on the bench in Cassiobury Park that Elton John had dedicated to Graham Taylor had been damaged. This has now been replaced. 

"Graham Taylor’s legacy in Watford lives on with a family club that serves the community in many ways.

"Given the enormous contribution Graham Taylor made to Watford FC and the town, let’s hope this memorable bench is respected by everyone."

Watford record goalscorer Luther Blissett tweeted: "So happy to have been able to bring this to attention and our excellent @WatfordMayor had it sorted straight away. Thank you!".

Mr Taylor is Watford's greatest ever manager having led Watford from the fourth division to the first division in just five years after moving to the Hornets in 1977.

He also served as Watford's chairman from 2009 until 2012 where he continued to hold the position of honorary life-president.

The bench in Cassiobury Park was dedicated to him by Sir Elton shortly after Mr Taylor passed away aged 72 in January 2017.

Watford Observer: The plaque before it was vandalisedThe plaque before it was vandalised

This summer, a mural of the Watford great was unveiled on a wall in Vicarage Road next door to the Hornets' stadium. This is in addition to a stand named after Mr Taylor at Vicarage Road stadium and a statue of him outside the club shop.