A gold plaque honouring former Watford FC manager Graham Taylor has been vandalised for a second time.

Today, August 15, the Watford Borough Council vowed to fix the issue as soon as possible.  

Although it isn’t clear exactly when it was defaced, a picture of it was shared on Facebook on August 15.

The inscription on the bench situated at the Rickmansworth Road entrance to Cassiobury Park reads: “In loving memory of friend Graham Taylor. Much Loved. Elton. 15.09.44 – 12.01.17

Watford Observer: The bench when it was unveiled in 2017.The bench when it was unveiled in 2017.

In the Facebook image, seen by the Watford Observer, Elton’s name has been scribbled over with what could have been a blue felt tip pen.

Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, described the act as “disgraceful”.

He added: “Graham meant so much to the town and we'll make sure his memory continues to be honoured by restoring the plaque as quickly as possible.

“Vandalism is a criminal offence and acts of vandalism to public property such as this are completely unacceptable.”

Watford Observer: Sir Elton John greets Graham Taylor at the start of his second spell as manager of Watford in 1996.

People fumed at the damage after the picture was shared online.

One person said: “Unfortunately there are some sick people around.”

Another called the act “disgusting” and someone else said “have some respect”.  

The previous time the bench was damaged was in September 2021, and the council swiftly responded to changing the plaque by the end of the month.

Watford Observer: The bench when it was defaced in 2021.The bench when it was defaced in 2021.

Watford FC honorary life-president Sir Elton John installed the bench in 2017 after Mr Taylor, who lived in Kings Langley, had died of a heart attack on January 12, 2017.

Sir Elton John described Mr Taylor as "like a brother to me" following the former Watford manager's death at 72.

"We will cherish Graham and drown our sorrows in the brilliant memories he gave us," Sir Elton John wrote on Instagram at the time.

"This is a sad and dark day for Watford. The club and the town. We went on an incredible journey together and it will stay with me forever.

"I love you Graham. I will miss you very much."

Watford Observer: Sir Elton John paid for the bench when it was installed in 2017.Sir Elton John paid for the bench when it was installed in 2017.

Sir Elton John appointed Mr Taylor as Watford manager in 1977, a year after the singer took ownership of the club.

Within five years, Mr Taylor took the Hornets from the old Fourth Division to runners-up in the top flight, going on to reach the 1984 FA Cup final.