Memories of Graham Taylor's time at Watford six years after his death

Having been persuaded to leave Lincoln City for a move to south-west Hertfordshire by Elton John in the summer of 1977, Taylor famously led the Hornets from the Fourth Division to their highest ever league finish of second in the First Division inside six years.

The club’s first, and only, European campaign was the result before what is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the golden era was achieved in 1984, a first appearance in an FA Cup final.

Graham Taylor leads the Hornets out at the FA Cup Final. (Image: Watford Observer)

That era ended in 1987 when Taylor left to join Aston Villa but nine years later, having managed England and Wolves, he was back with the Hornets, initially as general manager, before taking charge again as another memorable chapter in the club’s history unfolded.

An award-winning manager. (Image: Watford Observer)

He won the Division Two title at the first attempt and a year later became the first manager to lead Watford into the Premier League after a never-to-be-forgotten play-off triumph over Bolton Wanderers at Wembley Stadium.

A packed room listens intently as Taylor talks. (Image: Watford Observer)

Taylor returned to Vicarage Road as a director in 2009 and later became chairman, retaining the position of honorary life president until he died on January 12, 2017.

Taylor and Luther Blissett reunited when he returned to the club in 1996. (Image: Watford Observer)

As we remember a very special man in the history of the football club and the town, here are 15 pictures from our archive that you may not have seen for many years of Graham Taylor’s time at Vicarage Road.

Taylor watching with the fans at Wolves in 1980. (Image: Watford Observer)

Mr Paterson and son Brett get a helping hand with clearing the snow off the Vicarage Road pitch. (Image: Watford Observer)

Taylor and chief executive Eddie Plumley raise a celebratory cup. (Image: Watford Observer)

Shaking hands on the touchline. (Image: Watford Observer)

Taylor meets a young fan with his model of Vicarage Road in 1982. (Image: Watford Observer)

In conversation with his players in 1986. (Image: Watford Observer)

Anyone for cricket (Image: Watford Observer)

GT takes his seat in a director's box. (Image: Watford Observer)

In conversation with late Vicarage Road groundsman Les Simmons. (Image: Watford Observer)

Taylor and Elton John with Oliver Phillips' official history of the club, (Image: Watford Observer)

Thank you, Graham. (Image: Watford Observer)