Thousands of mourners lined the streets to pay their respects to Graham Taylor, the former England boss who passed away on January 12 at the age of 72.
Graham Taylor, regarded as Watford’s greatest-ever manager, returned for a second spell with the club in the late 1990s. During his funeral, songs by Taylor’s favourite singer, Buddy Holly, and his close friend, former Watford chairman Elton John, resonated with the crowd as they arrived. Hundreds of supporters spontaneously sang “We’ll Meet Again.”
Pictures of the ex-England manager adorned the windows of pubs and shops along Watford High Street. As Taylor’s coffin, draped in a Union Jack flag, entered the church, hundreds of Watford fans clapped in tribute.
Inside the church, Elgar’s “Nimrod” played, accompanied by hymns sung by some of football’s most famous faces: “Lead Us Heavenly Father,” “Abide With Me,” and “Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer.”
Elton John, who considered Taylor a brother, reflected on their friendship, even discussing Taylor’s past struggles with drug abuse. The hymn “Lead Us Heavenly Father” was also part of Taylor’s wedding to his wife, Rita.
Born in Worksop, Notts, Taylor’s lifelong love of football began with Scunthorpe United. He went on to become England manager in 1990, leading the team to qualify for the European Championship in 1992.
During the service, Taylor’s daughter Karen read a poignant poem titled “The Dash,” encapsulating her father’s life. The Reverend John Samways acknowledged the exceptional way Taylor lived his “dash.”
Taylor’s other daughter, Joanna, humorously noted that family always came first for her father-except on match days. She also shared an amusing story about an expensive jacket he accidentally donated to a homeless charity when she took it to a shop with a bundle of old coats.
Taylor became England manager in 1990, qualifying for the European Championship in 1992.
In his glowing tribute, Sir Elton compared Taylor to his lyricist Bernie Taupin as a positive influence in his life. And he noted that both were born in Lincolnshire.
Reading Sir Elton's tribute, Motson, 71, said: "Two of the most important people in my life were from Lincolnshire.
"Graham Taylor was so many wonderful things for the community and the game.
"He was like a brother from the moment I first met him in my front room.
"As an influence on my life, he equalled my brilliant lyricist.
watnews.uk/hun...
Like us / watfordhertslondon
Follow us / watfordlondon
License video media for news and documentary watnews.uk/con...
#celebrities #watfordfc #funeral #legend #football
26 авг 2024
