Graham Taylor, former Grimsby Town player and former manager of the England football team. (b. 1944)

Graham Taylor: A Multifaceted Figure in English Football History

Graham Taylor (15 September 1944 – 12 January 2017) was an esteemed figure in English football, renowned for his diverse contributions across various roles. Beyond his iconic tenure as manager of the England national football team from 1990 to 1993, Taylor carved out a distinguished career as a professional player, a highly successful club manager, a respected football pundit, and even served as chairman of Watford Football Club. His managerial career saw him lead several prominent clubs, including Lincoln City, Watford (across two highly successful spells), Aston Villa (also two stints), and Wolverhampton Wanderers, leaving an indelible mark on each.

Early Life and the Genesis of a Football Passion

Born in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, Graham Taylor spent his formative years in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, a town he deeply cherished and considered his true home. His connection to the sport was nurtured from a young age; as the son of a sports journalist who contributed to the Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph, Taylor's fascination with football blossomed in the stands of the Old Show Ground, the historic home of Scunthorpe United, where he absorbed the game as a keen spectator. This early immersion laid the foundation for his future career.

From Full-Back to Managerial Prodigy

Taylor transitioned from fan to professional player, excelling as a sturdy full-back. His playing career included spells at Grimsby Town and Lincoln City, where he showcased commitment and tactical understanding on the pitch. Unfortunately, his playing days were cut short by injury in 1972 at the age of just 27. This premature end, however, paved the way for the beginning of his remarkable journey into management and coaching, a path where his true genius would become evident.

The Watford Phenomenon: A Meteoric Rise

Graham Taylor’s managerial prowess truly came to the fore at Lincoln City, where he secured the Fourth Division title in 1976, demonstrating his early ability to build winning teams. His next move, in 1977, would redefine his legacy and write one of English football's most romantic stories.

Taking the helm at Watford Football Club, then languishing in the Fourth Division, Taylor embarked on an extraordinary journey alongside then-chairman Elton John. In just five exhilarating years, he masterminded an incredible ascent, guiding the Hornets through four divisions all the way to the First Division. This rapid rise was not merely about promotion; it was about establishing Watford as a formidable force in English football's top tier. Under his astute leadership:

Taylor's first spell at Watford is often cited as a masterclass in progressive management, transforming a lower-league side into a respected top-flight contender through shrewd tactics, diligent player development, and a strong sense of club unity.

Success with Aston Villa: A Brief but Impactful Spell

In 1987, Graham Taylor took on a new challenge at Aston Villa, a club with a rich history but one that had recently experienced relegation from the First Division. His impact was immediate and profound. Within his first season, in 1988, he successfully guided Aston Villa back to the First Division, illustrating his exceptional capability to revitalize clubs and achieve promotion. He continued this momentum, leading the club to an impressive 2nd place finish in the First Division in the 1989–90 season, firmly re-establishing Villa among the elite of English football. This success further cemented his reputation as one of the country's most respected and effective club managers, making him an obvious candidate for the national team job.

The England National Team: A Period of Intense Scrutiny

In July 1990, Graham Taylor accepted what many consider the most demanding job in English football: manager of the England national team. Tasked with leading the Three Lions, his tenure was marked by both qualification successes and significant disappointments, all under the intense gaze of the public and media.

Taylor resigned in November 1993 following the World Cup qualification failure. His time as England manager became synonymous with heavy criticism, particularly from tabloid newspapers which often lampooned him. The scrutiny reached an unprecedented level with the airing of a television documentary, An Impossible Job, in 1994. Taylor had famously granted unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the film crew during the ill-fated World Cup qualifying campaign. The documentary offered a stark, often unflattering, look at the pressures of the job and became a seminal piece of sports broadcasting, further intensifying public debate around Taylor's management and the immense challenges faced by the England manager.

Later Career and Enduring Legacy

Despite the immense pressure of the England job, Graham Taylor's dedication to football remained unwavering. He returned to club management in March 1994 with Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he spent one season at Molineux before a much-anticipated return to his beloved Watford in 1996.

His second spell at Watford was another testament to his exceptional managerial skills. He masterminded back-to-back promotions, leading the club from the Second Division (now League One) in 1998, and then sensationally to the Premier League in 1999, a remarkable achievement that solidified his legendary status at Vicarage Road. After this success, his final managerial role saw him return to Aston Villa for a second stint in 2002, where he remained until the end of the 2002–03 season.

Beyond the touchline, Taylor continued to contribute significantly to football. He served as Watford's chairman from 2009 until 2012, playing a crucial administrative role in the club he held so dear. Following this, he was honoured with the position of honorary life-president, a fitting tribute to his profound impact. Furthermore, Taylor became a respected voice in football media, working as a popular pundit for BBC Radio Five Live, where his insightful analysis and straightforward style were highly valued by listeners.

Graham Taylor passed away on 12 January 2017, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the game. He remains fondly remembered for his transformative impact on clubs like Watford and his honest approach to the demanding world of football management.

Frequently Asked Questions About Graham Taylor

Who was Graham Taylor and what were his main roles in football?
Graham Taylor was an influential English football figure (1944-2017) known for his diverse career as a professional player, a highly successful club manager, England national team manager, a football pundit, and later chairman and honorary life-president of Watford Football Club.
What are some of Graham Taylor's most notable achievements as a club manager?
Taylor's most celebrated achievements include taking Watford from the Fourth Division to the First Division (and later to the Premier League in his second spell), securing First Division runner-up spots with both Watford and Aston Villa, and winning the Fourth Division title with Lincoln City. His promotions with Watford are particularly iconic.
Why was Graham Taylor's tenure as England manager controversial?
His time as England manager (1990-1993) faced heavy criticism from fans and media due to the team's early exit from Euro 1992 and, more significantly, their failure to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. His tenure was notably scrutinised in the documentary An Impossible Job.
What was the documentary An Impossible Job about?
An Impossible Job was a 1994 television documentary that provided unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to Graham Taylor's England team during their unsuccessful qualification campaign for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. It offered a raw look at the pressures and challenges of managing the national team, contributing significantly to public perception of his role.
What was Graham Taylor's enduring connection to Watford FC?
Graham Taylor had an exceptional and enduring bond with Watford FC, managing them in two highly successful spells that saw the club rise from the Fourth Division to the First Division (and later to the Premier League). He also served as the club's chairman and later as honorary life-president, cementing his status as one of Watford's most revered figures.