Football World in Total Shock as Former England & Aston Villa Manager Dies After a Heart Attack

Former England manager, Graham Taylor has died at the age of 72.

Graham Taylor dies aged 72: Former England, Watford and Aston Villa manager passes away from suspected heart attack

For More:Visit Us at Uju Ayalogu's Blog

A family statement said: "With the greatest sadness, we have to announce that Graham passed away at his home early this morning of a suspected heart attack.

"The family are devastated by this sudden and totally unexpected loss."

The English Football Association said on Twitter: 'We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former England manager Graham Taylor.'

One of his former England players, Alan Shearer, was among the first to pay tribute. He tweeted: 'Completely shocked by news of Graham Taylor. Always held him in the very highest regard - the man who gave me my first england cap. So sad.'

As a club manager, he led Watford from the Fourth Division to runners-up in the old First Division in five years and to the final of the 1984 FA Cup.

He guided Aston Villa to second in the First Division, returning to Watford and Villa after his England stint as well as managing Wolves.

He became England boss in 1990 but resigned in 1993 after the team failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup.

Following his spell with England, Taylor returned to club management and also became a renowned pundit for BBC Sport.

Graham Taylor's managerial record

1. Lincoln City (1972-77) - Youngest person to become an FA coach, at the age of 27 - won Fourth Division title in 1976.

2. Watford (1977-1987) - Led team from Fourth Division to First Division in five years (W244, D124, L159)

3. Aston Villa (1987-1990) - Took over when Villa had been relegated to Second Division. Took them back to top flight at his first attempt. Finished runners-up to Liverpool in his third season in charge (W65, D35, L42)

4. England (1990-1993) - Failed to progress beyond group stage of Euro 92 or qualify for World Cup in 1994 (W18, D13, L7)

5. Wolves (1994-1995) - Resigned after one full season in charge - (W37, D27, L24)

6. Watford (1996-2001) - Won Division Two title in 1998 and Division One play-off final in 1999 (W104, D 80, L 91)

7. Aston Villa (2002-2003) - Finished 16th in Premier League before retiring (W19 D14 L27)

For More:Visit Us at Uju Ayalogu's Blog

Subscribe to Our Posts via Email