FORMER England manager Graham Taylor has died, his agent confirmed.
Taylor, who managed the Three Lions from 1990 to 1993 was 72.
He enjoyed brilliant spells at Watford and Aston Villa, managing both clubs on two separate occasions.
Under Elton John’s helm, Taylor led unfancied Watford to an unlikely FA Cup final in 1984 – following four promotions between 1978 and 1983.
Taylor then moved to Aston Villa in 1987, challenging eventual winners Liverpool for the title in 1990.
Taylor, who played for Grimsby Town and Lincoln City in his younger days, was appointed England manager in 1990.
Graham Taylor was hired by Watford owner Elton John in 1977.
Graham Taylor was hired by Watford owner Elton John in 1977
But his reign was heavily criticised after a poor Euro 1992 campaign, where they were eliminated by Sweden.
Failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup also led to harsh criticism and his eventual sacking.
Taylor returned to management with Wolves for 18 months, before a his second spell at Watford.
He again performed miracles for the Hornets, with promotions in successive campaigns that took the club from the third tier to the promised land of the Premier League.
After relegation, Taylor retired midway through the next season, but then came out of retirement eight months later to return to Aston Villa.
Tensions with then-chairman Doug Ellis eventually led him to leave Villa Park.
Taylor became the third manager in the English game , behind Brian Clough and Jim Smith, to reach 1,000 league games.
