Luther Blissett believes Watford would not be in the Premier League if it was not for Graham Taylor's "immeasurable" achievements at the club.

Taylor, the greatest manager in their history, guided the Hornets on a remarkable journey during his first spell at Vicarage Road lifting the team from the Fourth Division to runners-up in the top flight.

The footballing world will pay their respects to Taylor tomorrow after he passed away yesterday and Watford's home game against Middlesbrough is certain to be an emotional occasion for everyone.

Watford are in their second season back in the Premier League and Blissett thinks Taylor's achievements helped take the club up to this level in English football. 

Blissett, the club's record goalscorer, said: "Let's not forget without what Graham Taylor achieved and built around this football club, with everything you're talking about the family club and them being the next biggest club near to London which he always used to say, Watford would not be where it is now.

"I doubt Watford would be in the Premier League, with the way the stadium it has got now and people willing to invest money to get the club where it is, without what Graham Taylor initially achieved. It's immeasurable really what he has done and it will be a very emotional day tomorrow."

Watford Observer:

Blissett, who last saw Taylor at a recent home game and describes him as a footballing father, believes the Hornets' legendary manager will be celebrated up and down the country for his contribution as both a manager and as an "incredible human being".

"You just hope the game goes well for us but prior to that everyone will give him the send off and remember him in the right way," Blissett said.

"I hope and believe it's going to be right the way across football in the country. I think it's absolutely the right thing because he has been an England manager and they are very important to the country.

"I think he should be remembered in that way and everyone should give him a minute's silence or applause. He more than deserves that for what he's given to football and all of us as young people and thousands of others at various clubs he's managed in creating a similar atmosphere to what he did at Watford."

Blissett added: "It's one of those things where you are looking forward to it but also dreading the occasion because of the significance that the whole thing will be.

"We're going there for a football match but to a great degree the football match, especially prior to kick-off, is going to be overshadowed by the fact Graham's gone.

"Everyone is going to want to celebrate, pay their respect and remember his achievements."