Graham Taylor stands down as Watford's non-executive chairman

1:15pm Wednesday 30th May 2012 in Sport By Anthony Matthews, Group Sports Editor

Graham Taylor. Graham Taylor.

Graham Taylor has stood down as Watford's non-executive chairman.

The Hornets' most successful manager will remain as the club's life-president, with owner Laurence Bassini taking over as his interim successor until the Watford board decide on a longer-term solution.

Taylor told Watford's official website: "Having accepted the position of non-executive chairman after being interim chairman, I always made it clear I never felt this to be something for the long-term.

"There's never a right or wrong time to make these decisions, but I wanted to provide as long as possible during the close-season to consider a replacement or perhaps give a new focus to the role."

Bassini said: "I fully understand Graham's wish to concentrate on his other commitments, but let me make it clear that I'm very disappointed to be losing him as chairman off this club.

"I wish him all the very best for the future and will no doubt continue to seek his advice from time to time.

"It is obvious how much he has done for Watford over the years, and he will of course be welcome here any time."

Taylor added: "It would have been wrong of me to have stepped down just before the start of the season, and to have left an unsettling vacuum at that time.

"I'm about to head off to the Euros as part of the BBC commentary team, and then away on private holidays.

"This not only highlights the lack of time I have to devote to the Watford chairmanship but also provides a natural break for the club to plan ahead."

Comments(66)

luther blissett says...
1:18pm Wed 30 May 12

Thank you for all you have done Graham.

Report this post »

mooneysmagic says...
1:35pm Wed 30 May 12

Very generous of Bas to say that the great man is welcome here any time!!

Report this post »

peter10531089 says...
1:36pm Wed 30 May 12

Thank you so much Graham.
Lets see if this leads to any further fluctuation at board level.

Report this post »

mkhornet says...
1:38pm Wed 30 May 12

Once a legend, always a legend! Thanks for everything Graham, I hope you can still make the occasional trip to the Vic! I now fear for the integrity of our club, I hope that these fears are unfounded.

Report this post »

a1derek says...
1:39pm Wed 30 May 12

Thanks for everything you have done for WFC over so many years. Possibly the greatest Watford legend of all time...and a true gentleman to boot.

Report this post »

Reg Edit says...
1:47pm Wed 30 May 12

Sad to see you go. Good luck.

Report this post »

Toshhorn says...
1:55pm Wed 30 May 12

GT you are and always will be, my absolute hero.
Had the pleasure to meet you several times and you are a man of integrity,honesty and dedication .
We can never replace you and I now fear for the future.
Thank you for all you have done, may you have a long and happy life. A very sad day for us "orns".

Report this post »

strummerjoe says...
1:56pm Wed 30 May 12

mooneysmagic wrote:
Very generous of Bas to say that the great man is welcome here any time!!
And if he hadn't said it you'd be on his back. Bloke can't win.

Report this post »

Alfiesballs says...
2:06pm Wed 30 May 12

Great man and a sad day for WFC. A legend, best there is, was & will be. Cheers for everything.

Report this post »

Alex Hillcroft says...
2:06pm Wed 30 May 12

strummerjoe wrote:
mooneysmagic wrote:
Very generous of Bas to say that the great man is welcome here any time!!
And if he hadn't said it you'd be on his back. Bloke can't win.
Someone explain the meaning of irony to Joe

Report this post »

jasonwatford says...
2:14pm Wed 30 May 12

Graham has never hid the fact this was tempory.....Thank you for everything..always welcome in watford and even my place for a cuppa. My Hero as im 41 and grew up in the time when we were the best.

Report this post »

garston tony says...
2:40pm Wed 30 May 12

Cheers GT, dont be a stranger and thanks for everything

Report this post »

LuthersLoveChild says...
2:47pm Wed 30 May 12

Sir GT anyone?

Report this post »

female hornet says...
3:13pm Wed 30 May 12

Very sorry to see Graham go. Still my hero, still wear the T-Shirt. Thanks for everything you have done, you will always be the best.

Report this post »

Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...
3:31pm Wed 30 May 12

The heartbeat of Watford.

You've always done what you considered to be best for the club. Your considered opinions, and your face, will be both missed. No matter how little time you felt you could commit, it would have been time that was highly valued by the WFC fans. You were our portal into the thinking of the board and its sad that we have lost that.

Report this post »

mrbankrupt says...
3:50pm Wed 30 May 12

well done Walter mitty.A watford legend has gone i wonder why?
Thanks Mr Taylor you made this club great. just hope all you great work wasn't in vain.
Happy now bummerjoe,ab11 ect.

Report this post »

lutondown says...
4:06pm Wed 30 May 12

mrbankrupt wrote:
well done Walter mitty.A watford legend has gone i wonder why?
Thanks Mr Taylor you made this club great. just hope all you great work wasn't in vain.
Happy now bummerjoe,ab11 ect.
Don't be daft according to Aidy 11 And Dummer Joe, Bas is the real legend.
Bye GT you gave us the best ride ever a small club could ever expect.
You have too much integrity fur today's imitation of a great game.
To hear the crowd roar "elton johns Taylor made army" was my privilege to witness
True legends

Report this post »

The Crimson Avenger says...
4:15pm Wed 30 May 12

lutondown wrote:
mrbankrupt wrote: well done Walter mitty.A watford legend has gone i wonder why? Thanks Mr Taylor you made this club great. just hope all you great work wasn't in vain. Happy now bummerjoe,ab11 ect.
Don't be daft according to Aidy 11 And Dummer Joe, Bas is the real legend. Bye GT you gave us the best ride ever a small club could ever expect. You have too much integrity fur today's imitation of a great game. To hear the crowd roar "elton johns Taylor made army" was my privilege to witness True legends
Brilliant double act from the unhappy cr appers. Ant and Deck or Morecambe and Wise.? Must be M&W. Seriously though Buckler must be right and GT left as he did not get paid.

Report this post »

martin62 says...
4:23pm Wed 30 May 12

A WFC Legend in my lifetime. Was there back in the '77 4th Div days. Thanks for the memories!!. When we finally get a new East Stand surely it must be named the "GT" Stand???

Report this post »

buckler says...
4:29pm Wed 30 May 12

Things that make you go UM!

Report this post »

ab11uk says...
4:38pm Wed 30 May 12

Would Mr taylor walk away from the club if he was the only man keeping it from going under according to Old Buckles?

i for one rate GT alot higher than thaat and im sure he would not walk away because he had to commentate at the Euros and take a holiday!

Bankrupt and bucles(same person) insult our Legends in the worst way.

I know he has walked away as he always said he would when he was happy that Watford is safe. and Thanks to Baz not only are they safe but we are thriving.

I find it sad and again a bit wierd how one person can spout so much drivvle be ignored by so many but still keep coming back for more? BBLD care to answer????

Report this post »

Bush Hornet says...
4:41pm Wed 30 May 12

A great man. Guess this was inevitable sooner or later. Well kids, now Daddy's gone again we've got to grow up and stop bickering eh.

Report this post »

mooneysmagic says...
4:42pm Wed 30 May 12

strummerjoe wrote:
mooneysmagic wrote:
Very generous of Bas to say that the great man is welcome here any time!!
And if he hadn't said it you'd be on his back. Bloke can't win.
Only someone with no sense and no appreciation of Watford history would need to say that a legend such as Graham and indeed a life president would be "welcome here any time".

Report this post »

Back from Hammerau says...
4:49pm Wed 30 May 12

martin62 wrote:
A WFC Legend in my lifetime. Was there back in the '77 4th Div days. Thanks for the memories!!. When we finally get a new East Stand surely it must be named the "GT" Stand???
Whene there's been discussion in the past about naming something after him, GT's always said he didn't want the honour.

Report this post »

lutondown says...
4:52pm Wed 30 May 12

ab11uk wrote:
Would Mr taylor walk away from the club if he was the only man keeping it from going under according to Old Buckles?

i for one rate GT alot higher than thaat and im sure he would not walk away because he had to commentate at the Euros and take a holiday!

Bankrupt and bucles(same person) insult our Legends in the worst way.

I know he has walked away as he always said he would when he was happy that Watford is safe. and Thanks to Baz not only are they safe but we are thriving.

I find it sad and again a bit wierd how one person can spout so much drivvle be ignored by so many but still keep coming back for more? BBLD care to answer????
But Boofers you made vlast your disdain for GT over Bas's no show at the forum,I think you were Ilovvas or bouncing tool in them days.
So petal, stop praising GT when we really know your innermost thoughts.
Hope you changed your pantyhose during this heat wave
Yuk

Report this post »

lutondown says...
4:54pm Wed 30 May 12

Back from Hammerau wrote:
martin62 wrote:
A WFC Legend in my lifetime. Was there back in the '77 4th Div days. Thanks for the memories!!. When we finally get a new East Stand surely it must be named the "GT" Stand???
Whene there's been discussion in the past about naming something after him, GT's always said he didn't want the honour.
That's called modesty
Measure of the man
He never needed to court approval, he had it. Legend.

Report this post »

Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...
4:56pm Wed 30 May 12

mooneysmagic wrote:
strummerjoe wrote:
mooneysmagic wrote: Very generous of Bas to say that the great man is welcome here any time!!
And if he hadn't said it you'd be on his back. Bloke can't win.
Only someone with no sense and no appreciation of Watford history would need to say that a legend such as Graham and indeed a life president would be "welcome here any time".
...which supports Strummers point that he will be criticised for saying it....and would be criticised if he hadn't said it.

Give the guy a chance !!

Report this post »

strummerjoe says...
5:06pm Wed 30 May 12

Alex Hillcroft wrote:
strummerjoe wrote:
mooneysmagic wrote:
Very generous of Bas to say that the great man is welcome here any time!!
And if he hadn't said it you'd be on his back. Bloke can't win.
Someone explain the meaning of irony to Joe
As the above demonstrates, there was no irony in the original post.

Report this post »

Oracledave says...
5:16pm Wed 30 May 12

I obviously echo all the well merited praise for GT.

One slight concern - EHJ will now presumably lose his 'inside track' on goings on at the Vic. Somehow, it always gave me comfort that he had that connection, although probably irrational.

Report this post »

cliff46 says...
5:41pm Wed 30 May 12

Sorry to see him go, a great man, sadly very few men of integrity left in football these days.
Not only did he achieve great things for our club he did all the small unimportant things well.
My wife some years my wife sent him a birthday card intended for one of our children asking if he would mind signing it for them. He always did and it was always returned to us accompanied by a handwritten
note from him.
Very small an unimportant but it meant a lot at the time.


It wouldn't happen these day

Report this post »

Casterbridge says...
5:46pm Wed 30 May 12

ab11uk: "I know he has walked away as he always said he would when he was happy that Watford were safe - and thanks to Baz they are not only safe but thriving".

My sentiments entirely, ab.

Thanks for everything, Graham, and all the best for your new career in the media.

Report this post »

CreteJoe says...
6:02pm Wed 30 May 12

Rodgers declined the opportunity to speak to Liverpool about the vacancy 12 days ago, and instead the club's hierarchy sought a meeting with Wigan's Martinez.

Report this post »

cliff46 says...
6:03pm Wed 30 May 12

My iPad and I are not doing too well this afternoon.
I was trying to say that the birthday card thing happened several times and he never failed once.
It doesn't matter that it might have been done by his secretary the fact is that he created the club's culture.

Both my sons have been avid supporters since I first started taking them when they were four years old

Report this post »

bigthunder says...
7:01pm Wed 30 May 12

And so it begins .........

Thanks for everything Graham you were the greatest manager , You are a brilliant person and you did your best to uphold all the things great about WFC , you sailed the ship through very difficult seas and now the club from what i understand will soon be in very good hands and you know this ! nothing whatsoever to do with the current owner though who will soon be gone ? watch this space !

thanks GT a real LEGEND !!!!

Report this post »

Keith Eddy says...
7:14pm Wed 30 May 12

Just wanted to echo all the tributes about GT took us to heights I had never dreamed of.

My favourite GT season will always be the first one in the old fourth division, when football was football, still remember the atmosphere at the Southend & Brentford games. I would use a stronger term than atmosphere for those away days !! but that's another story.

Report this post »

lutondown says...
7:42pm Wed 30 May 12

Keith Eddy wrote:
Just wanted to echo all the tributes about GT took us to heights I had never dreamed of.

My favourite GT season will always be the first one in the old fourth division, when football was football, still remember the atmosphere at the Southend & Brentford games. I would use a stronger term than atmosphere for those away days !! but that's another story.
Weren't they great days
We were **** of the South, a delusion that West Ham and Chelsea battered us out of when we got to Division 2.
Remember beating Reading 5-0 one night game and SEJ walked on the pitch and nearly caused a riot.
That is the only critics i have of Sir Graham, he wanted rid of the passionate fans but bemoaned when having gt his way tat Watford fans liked ther football but were not passionate about it.
But he took us to great heights and really was a great man
Arise Lord Watford
A legend and a gentleman

Report this post »

lutondown says...
7:43pm Wed 30 May 12

The censored bit just said C ocks of the South?? Wtf censors you know like Man U (coc ks of the north) get it? God!

Report this post »

BarryTheHornet says...
8:21pm Wed 30 May 12

Thanks Graham. You were like a father to so many of us. You are so respected by all of us and so many of my happy memories of supporting Watford are because of you. It absolutely has to be THE GRAHAM TAYLOR STAND. Let's get it built!

Report this post »

Dunderdale Pinner says...
8:24pm Wed 30 May 12

Thanks Grahbam. Ive been with you from the day you arrived. Good luck for the future. More time now to practice your jogging for the marathon. Best regards to Rita and the girls

Report this post »

along for the micah hyde says...
8:48pm Wed 30 May 12

Thank you Graham i too are 41 and apart from the birth of my kids you were the architect of the best days of my life from meeting you as a 9 year old mascot to that sunny day at wembley in 1999 and many more besides good luck GT and not just a stand isnt it time for the Elton and Graham statue.

Report this post »

derry pigweed says...
10:01pm Wed 30 May 12

This man made Watford FC and I love him and always will...!

Report this post »

Hornets number 12 fan says...
10:38pm Wed 30 May 12

Sad to see Graham go but he has his own life and he has done more for Watford than any single person ever has. I too think the new stand when it's finally built should be named after OUR hero Graham Taylor!

Report this post »

akureyri says...
6:37am Thu 31 May 12

GT has stood down as non-executive chairman, a position he himself said would be temporary. He will still be honorary life president so he can still have a say in how the club is controlled, albeit at a much reduced level. Thankfully this is still more than we have. Can you imaging the club being run by some of the writers here?

Report this post »

John Howard Norfolk says...
8:51am Thu 31 May 12

martin62 wrote:
A WFC Legend in my lifetime. Was there back in the '77 4th Div days. Thanks for the memories!!. When we finally get a new East Stand surely it must be named the "GT" Stand???
EXACTLY my thought !

Report this post »

ab11uk says...
8:57am Thu 31 May 12

Wow. that was a well thought out response BBLD Old Buckles had a bit to much prune juice for that one.

However this is actually a positive step for the club and as we should pay respect to the man we should also look to the future which i have been assured is bright.

Report this post »

John Howard Norfolk says...
8:58am Thu 31 May 12

Oli Phillips is the man to write up this story please - a generation of WFC fans that followed the club through the '70s and beyond bought the WO for the insights that Oli got from his access to GT's thoughts.

Report this post »

COGGDAVE1 says...
9:13am Thu 31 May 12

A giant amongst men, steered the club through the evil dark days of 'Saladgate' ..even went on morning TV to blast and expose the evil rouges, and he would never leave unless he was confident of the status of the club..thanks for all the brilliant memories ...and enjoy the media work you obviously love...

Report this post »

Chris the Vic says...
9:17am Thu 31 May 12

Graham Taylor from the start of his WFC career was a very well paid manager who's performance actually merited his salary. When he left as manager the first time he had my sympathy and best wishes.
His return as manager the second time was more interesting and yet again he over achieved and again went with omy best wishes.
However as a board member and as Chairman I think he did a very average job. I do not doubt his integrity and believe he is a very honest man who said what he thought. He was not always right and like his reign as England Manager there were times when he fell short.
In Watford terms the man was a legend, a huge asset to our club and we should pay homage to Messrs Smith, Halliwell and Stratford who persuaded Elton to offer GT the job rather than to the late Bobby Moore.

In terms of the future the men who have turned the club's fortunes around led by LB are still there and I do not think GT's absence from the boardroom will alter our chosen path, diminish the club's integrity and to infer it will is way off the mark, but then those critics have been leading the moans for a season plus even though GT was chairman, but any excuse for a whinge and the lads are out hiding behind their nom de plumes.

Report this post »

J.A.A. says...
9:43am Thu 31 May 12

Just had to express my appreciation of Graham Taylor.You enriched and gave so much pleasure to so many peoples lives,did so much not only for our club but also for the town.Thank you for some of the best memories and times of my life.

Report this post »

andyhooked says...
10:16am Thu 31 May 12

We can not dwell on the past and in all walks of life there is a time for a person to move on or to step back from what they have been doing. Graham was non-exec Chairman and has no doubt offered advice and has been a stabilising factor but is not the one who ultimately makes the decisions. Good luck Graham and thanks for all those wonderful memories.

Report this post »

StephenKilamanjiro says...
10:26am Thu 31 May 12

Opening youth centres one day stepping down the next...rumours of the russo's ( that sound as bad as the Driscoll brothers ) club in turmoil, if there was any truth to any of it, you would know about it by now...

Report this post »

garston tony says...
10:55am Thu 31 May 12

StephenKilamanjiro wrote:
Opening youth centres one day stepping down the next...rumours of the russo's ( that sound as bad as the Driscoll brothers ) club in turmoil, if there was any truth to any of it, you would know about it by now...
There is no way GT would step down if the club was about to go through some turmoil. The rumours are just that and GTs reasons for leaving are as he gave them.

He probably waited until after opening the youth centre as that was a long standing agreement he had made to do and if so another example of the mans honour in keeping agreements and doing the right thing by the club and by the fans

Report this post »

StephenKilamanjiro says...
11:16am Thu 31 May 12

garston tony wrote:
StephenKilamanjiro wrote:
Opening youth centres one day stepping down the next...rumours of the russo's ( that sound as bad as the Driscoll brothers ) club in turmoil, if there was any truth to any of it, you would know about it by now...
There is no way GT would step down if the club was about to go through some turmoil. The rumours are just that and GTs reasons for leaving are as he gave them.

He probably waited until after opening the youth centre as that was a long standing agreement he had made to do and if so another example of the mans honour in keeping agreements and doing the right thing by the club and by the fans
I was being ironic. So many drama queens on this message board...everyone should give the man a break - a great and loyal servant

Report this post »

tommy gunn says...
12:39pm Thu 31 May 12

Graham has been a truely great ambassador for the club and achieved so much to put WFC where it is today.He always had time for the fans and I seem to remember a little incident when a visiting manager complained at sitting on the bench exposed to the elements.It was reported that Graham said, when the fans have a roof over their heads at the Vicarage road end then I'll put shelter up on the bench. And it happened that way too.Typical of the man.

Report this post »

Alex Hillcroft says...
12:59pm Thu 31 May 12

I can think of noone more deserving to have a statue erected to him in the town centre than Graham Taylor. If funds can't run to that (although I'd willingly see a couple of dozen public sector layabouts culled to pay for it) how about renaming a street after him?

Report this post »

buckler says...
1:37pm Thu 31 May 12

Elton John will severe all ties with Watford FC very soon!

Report this post »

John Howard Norfolk says...
1:52pm Thu 31 May 12

Lets not forget GT's intelligent, topical and honest notes in our matchday programmes over the years.

Report this post »

honest-view says...
2:16pm Thu 31 May 12

I too have supported Watford since 1970's, and believe the two most important supporters were Elton John and Graham Taylor.
I honestly think by now some sort of recognition by club and supporters should be erected.
Good clubs now show their respect to these type of people,
as you arrive to watch matches.

Report this post »

Bush Hornet says...
2:42pm Thu 31 May 12

I know he said once that he didn't want a stand named after him but I think it's time to ignore that. The man has made mistakes in the past and saying that was wrong: forget that modest gesture and let's get on with building the (East) Graham Taylor Stand

Report this post »

JonBoy says...
2:57pm Thu 31 May 12

WO have tweeted that LB has agreed to name the new stand after GT

Report this post »

mrbankrupt says...
3:04pm Thu 31 May 12

JonBoy wrote:
WO have tweeted that LB has agreed to name the new stand after GT
Lol what new stand?

Report this post »

lutondown says...
3:40pm Thu 31 May 12

Alex Hillcroft wrote:
I can think of noone more deserving to have a statue erected to him in the town centre than Graham Taylor. If funds can't run to that (although I'd willingly see a couple of dozen public sector layabouts culled to pay for it) how about renaming a street after him?
no they wont because he's not an African dictator and he dissed the council over the eyesore that was buiolt next to the Peace Hospice!
And agree with your sentiment about the public centre cull. I think the Mayor and her husband would be a good start!

Report this post »

mrbankrupt says...
4:16pm Thu 31 May 12

COGGDAVE1 wrote:
A giant amongst men, steered the club through the evil dark days of 'Saladgate' ..even went on morning TV to blast and expose the evil rouges, and he would never leave unless he was confident of the status of the club..thanks for all the brilliant memories ...and enjoy the media work you obviously love...
saladgate could turn out to be nothing compared to Bankrupt Gate
but keep those rose tinted glasses on clap clap

Report this post »

Paul Gadd says...
9:59pm Thu 31 May 12

The term 'legend' is used so loosely these days, but Mr GT certainly is....they say never go back to a club you have been a success at in football, but not only did he come back but took us to the promised land of the Prem!!
The only downside is we have lost maybe the one board member with more focus on WFC than £££

Report this post »

Ronny oh Ronny Ronny says...
12:15am Fri 1 Jun 12

"one graham taylor, there's only one graham Taylor"
*sheds a little tear*
One true legend, always remembered!!

Report this post »

West Country Hornet says...
9:56am Fri 1 Jun 12

Legend! All the best for the future Graham.

Report this post »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree