Video: Graham Taylor will be missed by everyone in football, said his former colleagues

Players past and present paid tribute to their former coach and friend who was laid to rest today.

SEE ALSO: Graham Taylor funeral - live blog

A sea of yellow and red shirts surrounded St Mary's Church, whilst a host of famous faces poured into the church to pay their respects.

BBC pundit and former Arsenal and England defender Lee Dixon said: "Obviously it was a massive shock, Graham was a big part of my career, not just my education in the game but as a human being as well.

"He gave me 20 of my 22 England caps so I'm very grateful to him.

"I remember I wrote him a letter when he got the sack and the letter he wrote me back was such an amazing letter - pages long about life and football.

SEE ALSO: Thousands turn up to pay their respects to Watford legend Graham Taylor

"It was the integrity of people that impressed him and it was a fitting service today.

"There were so many people from across the game who came out, it really shows how well-loved he was.

"He always had time for everybody and was thoughtful with all his players - he always cared how they were feeling and would consult them on the big decisions.

"He was one of those people who cared about people. Not many managers do that.

"He looked after his players and he'll be greatly missed by the everyone who knew him."

Current Watford captain Troy Deeney, who wore trainers to the service due to a swollen ankle, joked he let Graham down as he left the church this afternoon.

He added: "He was an incredible icon of the club, a legend.

"He did an amazing amount for the academy and the youth players at Watford. It's really important that we remembered him today."

Luther Blissett, who played for Watford under Taylor in the 80s along with John Barnes said: "I thought it was a great tribute to Graham, it really showed his values and what he stood for in the game.

"It's only when you come back that you realise the impact he had on the club, he revolutionised it.

"He was a great man who had such an incredible impact in English football. It's such a sad day for all who knew him.

"I haven't seen some these players for years but we just picked up where we left off."

BBC TV presenter Mark Chapman who worked with Graham at Radio 5 Live said: "It was a remarkable service with so many people showing how much he meant to them.

"It was very 'Graham' and there were some really lovely words said about him.

"He helped me immensely when I did a TV feature about him in Lincoln, then working with him for 5 Live doing England games was slightly surreal but an amazing experience.

"He was just an amazing man who will be sorely missed."