The finishing touches have been made to a stunning piece of artwork that celebrates Watford's greatest ever manager.

A mural of the late Graham Taylor appeared on the side of a house opposite Vicarage Road stadium earlier this week.

Yesterday, the work was completed with the addition of his signature and Watford football club's crest on a yellow background.

The portrait joins a statue outside the stadium and the Graham Taylor Stand as a firm and poignant reminder of Mr Taylor's legendary status at Watford football club.

Hornets record goalscorer Luther Blissett was among the first to see the final display, which came almost 37 years to the day since Mr Taylor took charge of his first competitive game for Watford; a 2-1 victory over Reading in the League Cup at Vicarage Road.

Luther tweeted: "So wonderful to see this. Thank you to the church for allowing it as a wonderful tribute to the greatest manager Watford could ever wish for."

The permanent artwork has been created by Mark Meana and Dave Nash, of Murwalls, ahead of the launch of the new Premier League season.

Watford Observer: Luther Blissett next to the mural of Graham Taylor. Credit: Stephen DanzigLuther Blissett next to the mural of Graham Taylor. Credit: Stephen Danzig

Tomorrow's game against Aston Villa will provide an opportunity for the majority of fans to see the mural for the first time in all its glory.

It has been painted on the side of a house in Vicarage Road opposite the turnstiles by Watford General Hospital.

It is next door to the Cornerstone Church, which submitted a planning application in 2018 - when it was formerly known as the West Watford Christian Fellowship - to paint the exterior walls of the property in Vicarage Road.

The mural is visible to drivers travelling down Vicarage Road from Hagden Lane and passers-by have been stopping and taking photos ever since it appeared this week.

Watford Observer: A photo of the mural nearly complete, with Vicarage Road stadium in the backgroundA photo of the mural nearly complete, with Vicarage Road stadium in the background

The artwork of the former Watford manager and chairman has been hugely welcomed by fans of the Hornets, including Gary Crowe who appeared blown away by the mural when he saw it on Wednesday.

Mr Taylor sadly died in 2017 aged 72 following a heart attack.

Rather aptly, Watford's opponents Aston Villa are one of Mr Taylor's former clubs, meaning the new mural will be a wonderful tribute for everyone visiting Vicarage Road on Saturday.