Watford made the perfect return to the Premier League with a fine victory in a game in which two sets of fans came together to honour the late Graham Taylor.

Aston Villa were the visitors to Vicarage Road on Saturday in a fixture poignantly referred to as the 'Graham Taylor Matchday'.

The late Mr Taylor is Watford's greatest ever manager and he is held in high regard with Aston Villa fans too, having managed at Villa Park over two spells.

The opening day of the season was made extra special because it coincided with the recent unveiling of a stunning new piece of artwork in Vicarage Road.

Watford Observer: Luther Blissett pictured by the new Graham Taylor mural in Vicarage Road. Credit: Stephen DanzigLuther Blissett pictured by the new Graham Taylor mural in Vicarage Road. Credit: Stephen Danzig

The mural features a beaming Mr Taylor on the side of a house along with the Watford football club crest, his signature, and one of his memorable quotes.

It has been some time in the making but talented artists transformed the wall into a fabulous new tribute in just a matter of days.

Watford Football Club worked with Cornerstone Church and artists from Murwalls to make the mural a reality.

Watford Observer: A fan takes a selfie in front of the new mural honouring the late great Graham Taylor. Credit: PAA fan takes a selfie in front of the new mural honouring the late great Graham Taylor. Credit: PA

And since its creation last week, supporters have flocked to Vicarage Road for a photo and glimpse of Watford's latest honour to the legendary figure, who passed away in 2017.

On Saturday, fans from both Watford and Aston Villa lined up for photos in front of the mural before fans came together inside the ground to pay tribute.

Speaking by the brand new artwork, Robert Evans, from Cornerstone Church in Vicarage Road, told Watford Football Club how the idea for a mural for Mr Taylor was born.

He said: "Marc (Silver) and the artists (from Murwalls) turned up at the door one day and approached us with this idea to celebrate Graham Taylor in partnership with Watford Football Club.

"And they said could we use your wall. We thought it was a great idea so we said yes."

Watford Observer: Credit: Watford FC TwitterCredit: Watford FC Twitter

The preparation into coming up with the mural has taken some time, even if it took just a couple of days or so to paint.

Mr Silver, founder of street artist company MurWalls, said: "We’ve got a great team of artists, really talented, really quick, so it’s only been a couple of days really to get to this stage.

"We wanted an iconic image that really summed up Graham and I think this pose here in that classic shirt, the tracksuit that he used to wear and then just that beaming smile.

"We digitally mock it up onto the wall and we play around with it. That process was quite long but well worth it."

Watford Observer: Marc Silver from MurWalls. Credit: Watford FC TwitterMarc Silver from MurWalls. Credit: Watford FC Twitter

Mr Silver revealed the club came up with the quote that was one of the final additions to the mural.

It reads: "Make sure your footsteps are left at the club for others to follow."

The new mural is permanent and Mr Silver says the community has been "absolutely overwhelmed" by it - and that he and his team have been "overwhelmed" themselves by the response.

Hornets supporting Mr Evans said it was a "joy" to be a part of the tribute, adding: "I think Graham is uniquely special to the club when you consider what he’s achieved, how he conducted himself, how he helped develop the club, not just in terms of his football but also his community work and caring about people."

Watford record goalscorer Luther Blissett was among the first to visit the mural.

He tweeted on Friday: "Do I like this...Indeed I DO! Very much. Thank you to the incredibly talented guys @MurWalls their artists for making such a special tribute to the Boss. A great man not just the greatest Watford manager. Sure @AVFC agree that tomorrow is so special as we play for his trophy!"