A mural of one of Watford’s greatest ever managers has appeared next to the club’s football stadium.

The new artwork of Graham Taylor was painted on the side of a property in Vicarage Road and shows the former Hornets manager wearing a jacket and smiling.

The background of the mural, which is also next to the Cornerstone Church, was painted yellow, the home kit colour of the Hornets.

The church 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.

Watford Observer:

The mural is another tribute to Taylor in Vicarage Road, with a statue of the late manager also outside the Hornets Shop.

Taylor, who died aged 72 in January 2017, led Watford from the Fourth Division of the Football League all the way into the top flight.

Hornets fan Gary Crowe says he was “blown away” when he first saw the new mural of Taylor.

Watford Observer: Gary Crowe next to the mural Gary Crowe next to the mural

He said: “He means a lot. He took a struggling team from its heels to the top.

“Everything he did was positive and in my opinion Graham Taylor understood supporters.”

Speaking about the mural, he said: “I love the way they have done the shading, it brightens up the place.

“It is a wonderful tribute to a legend of a man.”

Taylor left for Aston Villa in 1987 before being appointed England boss in 1990.

His love affair with Watford continued after returning to Vicarage Road for his second spell in 1996.

Taylor led the Hornets to promotion to the Premier League in 1999 after beating Bolton in the play-off final. 

The legendary Watford boss retired in 2001 before a brief spell back at Villa.

He served as the Hornets' chairman between 2009 and 2012 and had the Graham Taylor stand named in his honour.