Watford fans remember Graham Taylor five years after his death

Taylor is the Hornets' most successful manager ever, leading the club from the fourth division to the top flight and Europe in just six years, after finishing second in the first division in the 1982/83 season.

He returned to the club in 1996, first as general manager, and then as first team manager, where he guided the team to the Premier League from the second division.

He later had spells as both a non-executive director and chairman before retiring in 2012.

He retained the position of honorary life president of the club from 2001 until his death on the morning of January 12, 2017, aged 72.

In 2014 the club renamed the Rous Stand the Graham Taylor Stand to honour his achievements.

Here are a select few of the tributes being paid on social media this morning.

Remembering Graham Taylor on the 5th anniversary of his passing.

R.I.P Graham Taylor 🌹 #WatfordFC pic.twitter.com/Y1EXt7EFcA

— The Voices of The Vic 🟡⚫️ (@VoicesOfTheVic) January 12, 2022

There’s only one Graham Taylor 💛#WatfordFC pic.twitter.com/TbpD03Tfqo

— Sam Ucko (@Sam_ucko) January 12, 2022

When I remember Graham Taylor, of course I think of all that he did for #watfordfc, but I also think about the importance of dignity, compassion, empathy, humour, integrity, kindness, loyalty and generosity. A wonderful man who set a fine example for us all. #ThankYouGT

— Rookery Mike (@RookeryMike) January 12, 2022

Remembering our former Patron and wonderful man, Graham Taylor OBE, five years on.
The legacy lives on.#ThankyouGT #Watfordfc pic.twitter.com/bzjeTO7d01

— KitAid (@KitAid) January 12, 2022

TELLY GOLD: On the fifth anniversary of Graham Taylor’s passing, a reminder of this delightful ad for Yellow Pages.

Football lost a gentleman.pic.twitter.com/HzXG7i1k2T

— A Funny Old Game (@sid_lambert) January 12, 2022

Five years on. Forever in our hearts.

Thank you for everything, GT 💛 pic.twitter.com/LtQCu6Vtyi

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) January 12, 2022

5 years since Graham Taylor left us. Forever in our hearts 💛pic.twitter.com/F7qUxiN8SX

— 🐝 COYHorns 🐝 (@COYHorns_com) January 12, 2022

#OTD 2017 we lost Graham Taylor OBE. 😔🙏#AVFC #WFC
🦁🦁🐝🐝 pic.twitter.com/vmoBuKO6c9

— Fortress Villa Park (@FortressPark) January 12, 2022

Remembering the greatest @WatfordFC manager , Chairman and heart and soul of so many,Graham Taylor,oh you are so missed at our club for so many reason rest well 💛❤️🖤

— Rich💙 (@Richwfc2) January 12, 2022

There's only one Graham Taylor 💛 https://t.co/SbDnAMRgw7

— WD18 (@WD18Fans) January 12, 2022

20 years ago today Watford Museum opened one of the biggest exhibitions in our history, about the wonder eras of Graham Taylor qt Watford FC.
5 years ago was one of the saddest days. Thank you GT, you will never be forgotten 💛#ThankyouGT #watfordfc #GrahamTaylor #watfordmuseum pic.twitter.com/7fjAgkSmJR

— Sarah Kerenza Priestley (@SarahKerenza) January 12, 2022

Graham Taylor's passing was one of those days when you can remember exactly where you were when you heard the sad news. A wonderful man who encapsulated #WatfordFC's family club values & with whom every fan felt a connection - like a favourite uncle. There'll never be another GT.

— Paul Mathews (@Watford_Politic) January 12, 2022