“We were like Batman and Robin.”

That was how Sir Elton John affectionately described his relationship with Graham Taylor five years ago today when family and friends, a town’s people, supporters of its football club and representatives of the wider football world gathered to say a final fond farewell to Watford’s greatest ever manager.

Hundreds of people lined the town's streets on February 1, 2017 as the funeral of the former England, Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Lincoln City manager took place at St Mary’s Church.

Watford Observer:

Former Watford chairman Sir Elton brought Taylor to Vicarage Road and together they embarked on one of football’s greatest stories as the Hornets rose from the Fourth Division to finish runners-up in the First Division, qualified for Europe and reached the FA Cup Final for the first time in the club’s history.

Sir Elton’s tribute during the service was read by legendary football commentator John Motson and it noted how the music star’s lyricist Bernie Taupin was also born in Lincolnshire.

Motson read: "Two of the most important people in my life were from Lincolnshire.

"Graham Taylor was so many wonderful things for the community and the game.

"He was like a brother from the moment I first met him in my front room.

"As an influence on my life he equalled my brilliant lyricist.

"He was fiercely ambitious in his approach to football and the community. And what great things we achieved together.

Watford Observer:

"We were an unstoppable force of nature. It was like a new family, we were unstoppable. He was passionate about change.

"The last time I spoke to him he was so proud of the club and how it was today.

"We were like Batman and Robin and when he left I missed him. I made some bad decisions, but I had to let him go to Aston Villa.

"But his passion and love of the game shone through.

"Our friendship had been cast in stone and I'm proud of that. I cherished his honesty and kindness towards me which will stay with me forever."

Watford Observer:

Sir Elton then went on to describe how his friend had lectured him on his drug abuse.

Motson read: "He sat me down and gave me a lecture on my substance abuse, he said I was letting myself and the club down.

"What words they were to hear from someone you love.

"But to love someone you have to be honest and open with them and he was the most honest and open of them all.

"Because of him I have Watford etched in my soul. He is a legend in this community and in life.

"Farewell, I love you my friend."

Watford Observer:

Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were among the 400 mourners who packed into the church as tributes were also paid by members of Taylor’s family, while Rev John Samways said the former Hornets boss "stood up for what he believed was right" when so many "are just in it for the money" and he "was not changed by power or promotion".

Taylor died on January 12, 2017. He was 72.