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'WE WERE LIKE BROTHERS'

Graham Taylor funeral: Elton John’s tribute to Graham Taylor is read out by John Motson as legends of the game pay their respects to former England boss at funeral in his beloved Watford

Former England, Watford, Aston Villa, Lincoln and Wolves manager died aged 72 last month

LEGENDS of the game have united to pay their respects to Graham Taylor.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were among some of the biggest names in British football to pay tribute as mourners arrived at St Mary's church in Watford today.

 Taylor's wife Rita, far left, and his daughters Karen (second from left) and Joanne (third from left) watch on as his coffin is carried into the St Mary's church in Watford on Wednesday
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Taylor's wife Rita, far left, and his daughters Karen (second from left) and Joanne (third from left) watch on as his coffin is carried into the St Mary's church in Watford on WednesdayCredit: Getty Images
 Graham Taylor's funeral was held at a church in Watford on Wednesday
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Graham Taylor's funeral was held at a church in Watford on WednesdayCredit: Getty Images
 Graham Taylor's wife Rita arrives to say her final goodbyes
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Graham Taylor's wife Rita arrives to say her final goodbyesCredit: Reuters
 Taylor and his great friend Elton John, who appointed him Watford manager in 1977
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Taylor and his great friend Elton John, who appointed him Watford manager in 1977Credit: Getty Images

Former players John Barnes, David Platt and Luther Blissett gathered to say their final goodbyes to their former manager.

Taylor died suddenly aged 72 on January 12 of a suspected heart attack.

Managerial legend Barry Fry was one of the first to arrive along with many current Watford players led by club captain Troy Deeney.

 Sir Alex Ferguson with his son Darren for the funeral service in Watford
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Sir Alex Ferguson with his son Darren for the funeral service in WatfordCredit: PA:Press Association
 Hundreds of fans arrived to pay their respects to Taylor
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Hundreds of fans arrived to pay their respects to TaylorCredit: Getty Images
 The Fergusons were among the earliest to arrive at the church
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The Fergusons were among the earliest to arrive at the churchCredit: Reuters
 Ferguson after the funeral with his order of service
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Ferguson after the funeral with his order of serviceCredit: Splash News
 Arsene Wenger was also in attendance following his team's loss to Watford last night
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Arsene Wenger was also in attendance following his team's loss to Watford last nightCredit: Reuters
 The Arsenal manager arrived in England during Taylor's second stint in charge of the Hornets
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The Arsenal manager arrived in England during Taylor's second stint in charge of the HornetsCredit: Getty Images - WireImage
 Wenger acknowledges football fans who arrived to pay their respects
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Wenger acknowledges football fans who arrived to pay their respectsCredit: Splash News
 Luther Blissett and John Barnes make their way to the church
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Luther Blissett and John Barnes make their way to the churchCredit: PA:Press Association
 Watford legends Blissett and Barnes came close to winning the league under Taylor
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Watford legends Blissett and Barnes came close to winning the league under TaylorCredit: Reuters
 Former FA chief Sir Trevor Brooking walks ahead of ex-Watford striker Gerry Armstrong
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Former FA chief Sir Trevor Brooking walks ahead of ex-Watford striker Gerry ArmstrongCredit: Reuters

Former Watford stars Barnes, Blissett, Kenny Jackett, Tommy Smith and Alec Chamberlain were also there to pay their respects as well as Burnley manager Sean Dyche.

Other former Watford greats present included Malky Mackay, Ross Jenkins, Steve Terry and Tim Sherwood.

Taylor made his name at Watford during ten years in charge from 1977 after cutting his managerial teeth at Lincoln City.

 Watford striker Troy Deeney had dedicated last night's win over Arsenal to Taylor
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Watford striker Troy Deeney had dedicated last night's win over Arsenal to TaylorCredit: PA:Press Association
 Aidy Bothroyd and Malky Mackay flank Platt as they make their way to the funeral
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Aidy Bothroyd and Malky Mackay flank Platt as they make their way to the funeralCredit: Getty Images
 Current Burnley manager Sean Dyche was in attendance
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Current Burnley manager Sean Dyche was in attendanceCredit: PA:Press Association
 Legendary BBC commentator John Motson arrives to pay his respects to Taylor
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Legendary BBC commentator John Motson arrives to pay his respects to TaylorCredit: PA:Press Association
 Martin Keown played under Taylor at Villa before the manager handed him an England debut
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Martin Keown played under Taylor at Villa before the manager handed him an England debutCredit: PA:Press Association

He is regarded as Watford's greatest-ever manager, returning for a second spell there in the late 1990s.

Songs by Taylor's favourite singer, Buddy Holly, and his close friend, former Watford chairman Elton John, were played to the crowd as the congregation arrived.

Hundreds of supporters spontaneously started singing "We'll Meet Again".

Pictures of the ex-England manager were displayed in the windows of pubs and shops along Watford High Street.

Watford skipper Deeney dedicated the club's shock 2-1 victory against Arsenal last night to Taylor's memory.

 The scenes on Watford High Street during the procession
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The scenes on Watford High Street during the processionCredit: Reuters
 Hundreds of fans lined the streets as the hearse made its way through Watford
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Hundreds of fans lined the streets as the hearse made its way through WatfordCredit: PA:Press Association
 Current Watford manager Walter Mazzarri on his way to the ceremony
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Current Watford manager Walter Mazzarri on his way to the ceremonyCredit: PA:Press Association
 Former Arsenal right-back Lee Dixon played for three years under Taylor
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Former Arsenal right-back Lee Dixon played for three years under TaylorCredit: Reuters
 Former players and now TV personality Chris Kamara was in attendance with Tommy Mooney (L) and Tony Coton (R)
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Former players and now TV personality Chris Kamara was in attendance with Tommy Mooney (L) and Tony Coton (R)Credit: PA:Press Association
 Tim Sherwood came through the ranks at Watford under Taylor
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Tim Sherwood came through the ranks at Watford under TaylorCredit: PA:Press Association

Hundreds of Watford fans clapped their former manager's coffin as it entered the church draped in a Union Jack flag.

Nimrod by Elgar was then played as the congregation entered the church. where some of football's most famous faces sung hymns Lead Us Heavenly Father, Abide With Me and Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer.

Elton John said Taylor was like a brother to him, who lectured him on his drug abuse during their time together.

In a passage read by Match of the Day commentator John Motson, the superstar singer said how much he cherished the England manager's friendship.

 Former manager Barry Fry was one of the first to arrive for the service
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Former manager Barry Fry was one of the first to arrive for the serviceCredit: Reuters
 Former Everton and Manchester City manager Joe Royle (L) was there
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Former Everton and Manchester City manager Joe Royle (L) was thereCredit: PA:Press Association
 Aston Villa legend Gordon Cowans arrived to pay his respects
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Aston Villa legend Gordon Cowans arrived to pay his respectsCredit: PA:Press Association

In his glowing tribute, Sir Elton compared Taylor to his lyricist Bernie Taupin as a postive influence in his life. And he noted that both were born in Lincolnshire.

Reading Sir Elton's tribute, Motson, 71, said: "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.

 The hearse carrying Taylor made its way through Watford past Vicarage Road stadium
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The hearse carrying Taylor made its way through Watford past Vicarage Road stadiumCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 Meanwhile the congregation awaited at the church to pay tribute to Taylor
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Meanwhile the congregation awaited at the church to pay tribute to TaylorCredit: PA:Press Association

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

"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."

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 Some of Taylor's happiest moments were shown in pictures inside the order of service
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Some of Taylor's happiest moments were shown in pictures inside the order of serviceCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
 Tributes to Taylor hang from one Watford pub
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Tributes to Taylor hang from one Watford pubCredit: PA:Press Association

Sir Elton then went on to describe how Graham 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."

Motson also told how England's World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore was interviewed by Elton just before offering the job of Watford manager to Taylor.

As Motson finished he reminded fans of Watford's 2-1 win over Arsenal the previous evening, adding: "he picked a good time to go out", to which the crowd cheered.

One of the hymns, Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us,  was also sung at Taylor's wedding to wife Rita.

Former England footballer Trevor Brooking was among the 400 people packed into the church to say their final farewell to Taylor.

Taylor's daughter Karen, read a poem The Dash, which she said "summed up my dad".

 Former managers Frank Clark and Howard Wilkinson make their way to the church
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Former managers Frank Clark and Howard Wilkinson make their way to the churchCredit: Reuters
 Former Watford player Kenny Jackett was in attendance
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Former Watford player Kenny Jackett was in attendanceCredit: PA:Press Association
 Former PFA chief Gordon Taylor was at the service to pay his respects
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Former PFA chief Gordon Taylor was at the service to pay his respectsCredit: PA:Press Association

The Reverend John Samways said: "Many will know the exceptional way Graham lived his 'dash.'"

Taylor's other daughter Joanna said for her father it was "family first, except on match days".

She then went on to tell a story about an expensive jacket he accidentally donated to a homeless charity when his daughter took it to a charity shop with a bundle of old coats.

Joanne added: "That was what we loved about our dad."

Granddaughter Rihanna added: "My grandad was quite a wind-up.

"He would sneak up on us and make us jump.

 Richard Jobson (left) and Nigel Callaghan make their way into the church
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Richard Jobson (left) and Nigel Callaghan make their way into the churchCredit: PA:Press Association
 Gary Johnson (left) attended, who has managed Latvia, Bristol City and now bosses Cheltenham
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Gary Johnson (left) attended, who has managed Latvia, Bristol City and now bosses CheltenhamCredit: PA:Press Association
 Ex-colleagues of Taylor leave the church after the service
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Ex-colleagues of Taylor leave the church after the serviceCredit: PA:Press Association
 Sherwood and QPR coach Chris Ramsey are good friends
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Sherwood and QPR coach Chris Ramsey are good friendsCredit: PA:Press Association
 Gunners manager Wenger leaves church after the service
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Gunners manager Wenger leaves church after the serviceCredit: Splash News

"Surrounded by all these women made him feel like he was always in the wrong, like when he put diesel instead of petrol in my mum's car."

Grandson Jake recalled playing football with his grandad in the back garden and told how much of an "influence on my love of football and ability to deal with disappointment" he had been.

Current Watford manager Walter Mazzarri was also there along with former Watford player and Villa manager Tim Sherwood, who is now Swindon Town's director of football.

Former Southampton manager Lawrie McMenemy, who was Taylor's assistant during his time in charge of the England team, was also present.

 Kamara and Barnes having paid their respects to Taylor
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Kamara and Barnes having paid their respects to TaylorCredit: PA:Press Association
 Sky Sports presenter Adam Leventhal with former players Dean Holdsworth and Dyche
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Sky Sports presenter Adam Leventhal with former players Dean Holdsworth and DycheCredit: PA:Press Association
 Radio presenters Ian Dennis and Mark Chapman
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Radio presenters Ian Dennis and Mark ChapmanCredit: PA:Press Association

Wolverhampton Wanderers, who Taylor also managed, were represented by first team coach Rob Edwards and fitness coach Tony Daley.

Taylor became England manager in 1990, qualifying for the European Championship in 1992.

But after going out in the group stages and failing to make the cut for World Cup 94, Taylor resigned and went back to club management.

He made more than 300 appearances as a player for Grimsby Town and Lincoln City, before going on to manage Lincoln, Watford, Wolves and Aston Villa.

Born in Worksop, Notts, his lifelong love of football began watching Scunthorpe United.

Taylor also worked as a BBC pundit, working on televised matches and on BBC Radio 5 Live.

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