Former England manager Graham Taylor, who took charge of the Three Lions between 1990 and 1993, died Thursday at 72 years of age due to a suspected heart attack.
As a player, Taylor enjoyed time at Grimsby Town and Lincoln City, and was also once the manager of a number of English clubs like Aston Villa and Watford. He is especially beloved by the Watford faithful, as he served as manager from 1977-87 and again from 1996- 2001.
Related: Former Watford owner Sir Elton John pays tribute to Graham Taylor
Here's how the world of football reacted to the news:
Rest in peace, Graham.
— England (@England) January 12, 2017
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/jt4zFLTPRi
Everyone at #watfordfc is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our most successful manager. We love you, Graham Taylor. #thankyouGT
— Watford FC (@WatfordFC) January 12, 2017
We are deeply saddened today by news of the death of our former manager Graham Taylor. RIP Graham. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/QCU1cCzCxN
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) January 12, 2017
Devastated to hear the news Graham Taylor has passed away. Greatest influence on my career. My condolences to Rita and family 🙏🏾🖤
— Tony Daley MSc (@TonyDaley7) January 12, 2017
We are saddened to hear of the passing of former GTFC player & England manager, Graham Taylor. Our thoughts are with Graham's family. #GTFC pic.twitter.com/2ddDuMVtst
— Grimsby Town FC (@officialgtfc) January 12, 2017
Look at that smile pic.twitter.com/iTWsAfBS1Z
— Ollie Trenchard (@OllieTrenchard) January 12, 2017
Graham Taylor was a kind, caring gentleman who I was privileged to get to know. Very sad news.
— Geoff Shreeves (@GeoffShreeves) January 12, 2017
Completely shocked by news of Graham Taylor. Always held him in the very highest regard - the man who gave me my first @england cap. So sad.
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) January 12, 2017
Sad news about Graham Taylor . Had so much respect for him . Gave me my premier league debut and I will always be thankful .
— Peter Crouch (@petercrouch) January 12, 2017
All at Chelsea FC are saddened to learn about the passing of former England manager Graham Taylor, a man much respected throughout the game. pic.twitter.com/hxNImPeNBT
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 12, 2017
Graham always had time for people, a smile on his face and a love of football. Considering the abuse he received says everything about him
— Mark Chapman (@markchapman) January 12, 2017
A sad day for football
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) January 12, 2017
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Graham Taylor
May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/T5HBd6fuxu
Graham Taylor's decency towards his media denigrators post-England marked him out as an exceptional man. Never forgot but never showed it.
— Pat Murphy (@patmurphybbc) January 12, 2017
RIP Graham Taylor.
— Peter Reid (@reid6peter) January 12, 2017
Like seemingly everyone who met him, was always struck by how generous, kind and genuine Graham Taylor was. Terrible news
— Jeremy Wilson (@JWTelegraph) January 12, 2017
