Graham Taylor has died aged 72.
It is believed the former manager of Watford, England and Aston Villa suffered a heart attack on Thursday morning.
Taylor’s family released a statement confirming he passed away, saying they were “devastated” by his sudden death.
Taylor, a former player for Grimsby Town and Lincoln City, led both Watford and Aston Villa to second place finishes in the top-flight during his distinguished managerial career which saw him work his way up through the leagues.
He will be largely remembered for his first spell at Watford as he took the Hornets from the fourth division to the top-flight while in charge from 1977-87. He also finished second in the top-flight to Liverpool in 1983 and lost in an FA Cup final to Everton in 1984. He also steered Aston Villa to runners up spot in the top-flight in 1989-90.
With England he failed to reach the 1994 World Cup finals in the USA, coaching the Three Lions from 1990-93.
It is expected that Watford will hold a minute silence before their game against Middlesbrough on Saturday in honor of Taylor, as tributes continue to pour in from across the soccer world.
