Graham Taylor dies: Aston Villa supporters trust pay tribute to man 'loved throughout the game'

Taylor, who died on Thursday at the age of 72, holds legendary status at Villa Park after his work rebuilding the club following relegation in 1987.

After leading Villa to promotion at the first attempt, he then guided them to second in the First Division two years later, before leaving to take the England job.

A Trust statement read: "The AVST was today deeply saddened to hear of the sudden and unexpected passing of Graham Taylor. We offer our sincerest condolences to his family at this difficult time.

"Graham will always have a place in Villa folklore after the incredible journey he took us on as our manager in the late 1980's.

"From the shambles he is so famously quoted as inheriting in Division 2, he took us back up at the first time of asking and departed for the England job after we narrowly missed out on the First Division title. Few who were there will forget the send off he was given by the Villa fans at Goodison Park.

"Graham wasn't just loved at Villa though. He was a true football man who was loved throughout the game and whose record of management in the club game was the envy of many.

"You would find it hard to find anyone who had met Graham that would not speak of him in glowing terms and express the view of what a gentleman he was.

"Graham will always be revered for what he achieved at Villa. He was also responsible for signing three modern greats for us as well. He was the man that signed Platt, Yorke and McGrath, players who treated us to many memorable moments.

"For all that you did for us. For saving us in 1987. For the goals of McInally. For the never to be forgotten day at Swindon. For the exciting football. For the title tilt. For making us proud of our football club again.

"And mostly for being such a thoroughly decent human being. For that we are truly thankful.

RIP Graham Taylor."