The world of football was in mourning on Thursday when it was announced that Graham Taylor had died.
The former England manager was 72 when he passed away after a suspected heart attack.
After huge success as a club manager with Lincoln, Watford, Aston Villa and Wolves, Taylor began working in the media, most notably on BBC Radio 5Live with Mark Pougatch.
The pair covered England matches together for more than 10 years, and tonight, Pougatch took to the airwaves to pay tribute to his friend.
"Kind, considerate and totally without ego"@markpougatch pays a heartwarming tribute to his colleague and friend, Graham Taylor. pic.twitter.com/TyFFB2RISY
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) January 12, 2017
His words clearly touched many listeners, who were saddened by the news.
great trubute mark really touching
— Matt (@mattdsport) January 12, 2017
first class Mark…. feeling Graham Taylor would approve
— Grant Philips (@PhilipsGrant) January 12, 2017
well said Poogers. I hope people listening to him felt what we did sitting beside him.
— Ian McGarry (@garbosj) January 12, 2017
beautiful Mark. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
— 💾💜 #Digital ⚓️ #Vagabond 💜💾 (@beet_keeper) January 12, 2017
The best tribute. Well done mate.
— Mike Gleeson (@MickyG72) January 12, 2017
Earlier, a family statement had confirmed the news. “With the greatest sadness, we have to announce that Graham passed away at his home early this morning of a suspected heart attack.
“The family are devastated by this sudden and totally unexpected loss.”
Elton John, with whom he shared so much success at Watford, wrote: “I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear about Graham’s passing. He was like a brother to me.
“We shared an unbreakable bond since we first met. We went on an incredible journey together and it will stay with me forever.
“He took my beloved Watford from the depths of the lower leagues to uncharted territory and into Europe. We have become a leading English club because of his managerial wisdom and genius.”
