More of Graham Taylor's former players have been playing tribute on social media...

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Watford are likely to hold a minute’s applause in honour of former manager Graham Taylor ahead of their home game with Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Taylor spent 15 years in charge of the Hornets over two spells, from 1977 to 1987 and then from 1996 to 2001.

He took them from the Fourth Division to the First and managed them to the 1984 FA Cup final

Watford will organise additional tributes, involving officials and supporters from the club, for the weekend.

In addition, the club say they are “inviting supporters to tweet their tributes to the club’s most successful manager by using the hashtag #thankyouGT".

Guy Mowbray
Match of the Day commentator

Deeply saddened to hear of Graham Taylor's death. A genuinely lovely man. 

Knowledgable, generous, patient and humorous as a co-commentator and a club manager of great achievements. 

Would be fitting for Lincoln to get back into the Football League this year  

Stupot: Absolutely gutted, RIP. The best manager Watford FC ever had 

Tim Butler: speaking to Graham Taylor on the phone when I was a customer service advisor. A very friendly and polite chap. RIP.

Bruce Fenwick: Met Graham Taylor abroad with England. Very happy to pose for pics especially with us being Grimsby Town fans. RIP a true gent 

Image source, Rex Features

BBC Sport's Tom Rostance wrote a feature back in 2013 to mark 20 years since Graham Taylor's lowest moment as England manager, a defeat by the Netherlands which effectively ended their chance of reaching the 1994 World Cup.

You can read that here.

Here are Tom's memories of interviewing him for that piece: "Lucky to have met and interviewed Graham on a few occasions, he could not have done more to make you feel welcome. 

"How many managers could you ring up and ask about their darkest professional hour? He said he needed 10 mins, called me back after 'doing some research' and spoke for two hours.

"Watch 'An Impossible Job' and you'll laugh at Graham Taylor. But also think 'what a great bloke'.That's the genius of it. Also bear in mind that the film crew at the Netherlands game only got THAT footage because Graham smuggled them in."

Sir Elton John was owner of Watford while Graham Taylor was manager and the music legend has paid tribute to Taylor on Instagram.

"I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear about Graham's passing," he said.

"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 unchartered territory and into Europe. We have become a leading English club because of his managerial wisdom and genius.

"This is a sad and dark day for Watford. The club and the town. We will cherish Graham and drown our sorrows in the many brilliant memories he gave us.

"I love you Graham. I will miss you very much.

"My thoughts go out to Rita, Joanne, Karen and the whole Taylor family."

Pat Murphy
BBC Midlands football reporter

Image source, Rex Features

RIP Graham Taylor - great club manager who understood fans and shouldn't be defined by the England job. Warm, genuine people person & raconteur. 

Only last May a few of we aged hacks said farewell as he moved back down to Hertfordshire. A bibulous, nostalgic lunch we'll remember.

That's one Christmas 2016 card I shan't be binning - 'from Graham and Rita'. Family everything to Graham Taylor but an all-round gentleman.  

BBC Radio 5 live

There will be a 90-minute show on BBC Radio 5 live tonight from 19:00 GMT remembering Graham Taylor's life.

The Art of Commentary show has been moved back to 20:30 GMT.

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Kerron Cross: Remember when Graham Taylor agreed to be a Watford fan's best man, external after a handwritten note? #Legend

Steve Brown: It's a real shame that Graham Taylor won't be able to see the affection that the country's football fans held for him. RIP

Matt Davis: In tears. Pure and simply Mr Watford.

A family statement said: "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."

BBC News Channel

Professional Footballers' Association chairman Gordon Taylor: "It's a real shock. He was a real gentleman. I've known him since we were both 15 at England schoolboy trials. 

"It was sad the way that the England job turned out for him, but that's happened to a lot of England managers. 

"He was a real quality human being. He cared about his fellow pros and the good of the game. He should be remembered as a man who added to the game, who really showed his ability as a manager. 

"He thought a lot about the game, was in his own mould. I'm proud and privileged to have been able to call him a friend."

David Barber: Taking Watford to the play-off final in 1999, best game I ever saw.

Maurice Richmond: Graham Taylor handled the top job with dignity, personality and decency in the face of appalling personal criticism 

Chris Baldam: RIP. Graham Taylor took the mighty Red Imps to the Fourth Division title in 1976

Dion Dublin
Former Aston Villa forward on BBC Radio 5 live

Dion Dublin - who played under Graham Taylor at Aston Villa - has been reacting to the news.

I am completely shocked. 

I only saw him a couple of months ago. 

He was a very, very, funny man. When I played under him at Aston Villa he taught me so much. He was very understanding of people's situation. He had my utmost respect and was a pal as well as a manager. 

It is quite devastating news.

He had two sides. He could lose his temper when he wanted but also put an arm around you and say 'you're doing OK'.

He was a very clever man manager. You don't last as long as he did if you don't know your job. He ticked most boxes when comes to being a manager. 

My thoughts are with his family. Graham, you will be missed. 

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Tom McCarron: Oh no! Very sad news. Had toughest ride of all England managers, held his head with amazing professionalism #RIPGrahamTaylor

Shamim: RIP. Probably remembered for stint as England boss - let's not forget his club record! Watford Fourth to First Division runners-up in five years! Legend.

Jason Truman: Was only last year when I was walking my son and dog in Sutton Park. Casually exchanged pleasantries, a gentleman in many ways

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer

Couldn't have met or dealt with a nicer and more genuine man. Very sad news.

He was an outstanding/perceptive BBC pundit - and in case anyone forgets was, despite England struggles, a top-class club manager.

We want to know your favourite memories and tributes to former Lincoln, Watford, Aston Villa, England and Wolves manager Graham Taylor, who has died today.

Let us know using #bbcsportsday on Twitter or by commenting on the Match of the Day Facebook page.

Taylor led England from 1990 to 1993. 

He notably managed Watford and Aston Villa.

Taylor took Watford from the Fourth Division to top flight in the 1970s and 1980s and led Villa from Division Two to second place in Division One in the late 1980s.

The former England manager Graham Taylor has died aged 72.