Mark Lawrenson
Former Liverpool defender on Football Focus

My time with him was mainly at tournaments, and you’d meet players that had played for him, and every single one absolutely loved him. He was normal, and in the mad world of football, normal is good.

He got the ball up early, there’s no argument about that, but his Watford side played with wingers like John Barnes and they got the ball into the opposition’s half. They finished second in the league, for a club like Watford that was almost unheard of.

I spoke to Graham Taylor a couple of times for work and he was always pleasant and amiable. Everything I have read over the last couple of days just highlights what a nice person he was.

This is particularly relevant to Watford fans, but open to comments from anyone and everyone - what stories or memories do you have about Taylor? Send your tributes to #bbcfootball, text in on 81111 (UK only) or post a comment on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Image source, Rex Features

There is a  black corner flag in front of the Graham Taylor stand at Vicarage Road, while outside the ground fans have been paying their respects to Watford's former manager.

Image source, Rex Features

John Motson
Match of the Day commentator

Image source, Getty Images

I am privileged to be going to Watford this weekend. There's going to be an enormous outpouring of emotion, both at Vicarage Road and in the town, for Graham Taylor.

He single-handedly put Watford on the football map, taking them from the Fourth Division to runners-up in the old First Division.

This is a contest between two teams who at first sight don't appear too deeply involved in the relegation struggle, but both have just one league win in the last six. Defeat would leave either side uncomfortably close to the bottom three.

Watford look low on confidence, although Walter Mazzarri has been beset by injuries.

Middlesbrough have been accused of being too negative. It will be interesting to see if the signing of Rudy Gestede will encourage Aitor Karanka to be bolder.

Image source, Rex Features

"Football is just a game and this is bigger than that."  

Troy Deeney will have echoed the thoughts of every Watford fan with the above comment as the Hornets prepare to remember the man who did so much for the club.

Watford face Middlesbrough this afternoon where three points for either side will move them further away from relegation danger, but today will all be about Graham Taylor.

The former Hornets boss, who led the club from the bottom tier to the top tier in just five seasons, died on Thursday and tributes will be paid to him at Vicarage Road. It's going to be emotional.