Graham Taylor dies: Ex-players hail manager who 'brought pride back' to Aston Villa

Taylor, who died today at the age of 72, acquired legendary status at Villa Park for his work rebuilding the club following relegation in 1987, guiding them to a runners-up in Division One within the space of three years.

Screens around Villa Park displayed his image while, in a statement, the club said Taylor would: "Always have a place of honour in our history books".

Garry Thompson, part of the Villa team which won promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking during the 1987/88 campaign, explained how Taylor helped revitalise the club.

He said: "Graham got players in believing themselves again. He brought pride back to the place. What he did for the club was phenomenal.

"We had to go straight back up but we never felt the pressure, not in the way perhaps some of the players do now. That was because Graham shouldered so much of it and protected us from it.

"He was a man's man. You could always feel his presence around the training ground and when he spoke to you he had the ability to make you feel ten feet tall. This is a real shock. It's really sad."

Steve Froggatt, who Taylor managed at both Villa and Wolves, described him as being "like a father figure".

Dion Dublin, part of Villa's team during Taylor's less successful second stint as boss between 2002 and 2003, meanwhile said: "He taught me so much. 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 it comes to being a manager. My thoughts are with his family. Graham, you will be missed."

In a statement, the EFL described Taylor as a "genuine legend".

They have requested all clubs hold a minute's applause this weekend as a mark of respect.