Former England, Aston Villa and Watford manager Graham Taylor is to have a train named after him.
Taylor’s career in football is well known, a player for Grimsby Town and Lincoln City before making the step into management and taking in spells with Lincoln, Watford (twice), Aston Villa (twice), England and Wolverhampton Wanderers, his passing was well marked across football and with plenty of tributes having already been made, Watford also announced their own annual Graham Taylor Trophy which will see the inaugural game take place this pre season between Watford and Aston Villa on Saturday July 29.
London Midland have now announced a tribute of their own as one of their newest trains will be named after the legendary gaffer.
They will hold a short ceremony at the beginning of June at Watford Junction station and as well as being a mark of respect from the company, London Midland also serve five separate stations on the rail network with links to Taylor’s career – Watford Junction, Aston, Wolverhampton, Wembley Central and Lichfield Trent Valley (serves St George’s Park).
Chairman of Watford, Scott Duxbury, is quoted by the Hertfordshire Mercury as saying.
‘London Midland’s respectful suggestion about Graham was put to his family for approval and we’re delighted they accepted this offer. Alongside other planned tributes, this gesture is a mark of just how widely Graham’s work and warm personality were appreciated across our town.’
Head of West Coast services at London Midland, Steve Helfet added.
‘Graham played such an influential role at football clubs across the length and breadth of the country, not least here in Watford. We wanted to do something special for the local community and dedicate one of our trains to his memory.’
Adding.
‘The train will be fitted with a commemorative name plate and will be running past many of the locations that were so important in Graham’s career, both on the West Coast main line and in the West Midlands. We hope that passengers travelling on this train in the future will take a few moments to remember Graham, a true football hero.’
