Walter Mazzarri wants Watford to win for Graham Taylor against Middlesbrough

12 January 2017 22:38

Watford manager Walter Mazzarri wants his side to beat Middlesbrough in tribute to Graham Taylor.

Taylor, 72, who died on Thursday following a suspected heart attack, is widely recognised as Watford's greatest manager following two successful periods in charge of the club.

The Hornets will pay tribute to the former England manager with a one-minute applause ahead of the Premier League clash against Middlesbrough at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

Watford will also wear black armbands in what is set to be an emotionally-charged fixture.

"I think all the players that are here know, as I know, who Graham Taylor was," said Mazzari.

"Tomorrow I will make sure everyone knows and remind them this is another reason why we need to win against Middlesbrough - to be able to dedicate a great game to him and hopefully a win for such a great person and a symbol of the club."

During his first stint in charge at Watford, Taylor took the club from the Fourth Division to a second-placed finish in the top flight.

He also guided Watford to the only FA Cup final of their history - a 2-0 defeat against Everton in 1984 - and European football.

Taylor left for Aston Villa, and latterly England, before he returned for a second spell at Vicarage Road to take them back to the Premier League.

A stint as Watford chairman followed while the Rous Stand at Vicarage Road was renamed after him in 2014.

"We have already many reasons why we need to win the game on Saturday," Mazzarri, whose side are 14th in the Premier League, added.

"On top of this now we've got Graham Taylor which gives us an extra reason why we need to win the game against Middlesbrough.

"Together with the fans we know we have to go on the pitch and give everything we've got to obtain the maximum result."

Source: PA