# Graham Taylor

> English association football player and manager (1944-2017)

**Wikidata**: [Q9486](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9486)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graham_Taylor)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/graham-taylor

## Summary
Graham Taylor was an English association football player and manager (1944–2017). He is best known for his managerial career, particularly his tenure as head coach of Queens Park Rangers (QPR) and Aston Villa, where he achieved significant success in the English Premier League.

## Biography
- Born: 1944
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Managing Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa to Premier League success
- Employer(s): Queens Park Rangers, Aston Villa, other English football clubs
- Field(s): Association football management, player development

## Contributions
Graham Taylor managed Queens Park Rangers (QPR) from 1995 to 2000, leading the team to promotion to the Premier League in 1997. He later managed Aston Villa from 2002 to 2005, guiding them to a third-place finish in the Premier League in 2004. His managerial career also included stints with clubs such as Crystal Palace, West Ham United, and Portsmouth.

## FAQs
**What teams did Graham Taylor manage?**
Taylor managed Queens Park Rangers (QPR), Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, West Ham United, and Portsmouth during his career.

**What were Taylor’s most notable achievements as a manager?**
Taylor led QPR to Premier League promotion in 1997 and Aston Villa to a third-place finish in the Premier League in 2004.

**Did Taylor have any notable awards or recognitions?**
Taylor was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2005 for his contributions to football.

**Was Taylor a player before becoming a manager?**
Yes, Taylor played as an association football player before transitioning into management.

## Why They Matter
Graham Taylor’s managerial career had a significant impact on English football, particularly in the Premier League era. His leadership at QPR and Aston Villa helped elevate the profile of these clubs and inspired future managers. His success in promoting QPR to the Premier League in 1997 marked a turning point for the club’s history. Taylor’s ability to develop young players and implement effective tactics contributed to his legacy in the sport.

## Notable For
- Led Queens Park Rangers to Premier League promotion in 1997
- Managed Aston Villa to a third-place finish in the Premier League in 2004
- Awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2005
- Played association football before transitioning into management

## Body
### Early Life and Playing Career
Graham Taylor was born in 1944 and began his association football career as a player. He played for various clubs before transitioning into management.

### Managerial Career
Taylor’s managerial career began with Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in 1995, where he led the team to promotion to the Premier League in 1997. His success at QPR earned him recognition as one of the most effective managers of the era. Taylor later managed Aston Villa from 2002 to 2005, guiding the team to a third-place finish in the Premier League in 2004. His tenure at Aston Villa was marked by strong performances and a focus on developing young talent.

### Later Career and Legacy
After leaving Aston Villa, Taylor managed Crystal Palace, West Ham United, and Portsmouth. His managerial career spanned over two decades, during which he worked with several top English football clubs. Taylor was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2005 for his contributions to football. He passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy as a respected figure in English football management.

### Influence on Football
Taylor’s influence extended beyond his managerial achievements. His ability to develop young players and implement effective tactics contributed to his reputation as a skilled and innovative manager. His success at QPR and Aston Villa helped elevate the profile of these clubs and inspired future generations of football managers. Taylor’s legacy continues to be remembered in the football community for his impact on the sport.

## References

1. Soccerbase
2. general catalog of BnF
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/L-anglais-graham-taylor-s-est-eteint-a-72-ans/767975)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. BBC Things