Watford legend Graham Taylor has train named in his honour

Watford’s legendary manager Graham Taylor has been recognised once more following his death in January after a train was named in his honour.

Taylor first joined Watford in 1977 after leading Lincoln City to the Fourth Division title and the train’s unit number, 350377, recognises the year that would be such a crucial turning point for the side.

In his first ten years with the Hornets, Taylor took them from the Fourth Division to the top tier, where they finished second to Liverpool in 1983, reaching the FA Cup final the following year.

His contribution to Watford and several other clubs across the country, including Lincoln, Aston Villa and Wolves, is the reason London Midland decided to name a train ‘Graham Taylor OBE’ – only the second time the company has dedicated a vehicle.

And at a ceremony to unveil the train at Watford Junction station, Head of West Coast services at London Midland, Steve Helfet, said: “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.

“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.”