Former Watford owner Sir Elton John pays tribute to Graham Taylor

News of former England manager Graham Taylor's passing on Thursday sent shock waves through the footballing community, with clubs and players both past and present honouring the Nottinghamshire-born gaffer for a decorated career.

Among them was former Watford owner and English singer, pianist, and composer Elton John.

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John, who owned the Hornets during both of Taylor's spells at the helm of the club, released a heartfelt statement on his Instagram account Thursday, praising the exploits and character of a man with whom he shares the role of Watford Honourary Life President.

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"He was like a brother to me. We shared an unbreakable bond since we first met. We went on an incredible journey together and it will stay with me forever," John's statement said.

Under Taylor's watch, the Hornets rose from the lowest tier of English football to the top rung, made the 1984 FA Cup final, and saw the emergence of stars such as Luther Blissett and John Barnes.

"We have become a leading English club because of his managerial wisdom and genius," John's statement added.