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2008 Rugby League World Cup

2025-10-10T14:29:58Z

2A00:23C4:54E4:B01:691A:DBD1:DA04:6B98:

{{Short description|13th Rugby League World Cup tournament}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Use Australian English|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox rugby league international tournament
| year = 2008
| title = Rugby League World Cup
| image = 2008_rugby.png
| imagesize = 160px
| alt = 2008 World Cup logo
| finalists = 10
| country = Australia
| winners = New Zealand
| count = 1
| matches = 18
| attendance = 293442
| points = 890
| tries = 156
| topscorer-flag = AUS
| topscorer = [[Johnathan Thurston]]
| top try scorer-flag = AUS
| top try scorer = [[Billy Slater]] (7 tries)
| tournaments = Rugby League World Cup
| last = [[2000 Rugby League World Cup|2000]]
| next = [[2013 Rugby League World Cup|2013]]
}}

The '''2008 Rugby League World Cup''' was the thirteenth [[Rugby League World Cup|World Cup]] for men’s rugby league national teams. It was held between 26 October and 22 November and was won by [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]], who defeated Australia 34–20 in the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup final|final]] in one of the greatest upsets in the sports history.

Originally there was a plan to hold a World Cup in Australia in 2004,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/world_cup_2000/1034927.stm |title=McDonald defends World Cup |publisher=BBC |access-date=12 November 2008| date=22 November 2000| location=London}}</ref> however the lack of competitiveness at the 2000 World Cup and rise of the [[Rugby League Tri-Nations|Tri-Nations]] between Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain meant that plans for another World Cup were shelved.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2370497/Lewis-backs-Australia-for-World-Cup.html |title=Lewis backs Australia for World Cup – Telegraph |work=The Daily Telegraph |author=John Whalley|date= 1 January 2004|access-date=12 November 2008| location=London}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

For the World Cup to regain some credibility, the number of teams was reduced to ten with Australia, England, France, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand automatically qualifying and a qualifying tournament to determine the other five teams. The tournament ended a year of celebrations commemorating the [[Centenary of Rugby League|centenary]] of the game in the [[Southern Hemisphere]] and was part of the [[Festival of World Cups]].

== Format ==

=== Qualification ===
{{main|2008 Rugby League World Cup qualifying}}

The hosts, Australia, were given automatic entry into the World Cup, along with New Zealand, England, France and Papua New Guinea. The five remaining places in the World Cup were determined by qualification rounds. Two European rounds and Pacific, Atlantic and Repêchage rounds were scheduled.

[[Tonga national rugby league team|Tonga]] and [[Fiji national rugby league team|Fiji]] became the first two nations to qualify after Tonga defeated [[Samoa national rugby league team|Samoa]] 18–10 in [[Leeds]] on 22 October, forcing Samoa to enter the repêchage. In the European Group Two, [[Ireland national rugby league team|Ireland]] drew 16–16 with [[Lebanon national rugby league team|Lebanon]] to ensure qualification, while Lebanon were forced to enter the repêchage. The final automatic place went to [[Scotland national rugby league team|Scotland]], who defeated [[Wales national rugby league team|Wales]] 37–32 on aggregate after two legs. Wales then faced Lebanon in the repêchage semi-final, where they lost in a surprise 50–26 defeat, to knock them out of World Cup Qualifying. Lebanon then faced Samoa, who beat [[United States national rugby league team|USA]] 42–10 in the first semi-final, on 14 November for the final qualifying position. The game was won by Samoa, 38–16, and so they booked the tenth and final place.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/nrl/story/0,26746,22762994-5003409,00.html | title=Samoa beats Lebanon to be last team in league world cup | date=14 November 2007| agency=Australian Associated Press| access-date=11 December 2009}}</ref> Many qualification matches were broadcast live by Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, whilst BigPondTV broadcast matches online for other fans around the world.<ref>[http://www.rugbyleague.com.au/arl/news/article.php?id=1131 ARL – Tickets On Sale] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080325012015/http://www.rugbyleague.com.au/arl/news/article.php?id=1131 |date=25 March 2008 }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:80%;"
|-
!Team
!Nickname
!Coach
!Captain
!RLIF Rank
|-
| {{rl|Australia}}
|The Kangaroos
|[[Ricky Stuart]]
|[[Darren Lockyer]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 1
|-
|{{rl|England}}
|The Lions
|[[Tony Smith (rugby league b. 1967)|Tony Smith]]
|[[Jamie Peacock]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 3
|-
|{{rl|Fiji}}
|The Bati
|[[Joe Dakuitoga]]
|[[Wes Naiqama]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 6
|-
|{{rl|France}}
|Les Chanticleers
|[[John Monie]]
|[[Jerome Guisset]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 5
|-
|{{rl|Ireland}}
|The Wolfhounds
|[[Andy Kelly (rugby league)|Andy Kelly]]
|[[Scott Grix]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 9
|-
|{{rl|NZ}}
|The Kiwis
|[[Stephen Kearney]]
|[[Nathan Cayless]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 2
|-
|{{rl|Papua New Guinea}}
|The Kumuls
|[[Adrian Lam]]
|[[John Wilshere]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 7
|-
|{{rl|Samoa}}
|Toa Samoa
|[[John Ackland (rugby league)|John Ackland]]
|[[Nigel Vagana]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 12
|-
|{{rl|Scotland}}
|The Bravehearts
|[[Steve McCormack]]
|[[Danny Brough]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 11
|-
|{{rl|Tonga}}
|Mate Ma'a Tonga
|[[Jim Dymock]]
|[[Lopini Paea]]
| style="text-align: center;"|4
|}

=== Draw ===
The draw, after being confirmed by the RLIF on 19 April 2007, involved three groups. The first group was made up of four teams; Australia, England, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Whilst the other two groups involved three teams each. The semi finals were made up of the first three teams in the first group and the winner of a playoff between the winners of the second and third groups.

The draw was put into doubt after the Papua New Guinea team claimed that it was unfair to them and threatened to boycott the tournament should it not be changed. [[Marcus Bai]], former Papua New Guinean winger and captain, said:<ref>[https://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21639234-23214,00.html Papua New Guinea Threaten Boycott]</ref>

{{blockquote|text=They have to change it and if they don't, we won't come. We will ring up the other island nations and teams elsewhere who don't qualify and we can have our own competition. They have shown no respect for our country or for our efforts to promote the game up there.}}

Fortunately for the tournament, this separate island competition did not eventuate. Papua New Guinea still remained upset with the draw, seeing it as a huge challenge but one which would have seen them be rewarded if they had won. The draw was finalised on 4 October 2007.<ref>{{cite web| work=NRL| title=RLWC08 – Schedule Finalised| url=http://www.nrl.com/News/Latest/NewsArticle/tabid/76/NewsId/7314/Default.aspx| date=4 October 2007| access-date=4 October 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214132438/http://www.nrl.com/News/Latest/NewsArticle/tabid/76/NewsId/7314/Default.aspx| archive-date=14 February 2008| url-status=dead| df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The first match took place in [[Townsville]] between [[England national rugby league team|England]] and [[Papua New Guinea national rugby league team|Papua New Guinea]], although the official opening ceremony of the competition occurred before the [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]] and [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]] match the following day in Sydney.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rlwc08.com/schedule/ |title=Rugby League World Cup 2008 |publisher=Rlwc08.com |access-date=12 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202033803/http://www.rlwc08.com/schedule/ |archive-date=2 December 2008 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The final took place at [[Lang Park]] (Suncorp Stadium) in [[Brisbane]].

Teams received 2 points for a win, and 1-point for a draw. This meant that, unlike in the Australasian [[National Rugby League]], there was no "golden point" rule enforced. In group stages, if two teams had the same number of points then positions were determined on points difference, the number of points scored minus the number of points conceded.

After group matches were completed, a match featuring the second placed teams in Group B and Group C took place with the winner receiving 7th place. Similarly the third placed teams in Group B and Group C played off for 9th place. It was believed that these results were to be taken into account in the 2009 [[RLIF World Rankings]].{{citation needed|date=November 2008}}

===Squads===
{{See also|2008 Rugby League World Cup squads}}
Each nation competing in the tournament named 24-man squads in the weeks prior to the group stage commencing.<ref>[http://warriors.sitesuite.ws/plugins/newsfeed.cgi?rm=content&plugin_data_id=25165 Two More Vodafone Warriors in World Cup Teams]{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ''NZ Warriors'', 8 October 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/10/08/fiji-ireland-samoa-scotland-and-tonga-sides.aspx Fiji, Ireland, Samoa, Scotland and Tonga sides] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011103133/http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/10/08/fiji-ireland-samoa-scotland-and-tonga-sides.aspx |date=11 October 2008 }} ''Official RLWC08 site'', 8 October 2008.</ref>

== Venues ==
Due to Rugby League World Cup rules prohibiting the use of commercial venue names, all venues were known by their non-commercial names, e.g. Suncorp Stadium was known as Lang Park during the tournament. Lang Park would also host the World Cup final.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! [[Brisbane]]
! [[Melbourne]]
! [[Sydney]]
! [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]]
|-
| '''[[Lang Park]]'''
| [[Docklands Stadium]]
| [[Sydney Football Stadium (1988)|Sydney Football Stadium]]
| [[Robina Stadium]]
|-
| Capacity: '''52,500'''
| Capacity: '''56,347'''
| Capacity: '''42,500'''
| Capacity: '''27,400'''
|-
| [[File:Suncorp Stadium Brisbane Australia 01.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:England Australia Cook Cup Telstra Dome.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Aussie Stadium.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Western Grandstand of Robina Stadium.jpg|200px]]
|-
! [[Townsville]]
! [[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]]
! [[Canberra]]
! [[Wollongong]]
|-
| [[Willows Sports Complex]]
| [[Newcastle International Sports Centre]]
| [[Canberra Stadium]]
| [[Wollongong Showground]]
|-
| Capacity: '''26,500'''
| Capacity: '''26,126'''
| Capacity: '''25,011'''
| Capacity: '''23,000'''
|-
| [[File:14-05-2005-dairy farmers at dusk.JPG|200px]]
| [[File:Ausgrid Stadium.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:BruceStadium19032005.JPG|200px]]
| [[File:WIN Stadium2.jpg|200px]]
|-
! [[Sydney]]
! [[Sydney]]
! [[Gosford]]
! [[Rockhampton]]
|-
| [[Penrith Stadium]]
| [[Parramatta Stadium]]
| [[Central Coast Stadium]]
| [[Browne Park]]
|-
| Capacity: '''22,500'''
| Capacity: '''21,500'''
| Capacity: '''20,059'''
| Capacity: '''8,000'''
|-
| [[File:Centrebet Stadium, Penrith.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Parramatta Stadium New Scoreboard.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Bluetongue CC Stadium.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:EelsKnights40a.jpg|200px]]
|-
|colspan="2" |
{{location map+ |float=center |Australia |width=400 |caption= |places=
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-19.25 |long=146.81 |label='''[[Townsville]]''' |position=left }}
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-26.46 |long=153.03 |label='''[[Brisbane]]''' |position=left }}
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-37.81 |long=144.96 |label='''[[Melbourne]]''' |position=right }}
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-23.375 |long=150.511667 |label='''[[Rockhampton]]''' |position=left }}
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-28.016667 |long=153.4 |label='''[[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]]''' |position=below}}}}
|colspan="2" |
{{location map+ |float=center |New South Wales|width=400 |caption= |places=
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-29.40 |long=146.50 |label='''[[Sydney]]''' |position=left}}
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-35.30 |long=139.50 |label='''[[Canberra]]''' |position=left}}
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-27 |long=148 |label='''[[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]]''' |position=left }}
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-32 |long=145 |label='''[[Wollongong]]''' |position=left}}
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-28.5 |long=147 |label='''[[Gosford, New South Wales|Gosford]]''' |position=right}}}}
|}

== Officiating ==
Six referees from four countries controlled matches in the tournament. These four nations also provided touch judges while England and Australia provided the video referees.<ref name=referees>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24530732-10389,00.html |title=England Cup side not afraid of the grapple tackle |date=21 October 2008 |access-date=23 October 2008 |publisher=news.com.au |first=Steve |last=Ricketts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081023150730/http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0%2C23739%2C24530732-10389%2C00.html |archive-date=23 October 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=touchjudges>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportfocus.com/newspub/story.cfm?ID=30623 |title=RFL trio head to the Rugby League World Cup |date=8 October 2008|access-date=23 October 2008|publisher=sportfocus.com }}</ref> In support of the [[National Breast Cancer Foundation (Australia)|Australian National Breast Cancer Foundation]], the referees wore pastel pink shirts while officiating matches to raise awareness. The shirts, which carried the NBCF logo on the collar, were signed by the team captains at each World Cup game and were later auctioned off with the proceeds going to the NBCF.<ref name=charity1>{{cite web| url= http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/07/18/referees-in-pink-for-charity.aspx| title= Referees in pink for charity| date= 18 July 2008| access-date= 28 October 2008| publisher= Rugby League International Federation| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081201173402/http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/07/18/referees-in-pink-for-charity.aspx| archive-date= 1 December 2008| url-status= dead| df= dmy-all}}</ref>

{{col-float-begin}}
;Referees
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Thierry Alibert]] ([[French Rugby League Federation|France]])
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Tony Archer (referee)|Tony Archer]] ([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Steve Ganson]] ([[Rugby Football League|England]])
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Shayne Hayne]] ([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ashley Klein]] ([[Rugby Football League|England]])
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Leon Williamson]] ([[New Zealand Rugby League|New Zealand]])

;Video referees
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Steve Clark (referee)|Steve Clark]] ([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Phil Cooley]] ([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Steve Ganson]] ([[Rugby Football League|England]])
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ashley Klein]] ([[Rugby Football League|England]])
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Paul Simpkins]] ([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])

{{col-float-break}}
;Touch judges
* {{flagicon|NZL}} Adam Burns ([[New Zealand Rugby League|New Zealand]])
* {{flagicon|AUS}} Steve Chiddy ([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[James Child]] ([[Rugby Football League|England]])
* {{flagicon|AUS}} Tony De Las Hera ([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])
* {{flagicon|AUS}} Paul Holland ([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])
* {{flagicon|FRA}} Jose Perrara ([[French Rugby League Federation|France]])
* {{flagicon|AUS}} Bernard Sutton ([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Gerard Sutton (rugby league)|Gerard Sutton]] ([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])
* {{flagicon|AUS}} Russell Turner ([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])
{{Col-float-end}}

== Opening ceremony ==
[[File:2008 Rugby League World Cup opening ceremony (26 October 2008).jpg|right|thumb|The 2008 World Cup's opening ceremony]]On Sunday night, 26 October, the [[Sydney Football Stadium (1988)|Sydney Football Stadium]] hosted the Opening Ceremony of the World Cup. It started with [[Greg Inglis]] reciting a speech about "Playing Fair". Following Inglis' speech there was an Aboriginal [[Smoking ceremony]] to welcome all the athletes and participants. This included a rather large sized [[Rainbow Serpent]] which represented the [[Aboriginal Dreamtime]]. The last part of the ceremony involved a performance of the Rugby League World Cup anthem "Hero" by [[Natalie Bassingthwaighte]]. A curtain raiser to the Australia vs. New Zealand match included an [[Australian Aboriginal rugby league team|Indigenous Australian]] squad playing against [[New Zealand Māori rugby league team|New Zealand Māori]] which featured several prominent NRL players and rising stars, including [[Chris Sandow]], [[Wairangi Koopu]], [[Preston Campbell]], [[Sam Thaiday]], [[Shaun Kenny-Dowall]] and [[Carl Webb]].

As part of the official opening of the World Cup on 26 October, an exhibition game was played between an [[Australian Aboriginal rugby league team|Aboriginal selection]] and a [[New Zealand Māori rugby league team|New Zealand Māori side]].<ref>[http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/10/09/indigenous-dreamtime-team-named.aspx Indigenous Dreamtime team named] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100101120935/http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/10/09/indigenous-dreamtime-team-named.aspx |date=1 January 2010 }} @ '''Official RLWC08 site''', 11 October 2008.</ref>

{{rugbyleaguebox
|event = Welcome to Country Match
|date = 26 October 2008
|team1 = [[Indigenous All Stars (rugby league)|Indigenous Dreamtime]] [[File:Australian Aboriginal Flag.svg|23px]]
|score = 34 – 26
|report = [https://leagueunlimited.com/news/aboriginal-side-too-good-for-maori/#vEOty8wOe5TqBKph.97 Report] 1st: 16 - 8 2nd: 18 - 18
|team2 = {{flagicon|New Zealand Māori}} [[New Zealand Māori rugby league team|New Zealand Māori]]
|points1 = '''Tries:''' [[Rod Jensen]] (33', 53') '''2''' [[Rhys Wesser]] (22', 71') '''2''' [[Justin Carney]] (18') '''1''' [[Yileen Gordon]] (80') '''1''' '''Goals:''' [[Jamie Soward]] '''4/5''' (20', 34', 54', 72') [[Derrick Watkins]] '''1/1''' (80') '''Field Goals:''' Jamie Soward '''0/1'''
|points2 = '''Tries:''' [[Sam McKendry]] (2') '''1''' [[Shaun Kenny-Dowall]] (25') '''1''' [[Chase Stanley]] (48') '''1''' [[Jordan Rapana]] (58') '''1''' [[Arana Taumata]] (67') '''1''' '''Goals:''' [[Bronx Goodwin]] '''2/4''' (49', 69') Chase Stanley '''1/1''' (59')
|stadium = [[Sydney Football Stadium (1988)|Sydney Football Stadium]]
|referee = Tony Archer
|attendance =
}}

{| width="100%"
|+ class="nowrap" | '''Team lists:'''
| valign="top" width="50%" |
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: 90%"
! width="25" |
! width="25" |
|
|-
|FB
|'''1'''
| [[Rhys Wesser]]
|-
|WG
|'''2'''
| [[Justin Carney]]
|-
|CE
|'''3'''
| [[Maurice Blair]]
|-
|CE
|'''4'''
| [[Jamal Idris]]
|-
|WG
|'''5'''
| [[Ty Williams]]
|-
|FE
|'''6'''
| [[Jamie Soward]]
|-
|HB
|'''7'''
| [[Preston Campbell]] (c)
|-
|PR
|'''8'''
| [[Carl Webb]]
|-
|HK
|'''9'''
|[[Ian Lacey]]
|-
|PR
|'''17'''
| Peter Jensen
|-
|SR
|'''11'''
| [[Daine Laurie (rugby league, born 1984)|Daine Laurie]]
|-
|SR
|'''12'''
| [[Derrick Watkins]]
|-
|LK
|'''13'''
| [[Dean Widders]]
|-
| colspan="3" |'''Interchange:'''
|-
|IC
|'''14'''
| [[Chris Sandow]]
|-
|IC
|'''15'''
| [[Rod Jensen]]
|-
|IC
|'''16'''
| [[Yileen Gordon]]
|-
|IC
|'''10'''
| [[George Rose (rugby league)|George Rose]]
|-
|IC
|'''18'''
| [[Dennis Moran (rugby league)|Dennis Moran]]
|-
| colspan="3" |'''Coach:'''
|-
| colspan="4" | [[Neil Henry]]
|}
| valign="top" width="50%" |
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" style="font-size: 90%"
! width="25" |
! width="25" |
|
|-
|FB
|'''1'''
| [[Bronx Goodwin]]
|-
|WG
|'''2'''
| [[Jordan Rapana]]
|-
|CE
|'''3'''
| [[Chase Stanley]]
|-
|CE
|'''4'''
| Karl Johnson
|-
|WG
|'''5'''
| [[Shaun Kenny-Dowall]]
|-
|FE
|'''14'''
| Charlie Herekotukutuku
|-
|HB
|'''7'''
| [[Rangi Chase]]
|-
|PR
|'''8'''
| [[Weller Hauraki]]
|-
|HK
|'''9'''
| [[Ben Ellis (rugby league)|Ben Ellis]] (c)
|-
|PR
|'''10'''
| [[Sam McKendry]]
|-
|SR
|'''11'''
| [[Craig Smith (rugby league, born 1971)|Craig Smith]]
|-
|SR
|'''12'''
| [[Wairangi Koopu]]
|-
|LK
|'''13'''
| [[Lee Te Maari]]
|-
| colspan="3" |'''Interchange:'''
|-
|IC
|'''6'''
| [[Arana Taumata]]
|-
|IC
|'''15'''
| [[Hep Cahill]]
|-
|IC
|'''16'''
| Chance Bunce
|-
|IC
|'''17'''
| [[James Tamou]]
|-
|IC
|'''18'''
| [[Kevin Proctor]]
|-
| colspan="3" |'''Coach:'''
|-
| colspan="4" |[[Luke Goodwin]]
|}
|}

== Group stage ==
The 2008 Rugby League World Cup's eighteen matches were played during October and November in various locations throughout the [[east coast of Australia]]. The tournament's teams were divided into three pool groups. The teams finishing highest amongst those groups progressed to the play-offs.

All teams from group A (shaded in green) with the exception of the bottom qualifying team progressed to the semi-finals, the other two groups the top finisher progressed to a playoff match, in which the winner would qualify to the semi-finals.

=== Group A ===
{{Main|2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A|Standings}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A|ENGvPNG}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A|AUSvNZL}}
----
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A|NZLvPNG}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A|AUSvENG}}
----
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A|ENGvNZL}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A|AUSvPNG}}

=== Group B ===
{{Main|2008 Rugby League World Cup Group B}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group B|Standings}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group B|FRAvSCO}}
----
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group B|FIJvFRA}}
----
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group B|SCOvFIJ}}

=== Group C ===
{{Main|2008 Rugby League World Cup Group C}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group C|Standings}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group C|TONvIRE}}
----
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group C|SAMvTON}}
----
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group C|IREvSAM}}

== Knockout stage ==
{{Main|2008 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage}}
The top three teams from pool A advanced to the semi-finals, while the top teams from pools B and C played off in the qualifying final to decide the fourth spot in the semi-finals.

{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage|Bracket}}

===7th place play-off===
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage|SCOvTON}}

===9th place play-off===
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage|FRAvSAM}}

===Quarter-final===
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage|FIJvIRE}}

=== Semi-finals ===
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage|NZLvENG}}
----
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage|AUSvFIJ}}

=== Final: Australia vs New Zealand ===
{{main|2008 Rugby League World Cup final}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup final|Final}}

==Statistics==
=== Try scorers ===
;7 tries
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Billy Slater]]

;6 tries
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Greg Inglis]]

;5 tries
* {{flagicon|FIJ}} [[Akuila Uate]]
* {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} [[Damien Blanch]]

;4 tries
{{div col|colwidth=13em}}
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Joel Monaghan]]
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[David Williams (rugby league)|David Williams]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Lance Hohaia]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Jerome Ropati]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Manu Vatuvei]]
{{div col end}}

;3 tries
{{div col|colwidth=13em}}
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Scott Prince]]
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Johnathan Thurston]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Martin Gleeson (rugby league)|Martin Gleeson]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Lee Smith (rugby league)|Lee Smith]]
* {{flagicon|FIJ}} [[Jarryd Hayne]]
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jérôme Guisset]]
* {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} [[Pat Richards]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Sam Perrett]]
* {{flagicon|TON}} [[Michael Jennings (rugby league)|Michael Jennings]]
{{div col end}}

;2 tries
{{div col|colwidth=13em}}
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Israel Folau]]
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Anthony Laffranchi]]
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Darren Lockyer]]
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Brent Tate]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Rob Burrow]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ade Gardner]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Danny McGuire]]
* {{flagicon|FIJ}} [[Jayson Bukuya]]
* {{flagicon|FIJ}} [[Semi Tadulala]]
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[John Wilson (Australian rugby league)|John Wilson]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Adam Blair]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Simon Mannering]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Benji Marshall]]
* {{flagicon|PNG}} [[George Keppa]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[George Carmont]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[Francis Meli]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[Misi Taulapapa]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[Ben Te'o]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[Matt Utai]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[Nigel Vagana]]
* {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Jon Steel]]
* {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Oliver Wilkes]]
* {{flagicon|TON}} [[Etuate Uaisele]]
{{div col end}}

;1 try
{{div col|colwidth=13em}}
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Paul Gallen]]
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Anthony Tupou]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jamie Peacock]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Mickey Higham]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[James Roby]]
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Christophe Moly]]
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Sébastien Planas]]
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Sébastien Raguin]]
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jared Taylor (rugby league)|Jared Taylor]]
* {{flagicon|FIJ}} [[Iowane Divavesi]]
* {{flagicon|FIJ}} [[Semisi Tora]]
* {{flagicon|FIJ}} [[Wes Naiqama]]
* {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} [[Liam Finn (rugby league)|Liam Finn]]
* {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} [[Simon Finnigan]]
* {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} [[Sean Gleeson (rugby league)|Sean Gleeson]]
* {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} [[Scott Grix]]
* {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} [[Michael Platt (rugby league)|Michael Platt]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Greg Eastwood]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[David Fa'alogo]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Nathan Fien]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Bronson Harrison]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Issac Luke]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Sika Manu]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Jason Nightingale]]
* {{flagicon|PNG}} [[Paul Aiton]]
* {{flagicon|PNG}} [[Jason Chan (rugby league)|Jason Chan]]
* {{flagicon|PNG}} [[Rod Griffin]]
* {{flagicon|PNG}} [[Menzie Yere]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[Joseph Paulo]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[Frank Puletua]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[Ben Roberts (rugby league)|Ben Roberts]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[David Solomona]]
* {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Paddy Coupar]]
* {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Michael Robertson (rugby league)|Michael Robertson]]
* {{flagicon|TON}} [[Tevita Leo-Latu]]
* {{flagicon|TON}} [[Feleti Mateo]]
* {{flagicon|TON}} [[Eddie Paea]]
* {{flagicon|TON}} [[Fetuli Talanoa]]
* {{flagicon|TON}} [[Esikeli Tonga]]
* {{flagicon|TON}} [[Tony Williams (rugby league)|Tony Williams]]
{{div col end}}

=== Attendances ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left; font-size:90%"
! width="150" |Date
! colspan="2" width="375" |Match
! width="200" |Venue
! width="140" |Location
! width="100" |Attendance
|-
|25 October 2008
|{{Rl|ENG}}
|{{Rl|PNG}}
|[[Willows Sports Complex]]
|[[Townsville]]
|10,780
|-
|26 October 2008
|{{Rl|AUS}}
|{{Rl|NZL}}
|[[Sydney Football Stadium (1988)|Sydney Football Stadium]]
|[[Sydney]]
|34,157
|-
|26 October 2008
|{{Rl|FRA}}
|{{Rl|SCO}}
|[[Canberra Stadium]]
|[[Canberra]]
|9,287
|-
|27 October 2008
|{{Rl|TON}}
|{{Rl|IRE}}
|[[Parramatta Stadium]]
|[[Sydney]]
|6,165
|-
|31 October 2008
|{{Rl|SAM}}
|{{Rl|TON}}
|[[Penrith Stadium]]
|[[Sydney]]
|11,787
|-
|1 November 2008
|{{Rl|FIJ}}
|{{Rl|FRA}}
|[[Wollongong Showground]]
|[[Wollongong]]
|9,213
|-
|1 November 2008
|{{Rl|NZL}}
|{{Rl|PNG}}
|[[Robina Stadium]]
|[[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]]
|11,278
|-
|2 November 2008
|{{Rl|AUS}}
|{{Rl|ENG}}
|[[Docklands Stadium]]
|[[Melbourne]]
|36,297
|-
|5 November 2008
|{{Rl|IRE}}
|{{Rl|SAM}}
|[[Parramatta Stadium]]
|[[Sydney]]
|8,067
|-
|5 November 2008
|{{Rl|SCO}}
|{{Rl|FIJ}}
|[[Central Coast Stadium]]
|[[Gosford]]
|9,720
|-
|8 November 2008
|{{Rl|SCO}}
|{{Rl|TON}}
|[[Browne Park]]
|[[Rockhampton]]
|5,942
|-
|8 November 2008
|{{Rl|ENG}}
|{{Rl|NZL}}
|[[Newcastle International Sports Centre]]
|[[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]]
|15,145
|-
|9 November 2008
|{{Rl|AUS}}
|{{Rl|PNG}}
|[[Willows Sports Complex]]
|[[Townsville]]
|16,239
|-
|9 November 2008
|{{Rl|FRA}}
|{{Rl|SAM}}
|[[Penrith Stadium]]
|[[Sydney]]
|8,028
|-
|10 November 2008
|{{Rl|FIJ}}
|{{Rl|IRE}}
|[[Robina Stadium]]
|[[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]]
|8,224
|-
|15 November 2008
|{{Rl|NZL}}
|{{Rl|ENG}}
|[[Lang Park]]
|[[Brisbane]]
|26,659
|-
|16 November 2008
|{{Rl|AUS}}
|{{Rl|FIJ}}
|[[Sydney Football Stadium (1988)|Sydney Football Stadium]]
|[[Sydney]]
|15,855
|-
|22 November 2008
|{{Rl|AUS}}
|{{Rl|NZL}}
|[[Lang Park]]
|[[Brisbane]]
|50,599
|}

== Critical reception ==
[[File:Kiwis Team Photo.jpg|thumb|right|New Zealand lifting the [[Paul Barrière Trophy]] after their victory in the final.]]Due to the generally poor response of the [[2000 Rugby League World Cup|2000 World Cup]], there were several key criticisms of the tournament before any matches had kicked off.<ref>{{cite news|last=John-paul moloney and david jean |title=The real deal or a standing joke? |work=The Canberra Times |place=Australia |date=28 October 2008 |url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/the-real-deal-or-a-standing-joke/1343263.aspx?storypage=2 |access-date=7 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122052237/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/the-real-deal-or-a-standing-joke/1343263.aspx?storypage=2 |archive-date=22 November 2011 }}</ref> The RLIF were forced to defend the credibility of the tournament in October 2007 after New Zealand, one of the favourites for the competition, were heavily beaten in a Test match 58–0 in [[Wellington]] against Australia.<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22595095-5016312,00.html Kiwi Pre-WC Criticism]</ref> Another concern was whether there would be enough competitiveness throughout the ten teams, with some fans worried about the possibility of too many one-sided matches,<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/7089791.stm Competitiveness Pre-WC Criticism]</ref> which was a common sight in the Group Stages of the 2000 tournament.<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/world_cup_2000/1040510.stm 2000 WC Overview]</ref>

[[Ricky Stuart]], coach of the Australian team, was reported to be so incensed by his team's defeat in the final that he verbally attacked [[Geoff Carr]], the chief executive of Australian Rugby League, claiming that tournament organisers and match officials conspired to cause the Australian loss.<ref>[http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/stuarts-sour-grapes/2008/11/23/1227375062521.html] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107135411/http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/stuarts-sour-grapes/2008/11/23/1227375062521.html |date=7 January 2009 }}</ref> The next morning he had a chance meeting with [[Ashley Klein]], who refereed the final, and [[Stuart Cummings]], the [[Rugby Football League]]'s director of match officials, at their hotel. He reportedly abused both officials in front of a number of witnesses, calling Klein a cheat, and behaved in an aggressive and physically intimidating manner.<ref>[http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/now-stuart-stands-accused-of-calling-cup-final-referee-a-cheat/2008/11/24/1227491461252.html] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009022226/http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/now-stuart-stands-accused-of-calling-cup-final-referee-a-cheat/2008/11/24/1227491461252.html |date=9 October 2009 }}</ref> Stuart later apologised for his behaviour and resigned from his post.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/7745915.stm | work=BBC News | title=Stuart sorry for World Cup rant | date=28 November 2008| access-date=22 April 2010}}</ref>

The tournament proved a commercial success, delivering a profit of over {{A$|6.5 million}} and re-establishing the credibility of the competition.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/four-nations-heads-global-calendar/story-e6frg7mo-1111118095280 | first=Margie | last=McDonald | title=Four Nations heads global calendar | date=21 November 2008| access-date=11 October 2010| work=The Australian}}</ref>

== Marketing ==
===Branding===
[[File:Heroes08.PNG|thumb|200px|right|Promotional video scene]]
[[File:Heroes here 08 strapline 2008 rugbyleagueworldcup.png|thumb|200px|right|Heroes Here 08 [[Advertising slogan|strapline]]]]
The World Cup's "Heroes Here 08" promotional campaign was launched at the [[Sydney Opera House]] on 6 May 2008.<ref name="Heroes1">{{cite web|url=http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/05/06/heroes-08-campaign-launched.aspx |publisher=Rugby League International Federation |title=Media Release: Heroes 08 Campaign Launched |access-date=13 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515062805/http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/05/06/heroes-08-campaign-launched.aspx |archive-date=15 May 2008 }}</ref> At the launch, Paul Kind, the World Cup Director of Marketing, explained, "Heroes Here 08 underlines that fact that the international game, and particularly this tournament, will bring out the best in every player who takes part. It will create heroes."

[[Natalie Bassingthwaighte]] recorded an "Australian version" of the [[Mariah Carey]] song "[[Hero (Mariah Carey song)|Hero]]" which accompanied the "Heroes 08" promotional video and other World Cup advertising. The World Cup Opening Ceremony featured a live performance of the song by Bassingthwaighte.<ref name="Heroes1" />

Filming of visuals for the promotional video began in Leeds during the worldwide ticketing launch for the event in November 2007.<ref name="Heroes1" />

Advertising agency MJW, celebrity photographer Garry Heery and production company Engine worked together to combine the latest digital animation with a dark and determined set that highlighted the passion players feel in representing their country on the international stage.<ref name="Heroes1" />

The Heroes campaign featured [[Mark Gasnier]] (Australia), [[Roy Asotasi]] (New Zealand), [[Rob Burrow]] (England), [[Keith Peters (rugby league footballer)|Keith Peters]] (PNG), [[Waisale Sukanaveita]] (Fiji), [[Nigel Vagana]] (Samoa), [[Jerome Guisset]] (France), [[Lee Paterson]] (Scotland), [[Stuart Littler]] (Ireland) and [[Lopini Paea]] (Tonga).<ref name="Heroes1" /> Gasnier was later removed from some of the promotional material after he left the sport mid-season and was replaced by [[Darren Lockyer]].

The video also appeared in the video game [[Rugby League 2: World Cup Edition (video game)|Rugby League 2: World Cup Edition]], which featured a world cup mode based on the event.

===Ticketing===

Tickets for Australian residents went on sale 7 November 2007 and internationally on 18 February.<ref>[http://www.pilbeamtheatre.com.au/worldcuprocky.html Pilbeam Tickets] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719071939/http://www.pilbeamtheatre.com.au/worldcuprocky.html |date=19 July 2008 }}</ref> However tickets were not distributed until 3 March. Ticketek were announced as the official ticketing agency for the competition, selling tickets for all matches.<ref>[http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=RLWCUP08 Ticketek Tickets]</ref> Ticketmaster and Pilbeam Theatre were selling tickets to the Telstra Dome and Browne Park matches respectively.

The World Cup final sold out months in advance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=16750 |title=Samoa name World Cup Squad |author=World Cup News |date=5 August 2008 |publisher=League Unlimited |access-date=18 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717060051/http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=16750 |archive-date=17 July 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref>

===Sponsorship===
The Official Sponsors of the Rugby League World Cup 2008 were:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rlwc08.com/sponsors/default.aspx |title = Rugby League World Cup 2008 Partners |access-date=2008-10-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920054112/http://www.rlwc08.com/sponsors/default.aspx |archive-date=20 September 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref>
* [[Jetstar]]: Official Airline
* [[Foster's Lager|Foster's]]: Official Beer
* [[Bundaberg Rum]]: Official Spirit
* [[AAMI]]: Official referee sponsor
* [[Telstra]]: Official Telecommunications sponsor
* [[Gillette]]: Official Male products
* [[Holiday Inn]]: Official Accommodation Supplier
* [[Coca-Cola Company|Coca-Cola]]: Official Soft drink
* [[Harvey Norman]]: Official retailer
* [[Société Bic|Bic]]: Official stationery

== Broadcasting ==

=== Television ===

The 2008 World Cup had 26 separate television deals taking coverage to 127 countries and generating more than $20 million income.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/national/national/sport/world-cup-goes-back-to-its-roots/1343170.aspx |title=World Cup goes back to its roots – National News – National – Sport |work=The Canberra Times |date=24 October 2008 |access-date=12 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630062442/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/national/national/sport/world-cup-goes-back-to-its-roots/1343170.aspx |archive-date=30 June 2009 |df=dmy }}</ref> A global television audience of 19.2 million made it the most widely broadcast event in the game's history.<ref name="google.com">[https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5j1bzTlgT5wdNBj1BDkIDDamddBSg]{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

[[Nine Network|Channel 9]] broadcast all Group A matches and the Knockout Stage matches in Australia. [[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]] broadcast all Group B and C matches plus Ranking Stage matches live. In the United Kingdom, [[Sky Sports]] broadcast all matches live,<ref>[https://archive.today/20131204150234/http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2007/10/11/Britain_1920_s-World-Cup-Television-Bonanza.aspx Sky Sports Broadcasting Bid]</ref> meaning that all were shown in the morning and some as early as 06:00 am<ref>[http://www.rlwc08.com/broadcast/uk.aspx UK Broadcasting] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928131410/http://www.rlwc08.com/broadcast/uk.aspx |date=28 September 2008 }}</ref> with highlights being shown on the [[BBC]]. [[SKY Network Television|Sky Sport]] showed all games live across New Zealand. [[Mai TV]] broadcast all matches live in [[Papua New Guinea]], [[Fiji]], [[Samoa]], [[Cook Islands]] and the [[Solomon Islands]].<ref>[http://www.rlwc08.com/broadcast/pi.aspx Pacific Broadcasting] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021111014/http://www.rlwc08.com/broadcast/pi.aspx |date=21 October 2008 }}</ref> [[Orange Sport]] provided coverage of all matches live in France.

Coverage of the competition also extended to countries not taking part. [[Showtime Arabia|Showtime]] showed all matches live across the Middle East. [[G (African Television Broadcaster)|G]] offered coverage of all games in many countries in Africa. [[Astro (Malaysian satellite television)|Astro]] showed all matches in [[Malaysia]], and [[ESPN3]]60 showed all matches in the United States. In Brazil, some matches were broadcast by [[Bandsports]].

The only participating country with no television coverage of the matches was Tonga; the RLIF were hoping to secure a deal before the World Cup started, but this never happened.

[[BigPond]]TV, an online television station, broadcast all matches live and also repeated matches. This service was available to everyone for free.

=== Radio ===

* UK – [[BBC Radio 5 Live]] and its sister station [[BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra|BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra]] broadcast selected games.
* UK – some non-rights holders used Australian freelance reporter Tim Stackpool to report on games for UK broadcasters. An extensive archive can be heard here: [https://web.archive.org/web/20160106132825/http://www.timstackpool.com/rlwc.htm RLWC Archive]
* AUS – ABC and 2GB Radio broadcast selected games.
* NZ – Radio Sport broadcast the Kiwi's games, including the Kiwi's victory in the final.

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071016042328/http://www.rlwc08.com/ Official Website]
* [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/competitions/World_Cup_2008/summary.html 2008 World Cup at rugbyleagueproject.org]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090807092049/http://www.188-rugby-league.co.uk/content/feedstory/world-cup-2008 2008 World Cup at 188-rugby-league.co.uk]
* [https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/4972052.stm "World Cup Moved To End of Season"], BBC website. Retrieved 4 May 2006.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060522110308/http://www.rlef.eu.com/newsstory.php?id=184 "RLIF Meeting"], Rugby League European Federation website. Retrieved 8 May 2006
* [https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/world_cup_2000/1034927.stm "McDonald defends World Cup"], BBC website. Retrieved 6 May 2006.
* [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2004/01/01/slwhal01.xml "Lewis backs Australia for World Cup"]{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, telegraph.co.uk website. Retrieved 8 May 2006

{{2008 Rugby League World Cup}}
{{Rugby League World Cup}}
{{2008 in rugby league}}
{{New Zealand 2008 Rugby League World Cup squad}}

[[Category:2008 Rugby League World Cup| ]]

RAW 1251AM

2025-10-09T14:19:07Z

2A00:23C4:54E4:B01:691A:DBD1:DA04:6B98:

{{short description|Student radio station at the University of Warwick}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2017}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2011}}
{{Infobox radio station
| logo = RAW 1251AM Logo.png
| name = RAW 1251AM
| airdate = 1970
| frequency = [http://www.radio.warwick.ac.uk Online]
| area = [[University of Warwick]]
| format = Contemporary
| owner = Independent
}}

'''RAW 1251AM''' is the [[student radio]] station at the [[University of Warwick]] and winner of the 2000 and 2003 [[BBC Radio 1]] [[Student Radio Association]] Best Station awards.

Formerly known as W963, during the years when broadcasts were conducted via an induction loop around the university campus on 963 kHz AM, later broadcasting on 1251 kHz AM to the campus from 1999 to 2024.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Ofcom {{!}} Long term RSLs |url=https://static.ofcom.org.uk/static/radiolicensing/html/radio-stations/rsls/longterm-rsls/lrsl103079ba1raw1251am.htm |access-date=2024-09-24 |website=static.ofcom.org.uk}}</ref> RAW now broadcasts from inside the Students' Union HQ building and [http://player.radio.warwick.ac.uk streams] all its output online.

==History==
RAW began life as '''University Radio Warwick''' in the 1970-71 academic year by students who spent their summer vacation installing an [[induction loop transmission system]] in the Rootes residence buildings. (One of these students was [[David Davis (British politician)|David Davis]], who would later go on to become a Conservative MP and serve as Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union.) The studios consisted of a wooden hut behind Rootes M (Meriden House) and broadcast at 312 metres (963 kHz). The station was soon rebranded to '''URW312'''.

In 1977, the station was moved into the newly constructed social building (which would eventually become the [[University of Warwick Students' Union|Students' Union]] Building).

On 30 January 1999, W963 rebranded itself as '''RaW''' and on 30 September 1999, the station began broadcasting on 1251 kHz AM, discarding the then obsolete induction loop system.

RAW moved across the University of Warwick campus to University House in the Summer of 2008 as the Students' Union was refurbished. For the subsequent year RAW dropped its FM broadcast due to inability to use the FM antenna, resuming the annual broadcast for 2010.

In the Summer of 2010, RAW returned to the Students' Union, and is now based on the second floor of SUHQ (previously known as Union North).

In 2020, RAW celebrated its 50th anniversary with a pop-up radio station, Retro RAW. Retro RAW streamed for 50 hours and featured contributions from presenters past and present,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mixcloud |url=https://www.mixcloud.com/RetroRAW/ |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=www.mixcloud.com}}</ref> as well as exclusive interviews with notable alumni such as Stephen Merchant<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mixcloud |url=https://www.mixcloud.com/RetroRAW/the-steve-show-revisited/ |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=www.mixcloud.com}}</ref> and Timmy Mallett.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mixcloud |url=https://www.mixcloud.com/RetroRAW/timmy-mallett/ |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=www.mixcloud.com}}</ref> In 2021, Retro RAW won the Student Radio Award for Best Event Programming.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-11 |title=All the winners from the Student Radio Awards 2021 |url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2021/11/all-the-winners-from-the-student-radio-awards-2021/ |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=RadioToday |language=en-GB}}</ref>

On September 23, 2024, RAW 1251AM ceased broadcasting on 1251 kHz AM, with future plans to broadcast on Small-Scale [[DAB+]] across [[Coventry]].<ref name=":0" />

==Activities==
RAW provided a special broadcast service for the [[International Children's Games]] held in Coventry in July 2005, and was named{{by whom|date=May 2017}} the official broadcaster for this period.

In late 2005, [[David Davis (British politician)|David Davis]], the Shadow Home Secretary, launched his bid for the Conservative Party leadership with a visit to RAW, the station which he helped to found. Following an interview{{by whom|date=May 2017}} in the studio (surrounded by around 20 journalists), Davis held a press conference in the Rootes Social Building Panorama Room, which symbolised the beginning of his campaign. His interview in the studio was later syndicated by [[BBC Radio 4]] and the trip to the station reported on a number of media outlets.

2006 saw a large amount of work done{{by whom|date=May 2017}} to the station. [http://www.radio.warwick.ac.uk/watch Studio 1] saw the installation{{by whom|date=May 2017}} of a bespoke digital playout system ('Digiplay') as well as redecoration{{by whom|date=May 2017}}, and a new office was built{{by whom|date=May 2017}} in the foyer of the station allowing DJs to work undisturbed.

In 2011 four members of the station embarked on a charity fundraiser named "RAW on Tour". The tour consisted of a visit to 52 [[UK Student Radio Association|SRA]] affiliated student radio stations in England within one week. Over £1,000 was raised for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research and the station was announced winner of the Charity Champion prize at the I Love Student Radio Awards later that year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ilovestudentradio.com/news/fullstory/2888 |title=I Love Student Radio :: News - RaW Goes on Tour for Charity |accessdate=2011-10-23 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305102202/http://www.ilovestudentradio.com/news/fullstory/2888 |archivedate=5 March 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

In May 2012 the station received recognition from notable industry website Media UK for an impressive set of audience figures which, in some areas of analysis, eclipsed a number of national radio stations, including BBC Radio 1, [[BBC Radio 2]] and the Absolute Radio Network.

In 2013, RAW began its MaRaWthon Outside Broadcast that raised over £1500 for the charity Coventry Cyrenians by broadcasting for 100 hours, day and night, on the Piazza at Warwick University, as well as winning 4 Student Radio Awards for the previous years broadcasting in the categories Best Newcomer (Gold), Best Live Event (Gold), Best Speech (Silver), and Best Entertainment (Bronze).

In 2017, RAW launched a 50 Hour Broadcast in aid of [[Parkinson's UK]]. With the help of [[The Cheeky Girls]] & [[John Stapleton (English journalist)|John Stapleton]] (patrons of the charity), as well as LBC's [[Steve Allen]] and Darren Adam, and BBC's [[Chris Stark]] they managed to raise just under £3,000 for the charity.

==Awards==
RAW has twice been named the [[Student Radio Association|Student Radio Association's]] ''Station of the Year'', in 2000 and 2003, along with other gold awards in both on and off air categories. At the 2020 Student Radio Awards, RAW were the first winners of a new category, The Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RAW1251AM/status/1400438931791953924|url=https://twitter.com/RAW1251AM/status/1400438931791953924?s=20 |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en}}</ref>

==Notable presenters==
* John Bennett, sports reporter and presenter for BBC Sport
*Barry Myers aka DJ Scratchy Sound, key figure in punk, dub and ska since mid 1970s, supporting The Clash and early punk bands
*Rob Whitehouse, sports presenter, BBC Radio West Midlands and BBC Radio One producer
*Julian Druker, reporter and presenter for 5 News
* [[David Davis (British politician)|David Davis]], politician and former Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union
* [[George Eaton (journalist)|George Eaton]], Political Editor for the [[New Statesman]]
* [[Leona Graham]], Absolute Radio presenter and prominent voiceover artist
* [[Ruth Jones (actress)|Ruth Jones]], actress, writer & comedian
* [[James King (film critic)|James King]], BBC Radio 1's film reviewer
* [[Timmy Mallett]], children's TV presenter in the 1980s and 1990s
* [[Simon Mayo]], BBC Radio 2 & [[BBC Radio 5 Live]] presenter
* [[Stephen Merchant]], Co-writer of ''The Office'' and ''Extras'', in which he also co-starred
* [[Adam Mountford]], [[Test Match Special]] (TMS) producer
* [[Dave Nellist]], British politician, National Chair of TUSC and former Labour MP for Coventry South
* [[Ritula Shah]], BBC radio presenter and journalist
* Quentin Rayner (Politics, c.1980-83) and Ian Woods (c.1981-84), former presenters in the 1990s of ''[[East Midlands Today]]''<ref>''Nottingham Evening Post'' 5 February 1996, page 6</ref>
* Will Foster, producer of Radio 1 Breakfast with [[Greg James]]
* Russell Gowers, author of "Transforming Customer Engagement in Automotive" among other whitepapers
* Nicki Finlay, BBC radio producer and presenter, Channel One TV producer and breakfast show anchor, senior producer and presenter at Associated Press Television.
* Paul Sylvester, Content Director at Absolute Radio
* Sam Platt, FFC manager
* Adam English, presenter at Union Jack Radio Breakfast<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2019/09/union-jack-introduces-live-breakfast-radio-show-with-adam-english/|title=Union JACK introduces live breakfast radio show with Adam English|date=9 September 2019}}</ref>
* Phillip Stoneman, [[BBC Hereford & Worcester]], BHBN Hospital Radio Sports presenter <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bhbn.net/saturday/|title = Saturday | BHBN}}</ref>
* Greer Riddell, Digital Content Manager at [[Eagle Radio]], founder of January Media Production <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.januarymedia.co.uk/about|title=About January Media Production}}</ref>
* Henry Riley, Presenter and Reporter at [[LBC]]
* Amanda Lewis, Editor at BBC Radio 4 News
* Phil Parry, Sports presenter, BBC Radio London
* Talia Kraines, Editorial Lead, Pop Music [[Spotify]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/tkraines/|title =Talia Kraines, LinkedIn}}</ref>
* Tim Peach, Senior Producer, [[BBC Radio 5 Live]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://muckrack.com/tim-peach|title =Tim Peach, Muckrack}}</ref>
* [[Jeff Leach]], Voice Actor and Comedian
* Adam Westbrook, Producer, [[The New York Times]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/by/adam-westbrook|title ='Recent and Archived work by Adam Westbrook for The New York Times', The New York Times}}</ref>
* Chris Doidge, News Editor, BBC Radio Derby<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://muckrack.com/BBCChrisD|title =Chris Doidge, Muckrack}}</ref>
* Jimmy Buckland, Director of Strategy, [[News UK]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-buckland-655b8a8/?originalSubdomain=uk|title =Jimmy Buckland, LinkedIn}}</ref>
* Ali Plumb, Film Critic, [[BBC Radio 1]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theboar.org/2023/06/from-the-boar-to-the-bbc-an-interview-with-ali-plumb/|title ='From The Boar to The BBC', The Boar}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.radio.warwick.ac.uk Radio Warwick website]
*[http://www.radio.warwick.ac.uk/history RaW History wiki]

{{University of Warwick}}
{{coord missing|West Midlands}}

[[Category:Radio stations in the West Midlands (region)]]
[[Category:University of Warwick]]
[[Category:Student radio in the United Kingdom]]

Graham Taylor

2025-10-09T14:05:34Z

2A00:23C4:54E4:B01:691A:DBD1:DA04:6B98:

{{Short description|English football player, manager and chairman}}
{{Other people}}
{{Redirect|Do I not like that|the 1994 documentary|An Impossible Job}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2017}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Graham Taylor [[Order of the British Empire|OBE]]
| image = Graham Taylor.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Taylor in 2010
| fullname = Graham Taylor
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=y|1944|9|15}}
| birth_place = [[Worksop]], England
| death_date = {{death date and age|2017|1|12|1944|9|15|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Kings Langley]], England<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/graham-taylor-dead-flourish-watford-aston-villa-legacy-live-longest-england-manager-a7524671.html | title=Graham Taylor flourished at Watford and Aston Villa – his legacy will live long at these two clubs | work=[[The Independent]] | last=Tongue | first=Steve | date=12 January 2017 | access-date=13 January 2017 | archive-date=14 January 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114071552/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/graham-taylor-dead-flourish-watford-aston-villa-legacy-live-longest-england-manager-a7524671.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
| position = [[Full back (association football)|Full back]]
| years1 = 1962–1968
| years2 = 1968–1972
| clubs1 = [[Grimsby Town F.C.|Grimsby Town]]
| clubs2 = [[Lincoln City F.C.|Lincoln City]]
| caps1 = 189
| caps2 = 150
| goals1 = 2
| goals2 = 1
| totalcaps = 339
| totalgoals = 3
| manageryears1 = 1972–1977
| manageryears2 = 1977–1987
| manageryears3 = 1987–1990
| manageryears4 = 1990–1993
| manageryears5 = 1994–1995
| manageryears6 = 1996
| manageryears7 = 1997–2001
| manageryears8 = 2002–2003
| managerclubs1 = [[Lincoln City F.C.|Lincoln City]]
| managerclubs2 = [[Watford F.C.|Watford]]
| managerclubs3 = [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]
| managerclubs4 = [[England national football team|England]]
| managerclubs5 = [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]]
| managerclubs6 = [[Watford F.C.|Watford]]
| managerclubs7 = [[Watford F.C.|Watford]]
| managerclubs8 = [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]
}}
'''Graham Taylor''' (15 September 1944 – 12 January 2017) was an English [[association football|football]] player, [[manager (association football)|manager]], pundit and chairman of [[Watford F.C.|Watford Football Club]]. He was the manager of the [[England national football team]] from 1990 to 1993, and also managed [[Lincoln City F.C.|Lincoln City]], [[Watford F.C.|Watford]], [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] and [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]].

Born in [[Worksop]], [[Nottinghamshire]],<ref name = BBC38596836>{{cite web|last1=McNulty|first1=Phil|title=Graham Taylor obituary: Ex-England boss a fount of knowledge and a true gentleman|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38596836|publisher=BBC|access-date=12 January 2017|date=12 January 2017|archive-date=12 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112222232/http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38596836|url-status=live}}</ref> Taylor grew up in [[Scunthorpe]], [[Lincolnshire]], which he regarded as his hometown.<ref>{{cite news |first = Graham |last = Taylor |title = Taylor on Saturday |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2005/02/19/sfntay19.xml |work = Daily Telegraph |date = 19 February 2005 |access-date =16 March 2008 | location=London}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The son of a sports journalist<ref>Edworthy, p. 156</ref> who worked on the ''Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph'', Taylor found his love of football in the stands of the Old Show Ground watching [[Scunthorpe United F.C.|Scunthorpe United]]. He became a professional player, playing at full back for [[Grimsby Town F.C.|Grimsby Town]] and Lincoln City. After retiring as a result of injury in 1972, Taylor became a manager and coach. He won the [[Football League Fourth Division|Fourth Division]] title with Lincoln in 1976, before moving to Watford in 1977. He took Watford from the Fourth Division to the [[Football League First Division|First]] in five years. Under Taylor, Watford were First Division runners-up in [[1982–83 in English football|1982–83]], and FA Cup finalists in 1984. Taylor took over at Aston Villa in 1987, leading the club to promotion in 1988 and 2nd place in the First Division in [[1989–90 in English football|1989–90]].

In July 1990, he became the manager of the England team. They qualified for the [[UEFA Euro 1992|1992 European Championship]] but were knocked out in the group stages. Taylor resigned in November 1993, after the team failed to qualify for the [[1994 FIFA World Cup]] in the United States. Taylor faced heavy criticism from fans and media during his tenure as England manager and earned additional public interest and scrutiny when a television documentary, ''[[An Impossible Job]]'', which he had permitted to film the failed campaign from behind the scenes, aired in 1994.

Taylor returned to club management in March 1994 with Wolverhampton Wanderers. After one season at Molineux, he returned to Watford and led the club to the [[Premier League]] in 1999 after back-to-back promotions. His last managerial role was manager of Aston Villa, to which he returned in 2002. He left at the end of the [[2002–03 in English football|2002–03 season]]. Taylor served as Watford's chairman from 2009 until 2012, after which he held the position of honorary life-president. He also worked as a pundit for [[BBC Radio 5 Live]].

{{TOC limit|limit=3}}

==Early life==
Born in [[Worksop]], [[Nottinghamshire]],<ref name = BBC38596836/> Taylor moved in 1947 to a [[council house]] in Scunthorpe, where his father, Tom, was the sports reporter for the ''[[Scunthorpe Telegraph|Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph]]''. He went to the Henderson Avenue Junior School, then [[Scunthorpe Grammar School]] (now The St Lawrence Academy), where he met his future wife, Rita, from [[Winteringham]]. He played for the England Grammar Schools football team, and joined the sixth form after passing six [[O-levels]] in 1961, but he left after one year to pursue a full-time career in football. His head teacher disapproved of his actions and told him: "Grammar school boys don't become footballers".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tes.com/news/tes-magazine/tes-magazine/mr-warburton-graham-taylor|title=Ex-England football manager Graham Taylor on his best teacher: Mr Warburton|access-date=12 January 2017|date=11 June 2016|publisher=TES|archive-date=13 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113162209/https://www.tes.com/news/tes-magazine/tes-magazine/mr-warburton-graham-taylor|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Playing career==
His playing career began with as an apprentice for [[Scunthorpe United F.C.|Scunthorpe United]].<ref>{{cite news|title = Profile: Graham Taylor – The turnip strikes back|url = https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/profile-graham-taylor-the-turnip-strikes-back-1111071.html|work = The Independent|access-date = 2 December 2015|language = en-GB|archive-date = 17 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151117223704/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/profile-graham-taylor-the-turnip-strikes-back-1111071.html|url-status = live}}</ref> He then went on to join [[Grimsby Town F.C.|Grimsby Town]] in 1962 and played his first competitive game for them in September 1963 against Newcastle United when they won 2–1. He played 189 games at fullback for Grimsby Town, scoring twice. He was transferred to [[Lincoln City F.C.|Lincoln City]] in the summer of 1968 for a fee of £4,000, scoring once in 150 appearances before being forced to retire from playing following a serious hip injury in 1972.

==Club managerial career==
===Records===
Taylor was the only manager to have twice led teams that amassed over 70 points in one [[English Football League|Football League]] season under the League's original scoring system of two points for a win and one point for a draw. This system was introduced for the inaugural 1888–89 season and was retained for over 90 years until the reward for a win was increased to three points in 1981. He achieved this with Lincoln City (74 points – 1976) and Watford (71 points – 1978).<ref name=eflobit>{{cite web|url=http://www.efl.com/news/article/2016/graham-taylor-obe-1944-2017-3515463.aspx|title=Graham Taylor OBE: 1944–2017|access-date=12 January 2017|date=12 January 2017|publisher=EFL|archive-date=13 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113164945/http://www.efl.com/news/article/2016/graham-taylor-obe-1944-2017-3515463.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Only two other clubs, Doncaster Rovers (72 points – 1947) and Rotherham United (71 points – 1951), managed to gain over 70 points in one season under the original scoring system.

===Lincoln City (1972–1977)===
Taylor was the youngest person to become an [[the Football Association|FA]] coach, at the age of 27.<ref name=taylorobit>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38599231|title=Graham Taylor: Former England manager dies at the age of 72|date=12 January 2017|access-date=12 January 2017|work=BBC Sport|archive-date=12 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112135427/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38599231|url-status=live}}</ref> Following his retirement from playing, and a spell as player coach, Taylor became manager of [[Lincoln City F.C.|Lincoln City]], being the youngest manager in the league at the age of 28, on 7 December 1972 after [[David Herd (footballer)|David Herd]] resigned.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 December 1972 |title=Taylor takes over from Herd as Lincoln's manager |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-guardian-journal-taylor-takes-over-f/177464327/ |access-date=26 July 2025 |newspaper=The Guardian Journal |page=14 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> In his first season Lincoln finished 10th, then 12th in 1974, but the following season narrowly missed out on promotion after a 3–2 defeat at [[Southport]] on 28 April 1975.<ref name="ReferenceA">Graham Taylor - in his own words (2017).</ref>

Taylor led Lincoln to the [[Football League Fourth Division|Fourth Division]] title in 1976;<ref name=taylorobit/> his team's 32 wins, 4 defeats and 74 points were all league records (when 2 points were awarded for a win).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wsc.co.uk/wsc-daily/1190-january-2015/12110-on-this-day-in-history-division-four-1976|title=On this day in history ~ Division Four, 1976|publisher=When Saturday Comes|date=10 January 2015|access-date=12 January 2017|archive-date=13 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113133322/http://www.wsc.co.uk/wsc-daily/1190-january-2015/12110-on-this-day-in-history-division-four-1976|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/lincoln-city-england-boss-graham-taylor-stand/story-21042248-detail/story.html|title=Former Lincoln City and England boss Graham Taylor to have Watford stand named after him|access-date=12 January 2017|date=1 May 2014|publisher=Lincolnshire Live}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Lincoln finished 9th in the Third Division in 1976-1977 under Taylor.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

===Watford (1977–1987)===
In June 1977, Taylor was hired to manage [[Watford F.C.|Watford]] by new owner [[Elton John]]. He turned down an approach from First Division [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]] in favour of the [[Hertfordshire]]-based club, then competing in the Fourth Division, surprising pundits and supporters alike. John acted on the advice of [[Don Revie]] when hiring Taylor.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/jul/02/1|title=First & last: Graham Taylor|date=1 July 2006|work=The Guardian|access-date=21 September 2016|archive-date=27 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927214224/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/jul/02/1|url-status=live}}</ref>

Taylor led Watford from the [[Football League Fourth Division|Fourth Division]] to the First Division in only five years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=2435454.html |title=Former England manager Graham Taylor mourned |website=[[UEFA]] |date=12 January 2017 |access-date=14 January 2017 |archive-date=13 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113160004/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=2435454.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> In his first season Watford won the [[1977–78 in English football|1977–78]] Fourth Division title, losing only five of 46 games and winning the division by 11 points.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/division-four-old/1977-1978/table|title=English Division Four (old) 1977–1978|publisher=Statto.com|access-date=12 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728092419/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/division-four-old/1977-1978/table|archive-date=28 July 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In the [[Football League Third Division|Third Division]] Taylor led Watford to another promotion, finishing second, and losing out on the title by one point in the [[1978–79 in English football|1978–79]] season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/division-three-old/1978-1979/table|title=English Division Three (old) 1978–1979|publisher=Statto.com|access-date=12 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113150500/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/division-three-old/1978-1979/table|archive-date=13 January 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Taylor's third season, in the [[Football League Second Division|Second Division]], was less successful. Indicating the tougher competition, Watford managed only an 18th finish, out of 22 teams, avoiding relegation by eight points and winning only 12 of their 42 games in the [[1979–80 in English football|1979–80]] season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/division-two-old/1979-1980/table|title=English Division Two (old) 1979–1980|publisher=Statto.com|access-date=12 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113152838/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/division-two-old/1979-1980/table|archive-date=13 January 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In the next season, the [[1980–81 in English football|1980–81]] season, Taylor improved Watford's performance, ending it with 16 wins and a 9th-place finish.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/division-two-old/1980-1981/table|title=English Division Two (old) 1980–1981|publisher=Statto.com|access-date=12 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113151017/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/division-two-old/1980-1981/table|archive-date=13 January 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In the [[1981–82 in English football|1981–82]] season Watford achieved promotion, ending the season in 2nd place, and gaining 23 wins and 11 draws in 42 games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/division-two-old/1981-1982/table|title=English Division Two (old) 1981–1982|publisher=Statto.com|access-date=12 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409202551/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/division-two-old/1981-1982/table|archive-date=9 April 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In the First Division with Taylor as manager, Watford gained its highest-ever victory (8–0 against [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]])<ref name=eflobit/> as well as the "double" over [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]], an away win at [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]], and home victories over [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] and [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]]; this resulted in Watford finishing runners-up in the entire Football League.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statto.com/football/teams/watford/1982-1983|title=Watford 1982–1983|publisher=Statto.com|access-date=12 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113152438/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/watford/1982-1983|archive-date=13 January 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He then took the side to the third round of the [[UEFA Europa League|UEFA Cup]], having finished second in [[1982–83 in English football|1982–83]] (the club's first season as a top division club). Taylor also led Watford to the [[1984 FA Cup final]], which Watford lost to [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] 2–0.<ref name=skyobit>{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12016/10726092/graham-taylor-england-manger-who-worked-watford-miracle|title=Graham Taylor: England manager who worked Watford miracle|access-date=12 January 2017|date=12 January 2017|work=Sky Sports|archive-date=13 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113154031/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12016/10726092/graham-taylor-england-manger-who-worked-watford-miracle|url-status=live}}</ref> In his final season, [[1986–87 in English football|1986–87]], Watford finished ninth in the league and reached the FA Cup semi-finals, missing out on another [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley]] appearance when they lost to [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]], their chances hardly helped by the fact that both of their first team goalkeepers were injured.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/9042688/Jim-White-Watford-comeback-king-Gary-Plumley-recalls-FA-Cup-heroics-against-Spurs.html|title=Jim White: Watford comeback king Gary Plumley recalls FA Cup heroics against Spurs|access-date=12 January 2017|date=26 January 2012|first1=Jim|last1=White|work=The Daily Telegraph|archive-date=13 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113165632/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/9042688/Jim-White-Watford-comeback-king-Gary-Plumley-recalls-FA-Cup-heroics-against-Spurs.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Aston Villa (1987–1990)===
In May 1987, Taylor left Watford for a new challenge at [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]], who had just been relegated from the First Division.<ref name=indobit>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/graham-taylor-dead-dies-died-former-england-aston-villa-fc-football-manager-aged-72-watford-fc-a7523916.html|title=Graham Taylor dead: Former England and Aston Villa manager dies at 72|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=12 January 2017|date=12 January 2017|first1=Samuel|last1=Lovett|archive-date=14 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114192241/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/graham-taylor-dead-dies-died-former-england-aston-villa-fc-football-manager-aged-72-watford-fc-a7523916.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Second-tier football was a terrible setback for the Midlanders, who had won the [[European Cup]] just five years earlier and had been league champions six years earlier.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/that-1980s-sports-blog/2016/may/26/aston-villa-european-cup-relegated-1982|title=How Aston Villa won the European Cup (and were then relegated five years later)|access-date=12 January 2017|date=26 May 2016|first1=Steven|last1=Pye|work=The Guardian|archive-date=22 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622135109/https://www.theguardian.com/football/that-1980s-sports-blog/2016/may/26/aston-villa-european-cup-relegated-1982|url-status=live}}</ref>

Taylor managed to take Aston Villa back to the top flight with his first attempt, securing their top flight safety in [[1988–89 in English football|1988–89]] with a draw on the final day of the league season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statto.com/football/teams/aston-villa/1988-1989|title=Aston Villa 1988–1989|publisher=Statto.com|access-date=12 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113151656/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/aston-villa/1988-1989|archive-date=13 January 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> During his third season at the club Villa finished runners-up in the First Division, having led the league table at several stages of the season before being overhauled in the final weeks by [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statto.com/football/teams/aston-villa/1989-1990|title=Aston Villa 1989–1990|publisher=Statto.com|access-date=12 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063236/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/aston-villa/1989-1990|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Following this success, Taylor accepted an offer to take over the [[England national football team]] from [[Bobby Robson]], who left the job after England's semi-final defeat to [[Germany national football team|West Germany]] at the [[1990 FIFA World Cup|1990 World Cup]].<ref name=guardianobit>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jan/12/graham-taylor-dies-72-england-aston-villa-watford|title=Graham Taylor, former England manager, dies at the age of 72|access-date=12 January 2017|date=12 January 2017|work=The Guardian|archive-date=12 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112142550/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jan/12/graham-taylor-dies-72-england-aston-villa-watford|url-status=live}}</ref>

==International management: England (1990–1993)==
===Appointment===
When Taylor was appointed, critics in the media complained that he had never won a major trophy – although he had taken teams to second place in the league twice and an [[FA Cup final]] once in [[1984 FA Cup final|1984]]. It was also pointed out that Taylor had never played in "top-flight" football, let alone international level and that winning the respect of the players might be difficult. His critics also noted although he had ditched the long-ball game at Aston Villa, there were still tactical worries about his intentions, given that English clubs were looking to dispense with "route one" football in favour of a more "picturesque route to goal".<ref>Edworthy, pp. 14–147</ref>

===1992 European Championship===
Despite the unease at his appointment, England lost just once in Taylor's first 23 matches (a 1–0 defeat to [[Germany national football team|Germany]] at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]] in September 1991).<ref>Edworthy, p. 148</ref> However, England struggled to qualify for [[1992 European Football Championship|Euro '92]]. In a group containing [[Turkey national football team|Turkey]], [[Republic of Ireland national football team|Ireland]], and [[Poland national football team|Poland]], England were held to two 1–1 draws by Ireland and managed just 1–0 wins home and away against Turkey. It was only a late goal from [[Gary Lineker]] against Poland that saw England qualify at Ireland's expense. England's qualification for the Euro 92 finals proved to be the high point of Taylor's tenure.<ref>Edworthy 1997, p. 148.</ref>

The number of players that Taylor was using in the run up to the championship was also questioned, the press and public viewed this as evidence Taylor did not know his best team. He used 59 players in total, as he struggled to find a "new spine" after the retirement of [[Peter Shilton]], [[Terry Butcher]] and [[Bryan Robson]].<ref>Edworthy 1997, p. 156.</ref> He also faced accusations he could not cope with "stars", after he dropped [[Paul Gascoigne]] for [[Gordon Cowans]] for a qualifying game against Ireland.<ref>Edworthy 1997, p. 149.</ref> fearing he might "lose his head" in what would be a "bruising" encounter.<ref>Edworthy 1997, p. 1150.</ref> Matters were not helped by Taylor's reluctance to use creative players who were not perceived to have high work rates, such as [[Chris Waddle]] and [[Peter Beardsley]]. He also suffered several injuries, notably to [[Gary Stevens (footballer, born 1963)|Gary Stevens]], Lee Dixon, John Barnes and Paul Gascoigne, leaving the squad in a makeshift position going into the finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://backpagefootball.com/graham-taylor-and-the-impossible-job/34811/|title=Graham Taylor and the impossible job|publisher=BackPageFootball|first=Ciaran|last=Kelly|access-date=12 January 2017|date=6 March 2012|archive-date=13 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113163518/http://backpagefootball.com/graham-taylor-and-the-impossible-job/34811/|url-status=live}}</ref>

England were drawn to face [[France national football team|France]], [[Denmark national football team|Denmark]] and hosts [[Sweden men's national football team|Sweden]] in [[UEFA Euro 1992 Group 1|group 1]]. In the opening game against Denmark, England started brightly and missed several chances to take a lead. [[David Platt (footballer)|David Platt]] was guilty of a particularly glaring miss. Thereafter, Denmark began to dominate the match, and nearly won with minutes left as [[John Jensen]] struck a post. The game ended 0–0.<ref>Granville, Brian ''England's Managers: The Toughest Job in Football'' 2007, {{ISBN|978-0-7553-1651-9}} p. 176.</ref> In the match against France, Platt nearly scored with a diving header which went inches wide of the post, and [[Stuart Pearce]] hit the bar with a free-kick. The game also ended 0–0.<ref name="englandfootballonline1">{{cite web|url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/MatchRsl/SumsGiller1990-96.html |title=Norman Giller's England Lineups and Match Highlights 1990-91 to 1995-96 |access-date=2012-02-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002130015/http://www.englandfootballonline.com/MatchRsl/SumsGiller1990-96.html |archive-date=2 October 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="newsabahtimes20131009">{{cite news|url=http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/72310 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131009133637/http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/72310 |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 October 2013 |title=World Cup failure still haunts Taylor |newspaper=[[New Sabah Times]] |date=9 October 2013 |access-date=9 October 2013 }}</ref>

England needed to beat hosts [[Sweden men's national football team|Sweden]] to advance to the semi-finals. Lineker crossed for Platt to open the scoring on four minutes with a mishit volley. However, England wasted several chances to extend their lead. Platt made a pass to [[Tony Daley]] who wasted a chance to pass to Lineker in the open. England held a slender 1–0 lead at half-time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/Seas1990-00/1991-92/M0688Swe1992.html |title=England Match No. 688 - Sweden - 17 June 1992 - Match Summary and Report |website=Englandfootballonline.com |access-date=14 January 2017 |archive-date=4 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104234700/http://englandfootballonline.com/Seas1990-00/1991-92/M0688Swe1992.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Granville, Brian ''England's Managers: The Toughest Job in Football'' 2007, {{ISBN|978-0-7553-1651-9}} p. 177.</ref> After half-time, Sweden changed their personnel and formation, and dominated the second half, scoring twice to win 2–1 and eliminating England.<ref name="englandfootballonline1"/>

During the game, after 60 minutes and with the score at 1–1, Taylor substituted Gary Lineker in his final game for England, preventing Lineker from having the chance to equal, or possibly break, [[Bobby Charlton]]'s record of 49 goals for England. Many were dismayed to see Taylor substitute England's top striker when his side needed a goal. This led to the media's vilification of Taylor, including the "turnip" campaign by ''[[The Sun (United Kingdom)|The Sun]]'', which began the morning after the game under the headline: "[[Rutabaga|Swedes]] 2 Turnips 1". During that campaign, the newspaper's back page featured an image of Taylor's face superimposed onto a [[turnip]].<ref>Edworthy, p. 149</ref>

===1994 World Cup Qualification===
====Stuttering start====
[[File:Graham Taylor Resigns Sun Headline.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''[[The Sun (United Kingdom)|The Sun]]'' headline on 24 November 1993 following Taylor's resignation as England manager. Eighteen months earlier he had been called a "Turnip" by the newspaper, after England's defeat to [[Sweden men's national football team|Sweden]] in [[UEFA Euro 1992|Euro 1992]]]]
Taylor's relationship with the press was partially restored when he admitted his mistakes a few weeks after the finals.<ref>Malam, pp. 120–121</ref> However, this did not last long. England's first game after Euro 92 ended in a 1–0 defeat to Spain in a friendly, ''The Sun'' depicted Taylor as a "Spanish onion".<ref name="Edworthy, p151">Edworthy, p. 151</ref>

England were drawn in Qualification [[1994 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA – Group 2)|Group 2]] for the [[1994 FIFA World Cup]] in the United States. The group contained [[Norway national football team|Norway]], the [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]], [[Poland national football team|Poland]], [[Turkey national football team|Turkey]] and [[San Marino national football team|San Marino]]. England were expected to qualify along with the Dutch.

England began with a disappointing 1–1 draw with Norway. Norway were the early pace setters, with victories over San Marino, the Netherlands and Turkey. Gascoigne returned, but the Norwegians were confident.<ref>{{cite news |author=Joe Lovejoy |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-england-turn-to-gascoigne-for-dream-start-1557388.html |title=Football: England turn to Gascoigne for dream start |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |access-date=14 January 2017 |archive-date=25 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625135302/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-england-turn-to-gascoigne-for-dream-start-1557388.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite dominating the game, England could muster only half-chances. Platt gave England the lead in the 55th minute after a cross from Stuart Pearce.

Norway rarely threatened, but equalised in the 77th minute, when [[Kjetil Rekdal]] scored from 20 yards. The draw flattered the Norwegians but put them clear in the group.

====Three wins and a Dutch draw====
The campaign seemed to get back on track with two wins against Turkey (4–0 at home and 2–0 away) and a 6–0 home victory over San Marino. During the latter game, Taylor confronted a spectator who was racially abusing Jamaica-born [[John Barnes (footballer)|John Barnes]], telling him "You're talking about another human being so just watch your language".<ref>{{cite news|title=Football mourns Graham Taylor: Farewell to a gentleman|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/01/12/graham-taylor-former-england-aston-villa-manager-dies-aged-72/|access-date=13 January 2017|work=Telegraph|date=12 January 2017|archive-date=12 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112212329/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/01/12/graham-taylor-former-england-aston-villa-manager-dies-aged-72/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 1993, England faced the [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]] at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]]. England went 2–0 up in 24 minutes through [[John Barnes (footballer)|John Barnes]] and [[David Platt (footballer)|David Platt]]. However, Taylor's luck had started to take a turn for the worse, as Paul Gascoigne was injured by [[Jan Wouters]]' elbow, but Wouters was not sent off.

[[Dennis Bergkamp]] scored a goal for the Netherlands towards the end of the first half, against the run of play, but England continued to control the game, and looked to be heading for a win which would have ended Dutch hopes of qualification, following the side's defeat in Norway, and a draw at home to Poland.

But four minutes from full-time [[Marc Overmars]] outpaced [[Des Walker]], prompting Walker to foul him inside the penalty area. The penalty was converted by [[Peter Van Vossen]] and the game ended 2–2. Suddenly England's "World Cup life" looked in danger.<ref name="Edworthy, p151"/>

====Draw in Poland, defeat in Norway====
England's next chance of reviving their flagging fortunes came in May, requiring at least a win and draw away against Poland and Norway which were to be played just three days apart. England were poor against Poland and were largely outplayed.<ref name="Edworthy, p152">Edworthy, p. 152</ref> [[Dariusz Adamczuk]] of Poland scored in the 36th minute, although the team missed several chances to extend their lead. [[Ian Wright]] salvaged a vital point through forcing an equaliser in the 85th minute, for a final score of 1–1.<ref name="Edworthy, p152"/> Taylor was again vilified for his team's poor performance. England's next opponents were Norway.

The Norwegians had arrived from obscurity and had taken the group by storm; their series of early victories had left England, Poland, and the Netherlands scrapping for second place.<ref name="Edworthy, p152"/> Taylor made wholesale changes of personnel and tactics, which again drew criticism, his actions considered risky in what was now a crucial game. [[Lee Sharpe]] and [[Lee Dixon]] came on as wing-backs, while [[Carlton Palmer]] and Platt occupied midfield berths. Gascoigne supported [[Teddy Sheringham]] and [[Les Ferdinand]] up-front. Des Walker, [[Tony Adams (footballer)|Tony Adams]] and [[Gary Pallister]] formed a back three.<ref name="Edworthy, p152"/>

England lost 2–0, with few attempts on goal. [[Lars Bohinen]] and [[Øyvind Leonhardsen]] scored the goals in the 42nd and 47th minutes. The first was caused by a Des Walker error, while Walker was beaten for pace by a Norwegian counter-attack for Bohinen to score<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football--world-cup-norway-destroy-taylors-england-calamity-in-oslo-as-a-revamped-team-collapses-in-the-face-of-scandinavian-skill-1489441.html| location=London| work=The Independent| first=Joe| last=Lovejoy| title=Norway destroy Taylor's England: Calamity in Oslo as a revamped team collapses in the face of Scandinavian skill| date=3 June 1993| access-date=29 August 2017| archive-date=25 September 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925203703/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football--world-cup-norway-destroy-taylors-england-calamity-in-oslo-as-a-revamped-team-collapses-in-the-face-of-scandinavian-skill-1489441.html| url-status=live}}</ref> Subsequently, Taylor said: "We made a complete mess of it. I'm here to be shot at and take the rap. I have no defence for our performance",<ref name="Edworthy, p153">Edworthy, p. 153</ref> although his honesty did not spare him a roasting from the press, who were now calling for his head.<ref name="Edworthy, p153"/> The press came up with headlines such as "NORSE MANURE" and "OSLO RANS".<ref>''Do I Not Like That -The Final Chapter''</ref>

In July 1993, Peter Newman, an independent candidate in a [[1993 Christchurch by-election|parliamentary by-election]] for [[Christchurch (UK Parliament constituency)|Christchurch]], stood under the banner "Sack Graham Taylor".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/profile-graham-taylor--the-turnip-strikes-back-1111071.html|title=Profile: Graham Taylor – The turnip strikes back|date=7 August 1999|work=The Independent|access-date=29 August 2017|archive-date=25 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925005939/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/profile-graham-taylor--the-turnip-strikes-back-1111071.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====The US Cup====
With their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, Taylor's England were to play a four-team Tournament in the U.S ([[1993 U.S. Cup]]), which was expected to be a precursor to the following summer's tournament. Taylor stated before the game against the [[United States men's national soccer team|United States]]:<blockquote>In football, you're only as good as your last game, and at the moment we're poor. You can always lose any game, to anyone. It's how you lose that matters.

That was the thing that shocked us all in Norway. We would have been looking for a win here anyhow, but if we'd won last week, it wouldn't have been considered essential. Now it is. Whether we like it or not, people expect us to beat America, and there is definitely more intensity about this game because of our performance in the last one.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-batty-given-the-safetypin-role-for-beltandbraces-england-walker-and-sheringham-dropped-in-wake-of-norway-humiliation-as-us-cup-opener-against-united-states-becomes-of-vital-importance-to-taylors-tenure-1490608.html | work=The Independent | location=London | title=Football: Batty given the safety-pin role for belt-and-braces England: Walker and Sheringham dropped in wake of Norway humiliation as US Cup opener against United States becomes of vital importance to Taylor's tenure | first=Joe | last=Lovejoy | date=9 June 1993 | access-date=4 May 2010 | archive-date=5 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105072157/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-batty-given-the-safetypin-role-for-beltandbraces-england-walker-and-sheringham-dropped-in-wake-of-norway-humiliation-as-us-cup-opener-against-united-states-becomes-of-vital-importance-to-taylors-tenure-1490608.html | url-status=live }}</ref></blockquote>

For Taylor, the US Cup began with a humiliating 2–0 defeat in [[Boston]], to the United States with [[Thomas Dooley]] and [[Alexi Lalas]] scoring goals, which was reported by ''The Sun'' as "YANKS 2 PLANKS 0!".<ref>{{cite news |author=Trevor Haylett |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-the-painful-failure-of-a-proud-man-trevor-haylett-on-the-highs-and-lows-in-graham-taylors-career-1506464.html |title=Football: The painful failure of a proud man: Trevor Haylett on the highs and lows in Graham Taylor's career |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |date=24 November 1993 |access-date=14 January 2017 |archive-date=12 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112022448/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-the-painful-failure-of-a-proud-man-trevor-haylett-on-the-highs-and-lows-in-graham-taylors-career-1506464.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-englands-new-low-as-us-pile-on-the-misery-dooley-and-lalas-add-a-further-chapter-to-taylors-tale-of-woe-as-the-americans-go-one-better-than-their-forebears-in-belo-horizonte-1490806.html|title=England's new low as US pile on the misery|work=[[The Independent]]|access-date=23 June 2010|date=10 June 1993|author=Joe Lovejoy|archive-date=6 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100606084733/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-englands-new-low-as-us-pile-on-the-misery-dooley-and-lalas-add-a-further-chapter-to-taylors-tale-of-woe-as-the-americans-go-one-better-than-their-forebears-in-belo-horizonte-1490806.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Some pride was restored with a credible 1–1 draw with Brazil, and a narrow 2–1 defeat to Germany. Taylor was now living on borrowed time.<ref name="Edworthy, p154"/>

====Crucial match against the Netherlands====
The [[1993–94 in English football|1993–94 season]] began with a much-improved performance, with a 3–0 win over Poland raising the nation's hopes going into what was now the crucial match against the Netherlands in [[Rotterdam]].<ref name="Edworthy, p154">Edworthy, p. 154</ref>

In October, England were to play the Netherlands in Rotterdam. With Norway having won the group, the encounter would effectively decide the second and last qualifier of the group. The game was played at a furious pace, with the Netherlands putting England under pressure early on. However, England hit back with a string of counterattacks, with Platt heading just wide and [[Tony Adams (footballer)|Tony Adams]] having a shot cleared off the line by [[Erwin Koeman]], while [[Tony Dorigo]] hit a post with a deflected 35-yard free-kick after 25 minutes.<ref name="Edworthy, p154"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/incoming/article109937.ece/BINARY/Holland+2-0+England |title=Football: News, opinion, previews, results & live scores – Mirror Online |website=Mirrorfootball.co.uk |access-date=14 January 2017 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213180917/https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Two minutes before half-time England were fortunate to have a [[Frank Rijkaard]] goal ruled out for offside, even though replays showed the goal was legitimate.<ref name="Edworthy, p154"/> Later in the second half, with the game scoreless, David Platt was fouled by [[Ronald Koeman]] as he approached the Dutch goal. The German referee failed to apply the rule of sending him off for a professional foul. The Dutch charged down Dorigo's free kick, although they were clearly encroaching.<ref>Glanville, Brian. ''England Managers: The Toughest Job in Football'', p. 185.</ref> Just minutes later, Koeman took a free kick outside England's penalty area. His first shot was blocked, but it was ordered to be retaken because of encroachment.<ref name="Edworthy, p154"/> Koeman scored at the second attempt.

[[Paul Merson]] hit a post with a free-kick moments later, before [[Dennis Bergkamp]] scored, despite using his arm to control the ball, for a 2–0 win.<ref name="Edworthy, p154"/> In the meantime, Taylor was in an apoplectic mood on the touchline, berating the officials and referee as the significance of the result sank in.<ref name="Edworthy, p154"/>

====San Marino and resignation====
England still had a chance to qualify, providing the Netherlands lost in Poland on the same night, with England winning by a seven-goal margin or more. As such, England were hoping they could run up a big score against part-time minnows San Marino. But after just 8.3 seconds of play [[Davide Gualtieri]], a computer salesman, scored the fastest ever World Cup goal after a defensive error from [[Stuart Pearce]]. England took another twenty minutes to find an equaliser and eventually won 7–1, but the Netherlands won in Poland 3–1 and so England failed to qualify. Even if the Netherlands had not beaten Poland, England's inferior goal difference would have still meant they had failed to qualify.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bevan|first1=Chris|title=Davide Gualtieri: The man from San Marino who shocked England|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/19900296|access-date=13 January 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=11 October 2012|archive-date=20 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120081527/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/19900296|url-status=live}}</ref>

Taylor resigned on 23 November 1993, six days after England's failure to qualify. He went "with great sadness", saying: "No one can gauge the depth of my personal disappointment at not qualifying for the World Cup. This is the appropriate course of action in the circumstances," he said. "If we didn't qualify, it was always my intention to offer my resignation."<ref>{{cite news |author=Joe Lovejoy |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-howe-set-to-become-england-caretaker-taylor-accepts-the-inevitable-and-tenders-resignation-1506463.html |title=Football: Howe set to become England caretaker: Taylor accepts the inevitable and tenders resignation as FA considers its options with chief executive favouring two-tier administration |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |access-date=14 January 2017 |archive-date=5 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705233556/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-howe-set-to-become-england-caretaker-taylor-accepts-the-inevitable-and-tenders-resignation-1506463.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Taylor had also agreed to be filmed during the [[1994 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|qualifying campaign]] for ''[[Cutting Edge (Channel 4 TV series)|Cutting Edge]]'', a [[Channel 4]] [[fly on the wall|fly-on-the-wall]] documentary series, in which his portrayal further undermined his authority. This was during the film ''[[An Impossible Job]]''; Taylor was heard to use foul language, and what became his personal [[catchphrase]]: "Do I not like that", uttered just before England conceded a goal to Poland.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/do-i-not-like-that-the-documentary-that-charted-graham-taylor-s-england-career_sto6010632/story.shtml |title=Do I not like that? The documentary that charted Graham Taylor's England career |publisher=Eurosport |date= 13 January 2017|access-date=2021-12-13 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213180908/https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Return to club management==
===Wolverhampton Wanderers (1994–1995)===
[[Sir Jack Hayward]] appointed Taylor as manager of [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]] in March 1994, replacing [[Graham Turner]]. Taylor had been a generally unpopular figure in English football since his unsuccessful reign as national coach, and few people seemed willing to forgive him for his first managerial failure – one that mattered most to so many people up and down the country. But the following season Taylor took the Midlands club to fourth in Division One to qualify for the playoffs – their highest league finish since their last top division season eleven years earlier – where they lost out to [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]]. They also reached the quarter-finals of the [[FA Cup]] after a memorable replay penalty shootout victory over [[Sheffield Wednesday F.C.|Sheffield Wednesday]], in which they were 3–0 down on penalties, only to win the shootout 4–3, in which [[Chris Bart-Williams]] had two penalties saved over the two matches.

Taylor spent heavily on players while at Wolves, paying large sums for the likes of [[Steve Froggatt]], [[Tony Daley]], [[Mark Atkins (footballer)|Mark Atkins]], [[John de Wolf]], [[Dean Richards (footballer)|Dean Richards]] and [[Don Goodman]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thewolvessite.co.uk/managers.htm |title=Wolves Managers from 1885 to Today |access-date=2011-09-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002192056/http://www.thewolvessite.co.uk/managers.htm |archive-date=2 October 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

However, the [[1994–95 in English football#First Division|1994–95 season]] proved to be his only full season at [[Molineux Stadium|Molineux]], as, after a poor start to the following campaign, winning just four of the first sixteen league games, he resigned on 13 November 1995 due to overwhelming supporter pressure. During his tenure, he attempted to perform a [[citizen's arrest]] on a fan who had spat at him, prompting calls for closer crowd controls in the English game.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football--------------------------taits-prank-finishes-with-an-fa-charge-1617082.html | work=The Independent | location=London | title=Tait's 'prank' finishes with an FA charge | first=Nick | last=Duxbury | date=25 April 1995 | access-date=4 May 2010 | archive-date=22 January 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122120908/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football--------------------------taits-prank-finishes-with-an-fa-charge-1617082.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

Taylor called his Wolves' departure his "lowest ebb" in football - greater than even his Lancaster Gate exit - because he felt he had "lost his standing" in the game of football.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wolves ghost eludes Taylor |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/oct/30/match.sport13 |access-date=8 September 2019 |agency=The Guardian |date=30 October 2000 |archive-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801061723/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/oct/30/match.sport13 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Return to Watford (1996–2001)===
In February 1996 [[Elton John]], who had recently bought Watford for a second time, appointed Taylor as General Manager at Vicarage Road. Just over a year later Taylor had appointed himself as the club's manager succeeding [[Kenny Jackett]], who was relegated to a coaching capacity at the club. Taylor later stated that the role of General Manager had "bored me stiff".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/15000959.An_invaluable_figure_during_difficult_times/|first1=Oliver|last1=Phillips|title=Further reflections on Watford's 2002/03 campaign focus on the role of Terry Byrne|access-date=12 January 2017|date=4 January 2017|publisher=Newsquest|work=Watford Observer|archive-date=7 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107084202/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/15000959.An_invaluable_figure_during_difficult_times/|url-status=live}}</ref> He won the Division Two championship at his first attempt in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statto.com/football/teams/watford/1997-1998|title=Watford 1997–1998|publisher=Statto.com|access-date=12 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513034826/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/watford/1997-1998|archive-date=13 May 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The following season Watford won the [[1999 Football League First Division play-off Final|Division One Play-off Final]], beating Bolton Wanderers 2–0 at Wembley, and with it promotion to the [[Premier League]]. Taylor missed two months of the season as in November 1998 he was taken to hospital with a life-threatening abscess that blocked his windpipe and almost killed him.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/taylors-brush-with-death-1194105.html|title=Taylor's brush with death|date=23 December 1998|work=The Independent|access-date=29 August 2017|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213180910/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/taylor-s-brush-with-death-1194105.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Watford were relegated from the Premiership after one season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statto.com/football/teams/watford/1999-2000|title=Watford 1999–2000|publisher=Statto.com|access-date=12 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113152440/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/watford/1999-2000|archive-date=13 January 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Despite starting the following season well – unbeaten through the first fifteen league games and heading the table – Watford slumped to finish 9th in Division One.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statto.com/football/teams/watford/2000-2001|title=Watford 2000–2001|publisher=Statto.com|access-date=12 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113152943/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/watford/2000-2001|archive-date=13 January 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> At this point he decided to retire.<ref name=lmaprofile>{{cite web|url=http://www.leaguemanagers.com/managers/graham-taylor-obe/|title=Graham Taylor OBE|access-date=12 January 2017|publisher=League Manager's Association|archive-date=22 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322125056/http://leaguemanagers.com/managers/graham-taylor-obe/|url-status=live}}</ref> During this final season Taylor had become only the third manager to manage 1,000 league games in England, after [[Brian Clough]] and [[Jim Smith (footballer, born 1940)|Jim Smith]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/09/23/managers-who-have-reached-1000-games-milestone-in-english-footba/graham-taylor/|title=Tony Pulis joining a select club – managers who have reached 1,000 games milestone in English football|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=12 January 2017|date=23 September 2016|archive-date=13 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113102618/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/09/23/managers-who-have-reached-1000-games-milestone-in-english-footba/graham-taylor/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Return to Aston Villa (2002–2003)===
Taylor came out of retirement in February 2002 to return to his old job at Aston Villa, but retired for a second time after Villa finished the 2002–03 season in 16th place in the Premiership.<ref>{{cite news |title=Taylor quits Villa |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/3027817.stm |work=[[BBC Sport]] |date=14 May 2003 |access-date=8 December 2007 |archive-date=4 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904092311/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/3027817.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He subsequently cited tensions in his relationship with the club's chairman [[Doug Ellis]] and argued for an overhaul of the club's upper management to allow the club to be more competitive.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/sep/22/sport.comment3|title=People think they know me, but they don't' – Graham Taylor interview|date=22 September 2002|work=The Guardian|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=13 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113001518/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/sep/22/sport.comment3|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Later life==
[[File:Vicarage Road Rous and SW Corner 2012.jpg|thumb|left|In 2014, this stand at [[Vicarage Road]] was renamed to honour Taylor]]
In 2003, Taylor became vice-president at Division Three club [[Scunthorpe United F.C.|Scunthorpe United]], his hometown club.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/graham-taylor-dies-aged-72-scunthorpe-tributes-paid-to-former-england-manager/story-30053022-detail/story.html|title=Graham Taylor dies aged 72: Scunthorpe tributes paid to former England manager|access-date=12 January 2017|date=12 January 2017|work=Scunthorpe Telegraph|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113143904/http://www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/graham-taylor-dies-aged-72-scunthorpe-tributes-paid-to-former-england-manager/story-30053022-detail/story.html|archive-date=13 January 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> From 2004, he worked as a pundit on [[BBC Radio 5 Live]],<ref name=skyobit/> and managed a team of celebrities for [[Sky One]]'s annual series, ''[[The Match (TV series)|The Match]]''.

His time at Scunthorpe saw a turnaround in the club's fortunes. In his [[2003–04 in English football|first season]] on the board, they narrowly avoided relegation to the [[Football Conference|Conference]]. [[2004–05 in English football|The following season]], they were promoted to [[EFL League One|League One]]. [[2006–07 in English football|Two years after that]], they were promoted to the [[EFL Championship|Championship]] as League One champions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statto.com/football/teams/scunthorpe-united/history|title=Scunthorpe United history|publisher=Statto.com|access-date=12 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081357/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/scunthorpe-united/history|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Taylor returned to Watford on 23 January 2009, being appointed to the new [[Board of directors|board]] as a [[non-executive director]] and was appointed interim chairman on 16 December 2009.<ref>[http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1529215,00.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125223903/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10400~1529215%2C00.html|date=25 January 2009}}</ref> Taylor announced his resignation from his position as chairman on 30 May 2012. He retained the position of honorary life president of the club until his death in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.watfordfc.com/club/contacts/ |title=Watford Football Club |website=Watfordfc.com |access-date=14 January 2017 |archive-date=26 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126074321/http://www.watfordfc.com/club/contacts/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2014, Watford renamed the [[Stanley Rous|Rous]] Stand the Graham Taylor Stand to honour his achievements in two spells at the club.<ref name=skyobit/>

==Other work==
Taylor was a supporter of Sense-National Deafblind and Rubella Association and a Patron of DebRa. He was a Celebrity Ambassador for the Sense Enterprise Board in Birmingham, and worked to raise both funds and awareness, including running the [[London Marathon]] in 2004.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jan/23/newsstory.sport7|title=Graham Taylor|work=The Guardian|access-date=12 January 2017|date=23 January 2004|first1=Nick|last1=Harper|archive-date=18 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118045133/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jan/23/newsstory.sport7|url-status=live}}</ref> He regularly hosted moderated "online coaching seminars" on the [[DALnet]] channel. He also supported the [[Royal British Legion]] and cycled from London to Paris in 2010 to raise funds for the RBL's [[Poppy appeal]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/7977223/Kevin-MacDonald-backed-for-Aston-Villa-hotseat-by-Graham-Taylor.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/7977223/Kevin-MacDonald-backed-for-Aston-Villa-hotseat-by-Graham-Taylor.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Kevin MacDonald backed for Aston Villa hotseat by Graham Taylor|access-date=12 January 2017|date=2 September 2010|first1=Sandy|last1=Macaskill|work=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Personal life and death==
Taylor married Rita Cowling at Scunthorpe Congregationalist Church on 22 March 1965.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 March 1965 |title=GRIMSBY TOWN PLAYER MARRIES AT SCUNTHORPE |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/921106070/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=26 July 2025 |newspaper=Grimsby Evening Telegraph |page=6 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> They had two daughters.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cornwell|first1=Rupert|title=Profile: Graham Taylor – The turnip strikes back|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/profile-graham-taylor-the-turnip-strikes-back-742373.html|access-date=13 September 2017|work=The Independent|date=6 August 1999|archive-date=14 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914035035/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/profile-graham-taylor-the-turnip-strikes-back-742373.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Taylor died suddenly and unexpectedly of a "suspected heart attack"<ref>{{Cite news |title=Former England manager Graham Taylor dies of suspected heart attack |url=https://news.sky.com/story/former-england-manager-graham-taylor-dies-10726057 |access-date=2023-11-12 |work=Sky News}}</ref> at his home in [[Kings Langley]] early on the morning of 12 January 2017. He was 72.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38599231|title=Graham Taylor: Former England manager dies at 72|date=12 January 2017|work=BBC Sport|access-date=13 February 2018|archive-date=27 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327041457/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38599231|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jan/12/graham-taylor-obituary|title=Graham Taylor obituary|date=12 January 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-date=12 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112213756/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jan/12/graham-taylor-obituary|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38600446|title=Graham Taylor: Sir Elton John says former England boss was 'like a brother to me'|access-date=12 January 2017|date=12 January 2017|work=BBC Sport|archive-date=12 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112171444/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38600446|url-status=live}}</ref> His funeral was held nearby, on 1 February at [[St Mary's Church, Watford]], with many football figures in attendance.<ref name=funeral>{{cite news|title=Graham Taylor funeral: Crowds gather for England boss|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-38826311|access-date=13 September 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=1 February 2017|archive-date=14 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914081522/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-38826311|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Honours==
===As a manager===
<ref name=lmaprofile/>
;Lincoln City
*[[Football League Fourth Division]] Champions: [[1975–76 in English football|1975–76]]

;Watford
*[[Football League Fourth Division]] Champions: [[1977–78 in English football|1977–78]]
*[[Football League Third Division]] Runners-up: [[1978–79 in English football|1978–79]]
*[[Football League Second Division]] Runners-up: [[1981–82 in English football|1981–82]]
*[[Football League First Division]] Runners-up: [[1982–83 in English football|1982–83]]
*[[FA Cup]] Runners-up: [[1984 FA Cup Final|1984]]
*[[Football League Division Two]] Champions: [[1997–98 in English football|1997–98]]
*[[Football League Division One]] Play-off winner: [[1999 Football League First Division play-off Final|1998–99]]

;Aston Villa
*[[Football League Second Division]] Runners-up: [[1987–88 in English football|1987–88]]
*[[Football League First Division]] Runners-up: [[1989–90 in English football|1989–90]]

==Managerial statistics==
<ref>{{cite web|title=Graham Taylor|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=557|website=Managers|publisher=Socceerbase|access-date=14 January 2017|archive-date=16 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116165013/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=557|url-status=live}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
! rowspan="2!" style="width:165px;"|Team
! rowspan="2!" style="width:70px;"|From
! rowspan="2!" style="width:80px;"|To
!colspan=5|Record
|-
!width=40|G
!width=40|W
!width=40|D
!width=40|L
!width=50|Win %
|-
|align=left|[[Lincoln City F.C.|Lincoln City]]
|align=left|Dec 1972
|align=left|Jun 1977
{{WDL|236|104|69|63}}
|-
|align=left|[[Watford F.C.|Watford]]
|align=left|Jun 1977
|align=left|May 1987
{{WDL|527|244|124|159}}
|-
|align=left|[[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]
|align=left|May 1987
|align=left|Jul 1990
{{WDL|142|65|35|42}}
|-
|align=left|[[England national football team|England]]
|align=left|Jul 1990
|align=left|Nov 1993
{{WDL|38|18|13|7}}
|-
|align=left|[[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]]
|align=left|Mar 1994
|align=left|Nov 1995
{{WDL|88|37|27|24}}
|-
|align=left|[[Watford F.C.|Watford]]
|align=left|Feb 1996
|align=left|Jun 1996
{{WDL|18|5|8|5}}
|-
|align=left|[[Watford F.C.|Watford]]
|align=left|Jun 1997
|align=left|May 2001
{{WDL|202|79|52|71}}
|-
|align=left|[[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]]
|align=left|Feb 2002
|align=left|May 2003
{{WDL|60|19|14|27}}
|-
!colspan=3|Total
{{WDLtot|1311|571|342|398}}
|}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book|last=Birnie|first=Lionel|title=Enjoy the Game – Watford FC, The Story of the Eighties|publisher=Peloton Publishing|year=2010|isbn=978-0-9567814-0-6}}
*{{cite book|author=Phillips, Oliver|title=The Golden Boys: A Study of Watford's Cult Heroes|publisher=Alpine Press Ltd|year=2001|isbn=0-9528631-6-2}}
*{{cite book|last=Phillips|first=Oliver|title=The Official Centenary History of Watford FC 1881–1991|publisher=Watford Football Club|year=1991|isbn=0-9509601-6-0}}
* ''England: The Official F.A History'', Niall Edworthy, Virgin Publishers, 1997, {{ISBN|1-85227-699-1}}.
* ''Gary Lineker: Strikingly Different'', Colin Malam, Stanley Paul Publications, London, 1993 {{ISBN|0-09-175424-0}}
*''Do I not Like That – The Final Chapter'', Chrysalis Sport, Distributed by Polygram Record Operations, 1994.
{{refend}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*{{Soccerbase}}
*{{soccerbase (manager)|id=557|name=Graham Taylor}}

{{England squad UEFA Euro 1992}}
{{FWA Tribute Award}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Managerial positions
| list1 =
{{Lincoln City F.C. managers}}
{{Watford F.C. managers}}
{{Aston Villa F.C. managers}}
{{England national football team managers}}
{{Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. managers}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Taylor, Graham}}
[[Category:1944 births]]
[[Category:2017 deaths]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 1992 managers]]
[[Category:England national football team managers]]
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[[Category:English men's footballers]]
[[Category:Grimsby Town F.C. players]]
[[Category:Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Lincoln City F.C. players]]
[[Category:Footballers from Worksop]]
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[[Category:English Football League players]]
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[[Category:Men's association football full-backs]]
[[Category:Aston Villa F.C. directors and chairmen]]
[[Category:20th-century English sportsmen]]