The autobiography of Watford’s greatest ever manager Graham Taylor is to be published at the end of this month.

With a foreword by Elton John, Graham Taylor: In His Own Words will go on sale on Thursday, November 30.

The former England and Aston Villa, who died in January aged 72, had been working on the book with journalist Lionel Birnie since 2014.

In His Own Words has been completed in line with Taylor’s wishes and with the support of his family.

His widow, Rita Taylor, said: “Graham spent two years working on his book and it was very important to him to tell the story of his life and career the way he wanted to.

“As his family, we are so pleased that it has been possible to complete the book. We are very happy with it and we know Graham would have been proud of it too.”

The book covers Taylor’s playing days at Grimsby Town and Lincoln City and his development into one of the best young club managers in the country, first with the Imps and then with Elton John’s Watford, who he guided from the Fourth Division to the top flight in a remarkable five-season run.

An equally successful spell at Aston Villa, where he came close to winning the league title, led to his appointment as England manager in 1990. The failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup and the impact the subsequent press mockery had on his family proved to be the biggest disappointment of his career, although he restored his reputation as a great club manager with a second spell at Watford.

Graham Taylor: In His Own Words will be published by Peloton Publishing in hardback on November 30, priced £19.99.

It can also be pre-ordered here