Peloton to publish memoir from late England manager Graham Taylor

The autobiography of the late former England, Watford and Aston Villa manager, Graham Taylor, is to be published posthumously with independent Peloton Publishing at the end of this month. Graham Taylor: In His Own Words will be released on 30th November with a foreword by Elton John. 

Taylor, who passed away aged 72 in January, had been working on the book with journalist and Peloton Publishing owner Lionel Birnie since 2014. Birnie took on the dual role of ghostwriter and publisher, working closely on the final stages of the book with editorial director Charlotte Atyeo, who was sports publisher for the past 10 years at Bloomsbury Publishing. 

In His Own Words is described as "an intimate and affectionate depiction of how English football changed during the 40 years of his career, and a lasting portrait of a man whose humour and decent values saw him cherished by so many". According the Birnie, the project has been a collaboration between his company, Peloton Publishing, and Taylor's family, represented by Taylor's agent, Ian Wilson of IMWP (UK). All rights are held by Peloton Publishing.

His widow, Rita Taylor, commented: “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 five-season run. At Aston Villa he came close to winning the league title and he was appointed England manager in 1990. 

It will also cover "the biggest disappointment of his career" - England's failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup, and the impact of subsequent press coverage on his family - as well as the restoration of his reputation as a club manager with a second spell at Watford. 

In His Own Words will be a £19.99 hardback.