Graham Taylor returns to manage Villa

Graham Taylor has come out of retirement to become Aston Villa manager for the second time, succeeding John Gregory.

Taylor was appointed on 5 February on a contract of two and a half years. He returned to the club as a non-executive director last summer, and has been persuaded by the board to step back into the dugout.

A familiar face

Taylor first managed Villa between 1987 and 1990. He took over after the club had been relegated from the old First Division, won promotion at the first attempt, and in 1990 led Villa to second place in the league, behind Liverpool.

His success at Villa Park earned him the job of England manager, which he held from 1990 to 1993. His time with the national team was difficult, and England failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup.

He went on to manage Wolverhampton Wanderers and then Watford, where he had first made his name in the 1970s and 1980s, leading the club from the Fourth Division to the First Division and an FA Cup final. He took Watford into the Premiership in 1999 before retiring from management in 2001.

A popular choice

Many Villa supporters remember Taylor's first spell fondly, and his appointment has been broadly welcomed. He is respected for his honesty, his work ethic and his ability to get the best out of players.

Some fans had hoped for a younger manager with a bigger name, but Taylor's knowledge of the club and its players is seen as a strong advantage. As a director, he has watched the team closely all season.

The task ahead

Taylor takes over a team in mid-table, with a chance of European football if they can find some form. Villa have struggled for goals, and their results have been inconsistent since a strong start to the season.

The squad includes some talented young players, such as Gareth Barry and Darius Vassell, as well as experienced figures such as Peter Schmeichel, the former Manchester United and Denmark goalkeeper.

Taylor is expected to take a long view, building the team over the next two seasons rather than making sweeping changes straight away.

The chairman's role

One of the key questions will be how much money chairman Doug Ellis makes available for new players. Gregory left after tensions over spending, and Taylor will need support to strengthen the squad in the summer.

Taylor and Ellis have a long history together, and the chairman will be hoping that the return of a trusted figure can bring stability after a turbulent period.

First games

Taylor's first game in charge is just days away, and he will be keen to make a good start. Villa have a busy run of fixtures in February and March, and the next few weeks could decide whether they can challenge for a European place.

For Taylor, the return to Villa Park is a chance to write another chapter in a long and eventful career, and to show that he can still build a successful team.