TRIBUTES flooded in across the country after it was announced former England manager Graham Taylor had died from a suspected heart attack aged 72.

But one Oxford United fan paid his respects to the former Aston Villa and Watford boss by recalling a prank he played on him while he was in charge of the national team in the early 1990s.

Prankster Terry Gordon, whose antics during the 1980s and 90s fooled former England stars Gary Linker and Paul Gascoigne, said he was saddened to hear of Taylor’s passing, adding he was gentleman who always ‘had a smile and big hug’ for him.

He told the Oxford Mail how the Taylor never forgot one famous prank he played on him, one hour before a game against Turkey in 1992.

The 71-year-old from Northway said he and his son spotted Gascoigne - who knew Mr Gordon - when he was getting off the team’s coach at Wembley.

The former window cleaner said: “He came running over to me and asked me to come with him. He said he wanted me to meet someone before the game.

“He said it was Graham Taylor and to do whatever I do to ‘frighten the living skylights out of him’.”

And so, one hour before the match kicked off, Mr Gordon played his prank on the head coach.

He said: “I pretended I was a nutter. I asked him what he was doing at Wembley and he said ‘I’m here for the football’. So I asked ‘what position do you play?’ and he said ‘I’m the England manager.’

“While I was talking to him I had a hold of his hand and I would not let go.

“He tried to pull his hand away and I pretended to get really angry and go to hit him - Gazza was on the floor of the England dressing room laughing his head off.”

Despite the dressing room drama, England went on to win the game 4-0, with Gascoigne bagging a brace.

Mrs Gordon said: “Graham Taylor couldn’t believe it and we laughed and got a couple of photos.

“We only met a few times, but he always welcomed me with open arms. I’m so sad to hear the news”

Taylor had a difficult time in charge of the national team, with criticism about his perceived long-ball game. But under his leadership England qualified for Euro 92 in Sweden.

Taylor had a difficult time in charge of the national team from 1990 to 1993, with criticism about his perceived long-ball game.

The Euro 92 tournament in Sweden was a tough one for England. His side failed to get out of their group and Taylor also substituted Gary Lineker, in the final group game when a goal was needed, in what proved to be the striker’s final game in a three lion’s shirt. Taylor kept his job, but failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup in the United States led to his resignation in November 1993.

A family statement said: “With the greatest sadness, we have to announce that Graham passed away at his home early this morning of a suspected heart attack.

“The family are devastated by this sudden and totally unexpected loss.”