THE lure of running a leading Premiership club was the pivotal factor behind Graham Taylor's surprise decision to return to club management.

Seven months after standing down as Watford's boss, the 57-year-old former England coach has today been unveiled as the new manager of Aston Villa after signing a two-and-a-half year contract.

Explaining his decision to reverse his 'retirement', Taylor said he would have regretted an opportunity "I did not think would come".

Previous speculation suggested the former Lincoln City and Wolves manager had turned down the post on a short-term basis, but, as a non-executive director at Villa Park, he explained this had not been an option. "It was always going to be a long-term appointment," he added.

Taylor has been held in high regard among the Birmingham club's fans since he guided Villa to second place in the old Division One during his first stint in charge, from 1987 to 1990.

But as one of Watford's favourite sons, following his two near-legendary periods in charge of the Hornets, it will be interesting to see how the Vicarage Road faithful respond to a decision that is likely to have surprised many in the domestic game.