David Taylor dies: Michel Platini pays tribute to former Uefa general secretary's 'boundless enthusiasm after passes away age 60

Uefa president describes Taylor as 'an invaluable addition to UEFA' when he joined the governing body in 2007

UEFA Events CEA Director David Taylor (L) holds up the UEFA Europen Championship Cup during its presentation in Kiev on July 20, 2011. (Getty Images)

Michel Platini has paid tribute to David Taylor's "boundless enthusiasm" and love of football after the former UEFA general secretary died aged 60.

Taylor took up one of European football's top posts in 2007 after eight years as chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, during which time he appointed Berti Vogts and then Walter Smith and Alex McLeish as Scotland managers.

The Forfar-born lawyer was latterly UEFA corporate business advisor after spending time as chief executive of UEFA Events SA, a subsidiary set up to look after the European governing body's business and events operations.

UEFA president Platini said: "Together with the European football family, I am deeply saddened to hear of David's passing.

"He was an invaluable addition to UEFA when he first joined us as general secretary, and brought us considerable experience and wisdom as a football administrator of the highest calibre.

"In addition, he gave us his boundless enthusiasm as a lover of football, who adored the game and enjoyed many memorable moments following Scotland's fortunes.

"We will all greatly miss his outstanding professional competence, as well as his countless qualities as a colleague and a person. On behalf of the European football community, I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to David's wife Cathy, and their children, James and Alan."