Sam Allardyce talked today about young Steven Taylor – who goes to battle against Holland tonight – along with his England Under-21 compatriot James Milner.
These two were arguably our best players last season and should turn out to be stars of the future for Newcastle.
Sam Allardyce talked about Steven Taylor today – and how he would try to protect him next season.
Steven Taylor
This is what Sam had to say:
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on Steven Taylor because he has been labeled a hero or savior by the fans because of his passion for Newcastle United and the commitment in his play.
“But he is still a raw defender with huge potential and great promise, and while he is not quite there yet, he is still a great asset to this football club.”
“I am looking to bring in central defenders with experience to play alongside Taylor to help him improve.
“It’s not for him to be the main man, but we need to bring someone in to talk to him and bring him on and knock one or two rough edges off.
“Steven Taylor has great potential, and when people talk of him as a future England center-half I say `perhaps, yes’.“
Sam Allardyce
These words support that Sam wants to bring in one starter at center-back and a backup. Looks like Rozehnal would be the starter – if we can eventually get him signed from PSG. Then he wants an experienced old hand like Hyypia to help the youngsters we already have at the club.
We also have Ramage, Huntington and Edgar – who are all central defenders – and we think probably one or even two of these – will be sent out on loan next year to get games and experience.
We also hope Sam will bring in two full backs – but he has already said he will definitely bring in a left back and maybe a right back. We are quite well covered at right back because we have Solano, Carr, Ramage, Edgar and Huntington (and Taylor) who can all play right back. But we think it would be good to get a new right back as a starter – and then we are well covered in case he gets injured.
We did review Bakari Sagna and Habib Beye in an article this morning – and both can play right back and Beye can also play central defense. Either of these would prove good starters at right back for the club =- and it would mean that Sam will have brought in a whole back line – which to be honest we needed – and we have already got rid of the dead-wood – and Babayaro also looks to be on his way out of Newcastle.
Let’s hope Steven and James can do us proud again tonight – and get us to the final of the European Under-21 tournament.
Comments welcome.
12 responses so far ↓
1 Watson // Jun 20, 2007 at 5:34 PM
If we had a team full of Taylors and Milners we would be laughing. Theyr’e nothing but a pure credit to Toon. I know Taylors still young but he would be my candidate for captain, firstly because of his passion, commitment and all round influence and secondly due to his centre back position which will be enable him to organise and communicate effectivley with the rest of the team.
2 Ed Harrison // Jun 20, 2007 at 6:05 PM
Watson – not sure Steven’s ready yet for captain – maybe a couple of years and then he’ll be captain – destined to be Newcastle captain though – maybe captain when we start winning those trophies – mirroring John Terry at Chelsea!
3 bob // Jun 20, 2007 at 7:22 PM
just seen the under 21 semi final gutted that we lost but once again steven taylor showed such bravery and passsion tht should certainly make him newcastle captain cuz that was a leaders performance no matter how inexperianced he is he still has black and white blood and a captain we can all be proud of!!
4 Ed Harrison // Jun 20, 2007 at 8:27 PM
bob – we just need to get him a good partner for next season – there have to be a lot of English supporters taking to him already.
5 Ed Harrison // Jun 20, 2007 at 8:27 PM
remember also – great players play great when it matters – like in a semi-final.
6 noel hopper // Jun 20, 2007 at 9:12 PM
Superb game from both Milner and Taylor.
7 nightfall // Jun 20, 2007 at 9:21 PM
sorry lads, that england didn’t procced to the final… but i’m glad that our duo showed the world what they’re made of…
8 Soren // Jun 20, 2007 at 9:29 PM
Yes Milner and Taylor did thier part! Taylor even fought with a small injury at the end of the game+extra time+his penalty. He really showed what he is made of.
9 Ross G // Jun 20, 2007 at 10:25 PM
Dortmund completed the signing of Robert Kovac on a free today, further proving their loss of interest in Rozehnal and therefore will probably sign by friday
10 Ed Harrison // Jun 21, 2007 at 9:24 AM
Ross G – saw that – so let’s hope we can get Rozehnal over here as you say – this week!
11 Ed Harrison // Jun 21, 2007 at 9:26 AM
As we’ve said before Steven Taylor epitomizes the Geordie spirit – guts and courage galore – and hopefully glory in the future for him and Newcastle – you can win things with players like Steven. Can just imagine what Big Sam must have been thinking (What a player I have here !!!!!).
12 Ed Harrison // Jun 21, 2007 at 1:22 PM
Soren – looks like Pearce thinks Steven is just a great player with a fantastic character – quite honestly I think Stuart really enjoyed training and being with the youngsters – seems to have reinvigorated him – good for him – he’ll be great for the youngsters – and he should now get the job full time.
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