Steven Taylor, the England Under-21 captain, who has had less than a stellar season this year on Tyneside, confesses that we are in a relegation fight still.
Steven Taylor – will go all out against Everton
While it was a terrific win at WBA, a defeat against Everton on Sunday will put us right back in the middle of the relegation zone, and we just have to try to get clear of the lower placed teams in the next few games.
The Newcastle side, showed a lot of unity and team spirit t the Hawthorns, with new boys Kevin Nolan, Ryan Taylor and Peter Lovenkrands all playing significant parts in the win, and Taylor seems confident of another positive result on Sunday.
Taylor told the Evening Chronicle today:
“We need to stick together, like we did in the last 15 minutes at West Brom when we showed a lot of character.” “We’re in a relegation fight, and we know that.”
“Everton have got a massive togetherness too, and that’s something we need to match.” “There’s no reason why we can’t beat them or most teams that come to Newcastle.”
“There’s no point playing negatively against them.”
The Newcastle managers did great at WBA by fighting hard to get the win for their manager Joe Kinnear, and we expect them to be fighting hard again on Sunday, when they will know that Joe will be watching the game on TV.
Joe’s first game in charge was at Goodison Park, when the lads were 2-0 down after about 30 minutes, but came back to get a very good 2-2 draw on the day. And it was Steven who started the revival with a goal just before half time.
Steven said:
“The good thing about it was that we were 2-0 down and got back into the game, which gave us a lift.” “I was just happy to play my part.”
“I think the last 15 minutes at West Brom recently were the longest of my career.” “It meant so much to the lads.” “We were working so hard, and we can a take a lot of confidence from it.”
Unfortunately Taylor is on four yellow cards this season, meaning that a caution against Everton will rule him out for the trip to Bolton, and if that happens it may mean his namesake, Ryan Taylor, will fill in at right back against Bolton Wanderers.
But Steven Taylor says he will keep on fighting for the Newcastle cause:
“When the game kicks off you don’t think about bookings.
“If I get booked, I get booked – I’m not going to change my game.”
It should be a really competitive game against Everton, and if we can just get some luck, we could even get the win, which would be so important for our survival in the Premier League this season.
Comments welcome.
41 comments so far
Pons Aelius
Feb 20, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Comment #1In defence of Taylor, since we’ve switched him to right back he’s looked good – Especially against the mackems 😀
beyethegreat
Feb 20, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Comment #2pons
agreed i think that could be his new position he is a little costly at cb but at rb i think hes great as a cb he was always good with the ball at his feet its just he has poor positoning
who knows titus might have faired better for us their?
Prince Bassong
Feb 20, 2009 at 1:10 PM
Comment #3We should switch him there permanently and bring in a monster of a CB to give us another option. Mark Beevers would be my choice; big, strong and has pace for a big guy.
ObaFan2
Feb 20, 2009 at 1:18 PM
Comment #4Putting S Taylor at RB is safer (lol) and he does well at times overlapping on the wing giving us other options.
Will be a difficult game on Sunday but lets hope we get a result.
Glad Jonas is back and hopefully Oba too.
ginkoh
Feb 20, 2009 at 1:21 PM
Comment #5Show us your pride in Sunday. Howay the lads !
roscoe
Feb 20, 2009 at 1:29 PM
Comment #6see on the NUFC site the article bout OBA starting on sunday… look who the other striker is in the photo!! Hell yeah I hope they start those two!!
Stardust
Feb 20, 2009 at 1:36 PM
Comment #7Beye / Pons – Taylor is the worst of all our players – in my opinion. I only ask you to do one thing for the next few games, and rewatch on all previous games if you have them recorded.
Watch his positioning.
Then watch games when he didnt play when Beye was at right back. Watch Beyes positioning.
Colo is a classy player but when classy players play alongside those who dont play positionally well it simply wrecks the whole team, as the classy player takes up a half way house position, making up for the mistake of the other and trying to cover his.
Therein the probelm lies. Taylor will never be good enough in my opinion as he plays for Steven Taylor, not the team.
beyethegreat
Feb 20, 2009 at 1:43 PM
Comment #8star dust
i disagree our worst player is shola i though t taylor looked good at rb(though notr as good as beye) i disagree about taylor playing for himself imo he is a very unselfish player just coz he has a lack of ability doesnt mean he is selfish
btw this is the best supporters group
http://www.toonultras.com/
DJG
Feb 20, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Comment #9Haris Vuckic and Samuel Adjei are in the U-18 side vs. the Rams tomorow. With those two and Nile Ranger at our disposal we should have the edge for quality. Vuckic will be able to play all next season for the u-18’s as well as he isnt even 17 till the summer. I hope he is given plenty of coaching and time to develop and not rushed along. Thank god we’ve got Richard Money, can’t imagine Calderwood is much of a coach. Why did they even hire that t”‘@t.
Hope Martins and Lovenkrands start up top on Sunday. That will give us some legs up front. Lovenkrands is on fire at the moment. Has any one seen his picture on the back of the chronicle, the kit boy has put LOVENKRADNS on this shirt. HA
Tom_Toon
Feb 20, 2009 at 1:52 PM
Comment #10In my opinion there are 3 things we need to do to get a result or even beat Everton:
1. Use pace – They dont really have any fast players.
2. Keep a solid centre – They dont have any especially good wingers to worry about but Arteta, Pienaar and Osman cut in and can be dangerous, as is Fellaini, although all except Arteta may be out.
3. Dont give away silly free-kicks in dangerous areas – Everton are great from set-pieces.
AndyNUFC
Feb 20, 2009 at 1:53 PM
Comment #11Is it official that we’ve signed Adjei?
I think our youth policy is doing bloody well for us. How good has Ranger been even at reserve level, and Bassong in the first team? In Bassong’s first pre-season game I knew he’d be a hit, you could tell he had the brain and the composure. Now we’re getting highly rated young prospects.
By the way, I don’t know why people think we’d sell Smith, Xisco and Enrique. Even for fringe players, they’re very good fringe players to have. Enrique’s had the best few games of his career here lately.
DJG
Feb 20, 2009 at 1:56 PM
Comment #12AndyNUFC // Feb 20, 2009 at 1:53 PM
Is it official that we’ve signed Adjei?
Well he’s on the official teamsheet here.
http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1563878,00.html
TORONTOON
Feb 20, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Comment #13stardust i couldn’t have said it better
the reason why he looks better at RB is because his mistakes there are not as catastrophic as if he was at CB. he’s had enough chances in both positions to prove himself but i don’t see much improvements over the past few years. call me a biased torontonian but i feel edgar hasn’t had enough minutes. in my opinion taylor and edgar have similar abilities and should get the same amount of minutes.
i’m glad martins is back, but i was just looking some numbers…he’s 1 in 2 (21 app, 13 goals) for his country, but he’s 1 in 3 (76 app, 26 goals) for us…shouldn’t he be putting a bit more goals in? is roeder the only manager who knows how to use him? perhaps with nolan in midfield martins don’t have to track back too much and can stay offensive. prove me wrong oba i have your name on my kit!
Nick D
Feb 20, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Comment #14especially if taylor doesn’t play.
Whumpie
Feb 20, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Comment #15Tom_Toon – spot on. They’re beatable, especially without Cahill. I think there will be a lot of goals both ways, though.
Stardust – I agree with your point about Taylor’s positioning and its impact on the defence – but to say he’s our worst player is a bit much. Would you rather plan Cacapa? Edgar? Steve’s got his faults, but you need battlers at times like this and he’s got that for us.
I think he’s maybe going to become an understudy right-back to Beye; possibly even a defensive midfielder. I’m not sure he’s going to get much of a look-in as a centre-back for a while.
ObaFan2
Feb 20, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Comment #16Oba, apart from his first season, hasn’t really had a good run in the team, FSA messed him around picking EMO before him, then the ACN and then injuries.
If he can stay fit and be played I believe he’s our biggest threat up front (and most entertaining) but he is a confidence player imo, have faith in him and I’m sure he will deliver.
DJG
Feb 20, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Comment #17I disagree that Taylor is positionally poor. Although sometimes he mauraudes forward at RB leaving a huge gap at the back.
What I actually think is that S.Taylor is frightened to get close when marking a player because he is easily turned and beaten for pace. Hence the name Donkeyboy. lol
Whumpie
Feb 20, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Comment #18Can’t wait to see Oba and Loverboy out there, especially against Everton, who just won’t be able to keep up.
Pons Aelius
Feb 20, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Comment #19Stardust – I’m not disputing that Taylor has his moments. Beye is a far better player at RB and at CB. But I’m not writing Taylor off yet.
AndyNUFC
Feb 20, 2009 at 2:24 PM
Comment #20Beye is a former captain and highly celebrated player. He’s 31 and has played RB for a large chunk of his career.
S. Taylor is 21 and has only recently had to fill in at the unnatural position of right back.
Get off his back eh?
AndyNUFC
Feb 20, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Comment #21DJG Taylor has a hell of a lot more pace than Coloccini though. I’m seriously doubting Colo.
bobby_ollox
Feb 20, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Comment #22say what you like about Taylors positioning, but after 41 minutes at West Brom, his positioning was crucial to our status as a premier league team.
TORONTOON
Feb 20, 2009 at 2:41 PM
Comment #23did you watch that game? he cost us at least one goal
DJG
Feb 20, 2009 at 2:49 PM
Comment #24bobby_ollox
It is alright to say he has scored us a few goals but thats not even his job.
He is very suspect defensivly and their first goal was because Taylor got turned yet again.
Tom_Toon
Feb 20, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Comment #25He wants to be Albert to much. Taylor admits Albert is his hero, hence his number.
Stardust
Feb 20, 2009 at 3:40 PM
Comment #26Whumpie
“Stardust – I agree with your point about Taylor’s positioning and its impact on the defence – but to say he’s our worst player is a bit much. Would you rather plan Cacapa? Edgar? Steve’s got his faults, but you need battlers at times like this and he’s got that for us.”
I truly believe Taylor is the common denominator in every occassion. HE RUINS other players confidence. We are terrible when he is in the back line, and composed without.
Rozenhal was dismissed, Cacapa dismissed etc etc. These players are good players in my opinion Taylor is the problem. If you have played yourself you will know how how bad it is to play alongside a positionally weak player – especially one like taylor who what I call Blamecasts on the pitch and plays to the crowd.
chuck
Feb 20, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Comment #27Disagree about Taylor, he is a good player, but lately like Shay, Duff and Enrique he becomes a fan target, by those who`s judgement is, to say the least questionable
Remember the “he hoofs it up the pitch”, “he runs in circles”, “he`s too slow” (Enrique, for a guy that outpaced Lennon)
So how aboout lightening up on the kid and give him credit for what he accomplishes not his occasional mistake.
There are plenty of clubs who would gladly take him off our hands, if he became available .
Stardust
Feb 20, 2009 at 4:13 PM
Comment #28Chuck – I have advocated for years he hasnt got it. He just got away with it for too long because of the “geordie” tag. Even that tag has worn thin now, people just cant forgive him forever.
bobby_ollox
Feb 20, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Comment #29yeah- your right he got turned badly, and he didnt account for the pitch conditions properly and left a gouge in the turf like a furrow.
But I tell you – playing in b&w means more to him than any other player – whether its because he is (almost ) a geordie I dont know or care, but the club, and the fans matter, and that is worth something . The mistakes will stop, and then with heart he will be a real asset.
Andynufctt
Feb 20, 2009 at 4:51 PM
Comment #30AndyNUFC // Feb 20, 2009 at 2:25 PM
“DJG Taylor has a hell of a lot more pace than Coloccini though. I’m seriously doubting Colo.”
Totally agree give the Young lad a chance he is a lot better than most think.
Toon_Factor
Feb 20, 2009 at 5:10 PM
Comment #31In the MATCH magazine it had Taylor as our player of the season so far?????????
Tom_Toon
Feb 20, 2009 at 5:12 PM
Comment #32Bassong is player of the season so far with Jonas in second place IMO.
Sav
Feb 20, 2009 at 11:35 PM
Comment #33Have to laugh at the nonsense some people write – ‘Watch all the re-runs of the games with Taylor in the team and then compare all the re-runs of the matches when he isn’t’???????
Get a life! Some of us have to work.
And aren’t some of these Gollums on Taylor’s back the same ones who say ‘No’ to the NUSC rally because fans should just get behind Hughton and the team?
Taylor is just a kid, and still learning, although he’s played regularly for every manager at the club since Robson first gave him a start. Maybe you should send your old tapes in to SJP with a few handwritten tactical notes? I’m sure CH would appreciate the encouragement.
ginkoh
Feb 21, 2009 at 6:07 AM
Comment #34Someone blame and don’t rate Taylor, I don’t know why. In his age he can a lot improve, you see Rio,Sol campbell, They turn to be good defender on 25-27 years old. Now Taylor just 22 and I think he’s very good in physical, aerial ability, determination and passion also
Although he has weakness point in his temper and position but I pretty sure he will improve. He’s one of our brightest future especially he’s the locals. If you all have chance to play for Newcastle, Do you give more than 100% for the team? Absolutely and Taylor will be the same.
If you want to know how much we miss from him. SELL HIM TO TOTTENHAM or VILLA even top4 team I pretty sure they want Taylor in their team.
Stardust
Feb 21, 2009 at 9:36 AM
Comment #35Sav “Taylor is just a kid, and still learning, although he’s played regularly for every manager at the club since Robson first gave him a start.”
Well on one hand you advocate he has been playing for years, and on the other you claim to give him time.
Taylor has tried to learn his trade in the Premiership when he wasnt even Championship standard. His every mistake erodes his confidence, I am not saying he is to blame, he was thrust in too early, BUT I think he should go to the Championship to learn his trade before he can cut it in the PL.
Sav
Feb 21, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Comment #36I am saying Taylor is still just 22 and centre-halves often don’t mature until they are in their late 20s. He has plenty of time. But by your reasoning, if he’s had that many games, what is the point of relegating him to the Championship?
‘I am not saying he is to blame, he was thrust in too early’
and
‘I truly believe Taylor is the common denominator in every occassion (sic). HE RUINS other players confidence. We are terrible when he is in the back line, and composed without.’
Make your mind up. That sounds like blame to me – but you’ll be right behind the lads on the pitch tomorrow, right?
You get funnier with each post.
workyticket
Feb 21, 2009 at 2:49 PM
Comment #37“There’s no point playing negatively against them.”
Aye, but divven’t gan on any walkabouts trying to be Alan Shearer if you get picked again Steven. You’re a defender now. 🙂
Stardust
Feb 21, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Comment #38Sav – because its simply Too expensive – goals conceded wise for him to learn his trade with us. He hasnt got it at the mo – in my opinion he never will have, hasnt got the class, but i am willing to be corrected if he learns elsewhere.
And if I am honest every time he touches the ball I hate it – so I accept my view is skewed and can suffer bias.
Tom_Toon
Feb 21, 2009 at 6:41 PM
Comment #39Bassong is younger than Taylor but about 60x better defensively.
Tom_Toon
Feb 21, 2009 at 6:41 PM
Comment #40Taylor doesn’t have natural defensive talent.