Chris Hughton is adamant that he will not sell Newcastle defender Steven Taylor in January.
Steven Taylor – going nowhere in January?
But until Taylor signs a new contract at Newcastle, there will be continuing rumors about clubs, such as Everton as just one example, wanting to buy the former England Under-21 captain.
His current contract at Newcastle runs out at the end of June next year.
Hughton however is not ready to sell the player in January, and thereby weaken his squad for the fight against relegation, which seems to loom this season.
Both Liverpool-based clubs Everton and Liverpool are said to be keen to take the Greenwich-born player of Geordie parents, who was brought up in Whitley Bay.
Taylor, who is recovering from his shoulder injury, was transfer listed in late August, when the club seemingly got fed up with waiting for him to sign a new deal, and as far as we know he’s still transfer listed.
Hughton talked about Steven’s contract yesterday and that he is due to return to full training on Monday:
“I’m not aware of any progress at the moment. We still very much want him at this football club.” “We’re looking at him being back in full training next week. He needs to get fit. We’re aware of what a very good player he is.”
“He’s still in some ways a youngish man.” “He was only playing in the Under-21s until recently, performing very well. Once he’s back to fitness he very much puts himself back in the frame to play and when that’s the case he’s a very good player.”
“I know what you’re saying and what will happen in the future I don’t know.” “For me at this moment he’s very much part of the squad and I want him fit and available for selection.” “For the rest of the season – that’s what I’d like.”
Good words from the manager, but it’s probably out of Chris Hughton’s hands to keep the player, if indeed the club decides he will not be signing a new contract at Newcastle, and they will want to cash in on the player in January for a transfer fee.
But even if Steven leaves on a free transfer next summer, the Newcastle club will be due some compensation, since they brought the lad through their Youth Academy on Tyneside.
We’d love to see Steven sign his new contract before Christmas.
Comments welcome.
12 comments so far
Geordiedoonsooth
Oct 15, 2010 at 7:35 AM
Comment #1Tradegy if he is allowed to leave
G
Oct 15, 2010 at 8:41 AM
Comment #2Agreed, although his injury history is shocking, I still see ST as our first choice centre half.
jarnytoon
Oct 15, 2010 at 9:03 AM
Comment #3Not fussed personally! As a reliable back up yes but I’ve been impressed with williamson + collo! If he loved the club as much as he bleets on about it then why has he not yet signed?……. I say sell him n get another hungry DF to take his place!
Up the toon!
pondering
Oct 15, 2010 at 9:41 AM
Comment #4jarny ,
just because your prepared to work at burger king for coppers doesn’t mean taylor should work for less than his worth.
would you like a milkshake with those fries sir ?
Sav
Oct 15, 2010 at 10:08 AM
Comment #5Taylors contract wrangle seems to have been running longer than Corrie. But we don’t know the ins and outs of it. He seems to have employed Stretford who can’t afford to take any crap from the club but no doubt wants a slice for himself. We just don’t know and can only adopt Hughton’s wait and see approach.
It will be a shame if he goes, but not the end of the world either. Better to be sorted one way or t’other. Hoots seems to be pinning his hopes on getting Tayls back in the side and let the applause of the SJP crowd do his recruiting for him.
Ericles
Oct 15, 2010 at 10:14 AM
Comment #6Of course we keep him. He is versatile and can be used as a RB or CH. He is good in the opposition box at set pieces too. We are forgetting that he started as a centre-forward. Stick with it CH cos the fat man may be more interested in what he can get by selling.
G
Oct 15, 2010 at 11:09 AM
Comment #7I still think when he is playing he looks like the only ‘natural’ leader on the pitch. Our future captain me thinks?
Stardust
Oct 15, 2010 at 11:20 AM
Comment #8G – I think Taylor plays for himself not the team – look at our back line now – all playing together – its the best we have ever looked imo.
Its no coincidence that Taylor isnt in the team.
Williamson makes him look mistake prone – Collo is a class above and Sol is miles ahead of him. He is fourth choice at best – and he knows it!
Cant believe he thinks he is worth 65k a week!
G
Oct 15, 2010 at 11:39 AM
Comment #9I see your point stardust, but I still think he is a good defender, and a good leader. I think we will have to agree to dissagree on this one. Tayls is deffo a team player IMO, and last season he was part of that back line that looked so solid. Also, don’t forget, when we got relegated there were lots of teams in the Prem after ST, and it would have been the easiest thing in the world to walk away then. Loyalty is a 2 way street.
thepict
Oct 15, 2010 at 11:41 AM
Comment #10Can’t see him getting back in the team. Not worth £65,000 a week.
Tom4Nufc
Oct 15, 2010 at 11:58 AM
Comment #11I personally see him as our first choice RB! I will never forget that game against Everton where he played RB a few seasons ago. With a back 4 of:
S.Taylor… Colo…. Willo/Sol…. Jose
I think we look pretty strong!
Rotonda heights
Oct 15, 2010 at 2:31 PM
Comment #12geordiedoonsouth
Tragedy – what are you on !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He’s had a couple of decent games at right back. In the middle his positioning is awful and his errors frequent. If he wasn’t a geordie he’d be called like Bramble has been.
He obviously thinks he’s all that, based on what, I can’t think. Other players don’t like him or his attitude and he’s hardly killed anyone in the queue to sign has he !!!