We cannot remember in Ryan Taylor’s career at Newcastle that he has played much better than he played in that game last October at Manchester City – his comeback game from a very long term knee problem – when he played in central midfield and made that incredible goal line clearance late in the game.
Ryan Taylor in action last October at the Etihad Stadium
And when head coach John Carver was talking about his options yesterday, given that he has now lost Paul Dummett and Curtis Good for the rest of the season, he talked about using Ryan Taylor and Vurnon Anita at both full-back positions, and that he could also play Daryl Janmaat at center-back if necessary – so there are one or two options still available in case of more injuries.
It was also noticeable that Jonas Gutierrez wasn’t mentioned yesterday, although he can also play in either full-back position, and we wonder if he’s already played his last game for Newcastle?
Hope not.
This is what John Carver, who was fairly down to earth and positive in the midst of all the recent injury problems – had to see about Ryan Taylor:
“He has got a huge part to play, as the whole squad has, but him in particular because of the fact that I can use him in a number of different positions. That’s vital to us.
“We all know – it’s not a secret – that we are short of defenders now because of the injury situation, but I feel that we have enough in Ryan and we can use Vurnon Anita on either side and we can use Daryl Janmaat as a center-back, so we have a few options.”
“But if we start losing one or two or three more, then we are in big trouble.”
John’ right about being in big trouble if we have any more injuries to any of our top defenders.
Ryan’s contract runs out in the summer, so he has a huge incentive to force his way into the side, and to play well when he gets a chance.
This is what Ryan has told BBC Newcastle:
“It’s just a case of getting into the first team now,” “I was on the bench against Palace, which was a nice little lift for myself.”
“I’ve got to try and earn a new contract as well, which is always in the back of my mind.” “I’m 30 years old now, and I just want to enjoy my football again.”
“I remember getting a little niggle against QPR after about 20 minutes,” “I tried to run it off, then I thought ‘I can’t carry on here’. ” “That walk off was emotional. I was really upset.”
Ryan was playing very well indeed until he was injured in the home game against QPR on 22nd November, and he received a very sympathetic round of applause when he left the field, because at the time it looked like it was another serious injury – and it seems that’s what Ryan also thought.
But it wasn’t, and Ryan is ready to go again, and he can become a very important player for Newcastle in the final 13 games of the season.
Certainly with the number of injuries Newcastle have now through the end of the season, there’s every opportunity for some of the Newcastle players to be heroes in the run-in to the season.
Here’s hoping Ryan can be one of them.
Howay The Lads!!
For the record, Ryan has 94 appearances for Newcastle with 10 goals since signing for us just over six years ago from Wigan, and he’s made 3 appearances so far this season.
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5 comments so far
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Feb 20, 2015 at 1:50 PM
Comment #1That’s it john boy. You try and gloss over the fact we have inadequate cover for defensive positions with “others can play there if need be” even though we all know it’s bollox and your just showing your bosses you’ll put up with ANYTHING.
They’ll fcuking love you now more than they previously did for being the cheapest option. You don’t care you’ve got the job. You park in the head coaches space, you sit in his seat. Hurrah! Vomit.
BandB
Feb 20, 2015 at 2:04 PM
Comment #2AC
Bags of players man, bags of them!
Why worry about hypothetical situations that won’t happen.
Do you really think this club will allow us to pay good money to watch international superstars play shotty-in against shell-shocked teenagers?
It will never happen.
jimiley
Feb 20, 2015 at 2:06 PM
Comment #3John Carver will be the head coach next season. Why? Because nobody wants him and Ashley will do the exact opposite. So we need to get behind Carver and the team. Onwards and upwards until we win the league.
sickandtired
Feb 20, 2015 at 2:09 PM
Comment #4He indeed looked good on his return. I just hope for his careers sake that the club doesn’t screw him up completely. Throwing him on to make up for their own lack of planning would be outrageous if he gets injured or breaks down again.
lesh
Feb 20, 2015 at 2:26 PM
Comment #5What Carver fails to say is that we were short of defenders before these recent injuries!