Steven Taylor made his debut for Newcastle United in early 2004, when Sir Bobby Robson was the manager, and at the time it was thought that Steven would be a Newcastle captain down the road.
But that’s never happened, and in the eleven years since his debut, the 29 year-old Whitley Bay lad has played only 251 times for the first team with 15 goals.
Steven Taylor blocks a shot from Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford
One of the reasons for so few games is that Steven has suffered a number of long term injuries over the last six years, and last season he ruptured his Achilles on January 1st, and was out for the rest of season.
When Steven is fit and plays regularly he is a good player, and he put in a great performance for us at Old Trafford in the 0-0 draw.
But he still couldn’t keep his place for the home game against Arsenal last Saturday, and Daryl Janmaat came straight back in, after being suspended for that game.
Head coach Steve McClaren got it right when he said the thing to do with Steve Taylor is to (somehow) keep him fit.
It also seems that Taylor gave McClaren some good and helpful information about the club, when Steve first arrived at Newcastle in June this year.
This is what Steve McClaren has said about the former England U21 captain:
“He’s an important player for us,” “We just want to keep him fit. If we can keep him fit, you’ve all seen what an asset he is.”
“It’s not just in terms of what he brings playing-wise, it’s also the fact that he’s Newcastle through and through.”
“He was one of the first people I met through the door, and he’s someone who knows this club inside out.”
“He gave me some great information on everything. What he needs to do is what he’s doing – stay fit and be ready when he’s called upon.”
Newcastle seem to have a good squad this season, and as well as bringing in four good senior players in the summer transfer window, we have also managed to keep some of our more experienced players.
Players like Steven, Mike Williamson, Cheick Tiote and Yoan Gouffran may not be starters for us this season, but they can come in and do the job when required.
They will probably get their next chance in the 3rd round of the League (Capital One) Cup at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday 23rd September.
That’s a game we have to win.
It looks like Newcastle have the strongest squad in both quality and quantity we’ve for a number of years.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
9 comments so far
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Sep 4, 2015 at 9:26 AM
Comment #1last post
Ian Wright reckons the authorities should do something.
Then what….
deduct points
play home games behind closed doors
find the club
Supporters are there to support the club F**k the Prawn sandwich brigade and support the club – make St James’s Park hostile to opposing teams.
Bambams
Sep 4, 2015 at 9:26 AM
Comment #2Aye no doubt Saylor was the first to meet him and tell him he was a local lad, the best defender, British and on the lowest wage.
Followed up with ‘Is it milk and two sugars Boss’
Seriously I like Saylor, I thought he would go on and get 25 plus caps for England. Always gives his all and he is a great player -at times. Bit rash and not the quickest. But I like him
Tsunki
Sep 4, 2015 at 9:29 AM
Comment #3I wonder what Steve will think about him when he runs on at SJP against the mackems wind milling and beating his chest to the crowd. Hmmm. This one’s Saylor. He’s an idiot. Bless him.
Jail for Ashley
Sep 4, 2015 at 9:36 AM
Comment #4The first thing he told Macka was to keep Willo, he’s brilliant he said, you don’t want to go splashing out on a top quality CB while Wllo’s about.
hibbit
Sep 4, 2015 at 9:37 AM
Comment #5charlie thats the way it should be 100% its always worked for man u this seasons games the volume has been turned up lets keep it up
WWSBRD
Sep 4, 2015 at 9:40 AM
Comment #6How does one keep Saylor fit? McClaren seems to have a good plan keep him on the bench
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Sep 4, 2015 at 9:46 AM
Comment #7hibbit
To bloody right – stuff Ian Wright and the rest!!!
Toon-Prodigy
Sep 4, 2015 at 9:47 AM
Comment #8Andy Carroll is back in the squad to face us next week. Typical.
Hoping for a draw since we are away.
Ravostag
Sep 4, 2015 at 7:55 PM
Comment #9Ian Wright was probably disorientated being north of Watford, too much for one day, and watching the Gooners falling down all afternoon.