Newcastle United’s longest-serving player and home town lad Steven Taylor was today released from the club, when his contract, which runs out at the end of the month, will not be renewed.
In all truth it wasn’t expected that Rafa would give Steven Taylor a new contract and after his woeful performance at Southampton and his long injury record over the last six years, that didn’t auger well for a new deal.
Steven played 264 times with 15 goals for Newcastle and first played for the first team in early 2004 under Sir Bobby Robson.
Steven Taylor – Newcastle career is at an end
Here’s what Rafa Benitez has said about Steven:
“Steven has been a very good player for this club for a long time and his character and personality has always been very positive, including during difficult times.”
“I would like to thank Steven for his service and I wish him well for his future.”
Here’s what Managing director Lee Charnley said:
“I have known Steven since he first joined the club as a teenager and during that time his enthusiasm and love for the club has never wavered.”
“He has always shown great commitment over the years. He has also been a superb ambassador for the club, representing Newcastle United at countless community and charitable events across the region during his time with us.”
“I wish him all the very best for the future.”
This will be a big disappointment for the 30 year-old and the former England U21 captain had this to say on the news:
“It will be a huge wrench to leave Newcastle, but I’ve been offered exciting opportunities both in the UK and abroad and I’m really looking forward to my next challenge.”
“I’ve loved my time at Newcastle. I’ll always be a huge fan of the club and I’ll be returning to St James’ Park as a supporter whenever I can.”
Steven has been a great servant of Newcastle United and you can never accuse the player of not giving his all for the club which he loves and supports.
We wish Steven success in the remainder of his football career – wherever that lies.
Comments welcome.
10 comments so far
Jail for Ashley
Jun 3, 2016 at 12:22 PM
Comment #1Good luck Stevie, I hope you get a decent start somewhere!
Jib
Jun 3, 2016 at 12:25 PM
Comment #2.
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I just want you to know –
It’s appreciated Expat
The overrated Frenchman
Jun 3, 2016 at 12:29 PM
Comment #3The best outcome for the club and the player surely. He may find a home at one the the lower tier PL teams where his experience could be of value.
JP...from The Rock
Jun 3, 2016 at 12:34 PM
Comment #4How could have Lee Charnley known him as a teenager if Lee wasn’t managing director back then?
Anyway thanks for the service and sad it had to end this way as his injuries have really hampered his progress. I always thought he was a solid defender and usually surrounded by idiots that couldn’t defend. He did have some nightmares also but usually pretty solid. Always showed great passion and fight and would always put his body on the line for the club.
Good luck in your new adventure Steve.
Jail for Ashley
Jun 3, 2016 at 12:35 PM
Comment #5ToF,
I hope he doesn’t end up at another Championship club and have a blinder, I’d like to see him go to the MLS as Jib said.
Jail for Ashley
Jun 3, 2016 at 12:36 PM
Comment #6JP,
I think Churners has been at the club in some capacity since way before Mashers was here.
Bobbybee
Jun 3, 2016 at 12:38 PM
Comment #7http://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2016/06/02/as-mitrovic-hints-at-exit-promising-youngster-speaks-regarding-newcastle-united-future/
Nice clip of arma’s unquestionable skills. Be nice to see one of our own leading the line again.
JP...from The Rock
Jun 3, 2016 at 12:45 PM
Comment #8Still no contract for Rolando Aarons!?? That makes me nervous. We definately can do with Aarons as he has bags of potential. He will no doubt get lots of games in this league too. Come on Rafa fet him signed up.
Jib
Jun 3, 2016 at 12:48 PM
Comment #9Nufc-83
You can call me deluded all you want.
I don’t know how old you are.
It was the 1st November 1994 I’m sitting at a pavement café on the Gurtuby Kalea on the way to the old Estadio San Mames in full Toon favours. I cannot tell you how many Athletic Bibao supporting Basques came up to chew the fat with me or how many free drinks we were offered on the way to the match.
We were back among the big boys in Europe thanks to KK.
There’s no feeling like it !
Deluded meh !
With Rafa we are back in the swim !
If we sign either of the 2 players I mentioned be prepared to have your nose rubbed in it big style !
ZIPPIE57
Jun 3, 2016 at 10:32 PM
Comment #10Always had a black and white fire in his belly, all the best bonnie lad