D.O.B: 19 August 1984 (now 27)
Birthplace: Liverpool, England
Height: 5ft 8in
Ryan Taylor
Having penned his name into Geordie folk law after curling a luscious free kick past Sunderland to win the derby this season, it is about time Ryan Taylor made himself apparent on The NUFC Blog. Originally playing as a right winger, the scouser broke into first team fooball at Tranmere in 2002, playing 100 games and scoring 15 goals in his time at Prenton Park. After one season at right midfield, he retreated back to his more natural right back position and by 2005, was playing in the Premier League with Wigan.
2006, has been described as Taylor’s low point in his career, saw him sidelined with injuries. 2007/2008 season saw his breakthrough at Wigan, with goals galore against his current employers. He achieved a fanatsic 4 goals in 4 consecutive games against Newcastle, 3 coming from free kicks and two on consecutive boxing days. In 2009 he joined the Toon, to the delight of fans who travel to the Wigan games (no more free kicks against us). He has made 48 appearances, scoring 6 goals. Most recently, two wonderful free kciks in consecutive games vs Sunderland and Scunthorpe United.
Strengths
It would be a little harsh for me to say that free kicks were his only strength, but Ryan Taylor has a lot more about him than that. A cool head, strong and good defending mentallity, tied up nicely with passion, makes Ryan Taylor a reliable and steady package.
Weaknesses
His inability to perform at a high level consistantly, this probably answer the question to why he isn’t in the first team when we have a full strength squad?
Play Facts
- Part of the NUFC side who won the Championship and the Teresa Herrera Trophies.
- In 2006, Taylor broke his fifth metatarsal in a FA Cup match against Leeds United, then in his first outing back, he broke his leg in a reserve clash against Newcastle United.