Rob Taylor (footballer, born 1985)

Robert James Taylor (born 16 January 1985) is an English former footballer who played on the left flank and was known for his pace and dribbling ability.

For other people named Robert Taylor, see Robert Taylor (disambiguation).

Rob Taylor
Personal information
Full name Robert James Taylor[1]
Date of birth (1985-01-16) 16 January 1985[2]
Place of birth Shrewsbury, England[3]
Height 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)[2]
Position(s) Wing-back; midfielder; forward
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004 Redditch United
2004–2005 Solihull Borough
2005–2006 Evesham United
2006–2008 Redditch United
2008 Nuneaton Borough 8 (2)
2008–2014 Port Vale 159 (15)
2014–2015 Mansfield Town 16 (0)
2015 Tranmere Rovers 15 (0)
2015 Kidderminster Harriers 0 (0)
Total 198 (17)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

A former non-league player with Solihull Borough, Redditch United, Evesham United, and Nuneaton Borough, his career in the English Football League began later than most, as he chose to put his education before his football. He signed with Port Vale in August 2008, and after establishing himself in the first team in 2008–09, he played more than forty games in both the 2009–10 and 2010–11 campaigns. He helped the club to secure promotion out of League Two in 2012–13. He left Port Vale after a six-year period and signed with Mansfield Town in August 2014. He moved on to Tranmere Rovers in January 2015, and then Kidderminster Harriers eight months later.

Playing career

Early career
Taylor in Port Vale colours (September 2010).

Taylor started off his career at Redditch United, joining as a 19-year old in May 2004.[4] He went on to play in the Southern League with Solihull Borough in 2004–05 and Evesham United in 2005–06. He was relegated in both seasons. He then played in the Conference North for Redditch United in 2006–07 and Nuneaton Borough in 2007–08,[5] where he was a consistently good performer in the division.[6] He signed with Nuneaton on non-contract terms in February 2008 and made his debut as a substitute in a 1–0 win over Alfreton Town at Liberty Way on 1 March.[7] He went on to make eight appearances for "Boro", scoring goals against Kettering Town and Hucknall Town.[7] Manager Kevin Wilkin said that "Rob is competent and a good signing".[8] Taylor went on to become a full-time professional but said "if it doesn't work out then I'd be happy to stay on with Nuneaton next season".[9]

Port Vale

Despite several trials at English Football League clubs he chose to put his education first and complete a degree at the University of Worcester.[10] After a successful trial with Port Vale, where he scored in a reserve outing, manager Lee Sinnott signed him up on a two-year deal in readiness for the 2008–09 season.[11] He scored on his Vale debut in a 3–1 victory against Luton Town.[12] When Sinnott's replacement Dean Glover took charge of the club, Taylor found himself out of contention and when Glover himself was removed Taylor stated his ambitions to earn himself a first team place under fresh management.[13]

During the start of the 2009–10 season, under new manager Micky Adams, Taylor found himself in the first team and a fan favourite.[14] He played in the League Cup "Sheffield double" defeats of both Championship sides, also scoring past Wednesday.[15] In the following league game against Hereford United he scored a superb goal, that would later win him the club's Goal of the Season award.[16] In August he set himself a target of ten goals for the season.[17] Under Adams, Taylor was utilized in an attacking role, rather than his original role as left-back/left midfielder.[18]

"When he believes in himself, he'll be frightening. He still doesn't quite understand his role yet. He's got to learn when to pass it and when to be nice and positive."

— Manager Micky Adams speaking in September 2009.[19]

He was transfer listed in late September, along with the entire Port Vale squad, after manager Micky Adams saw his team slip to a third consecutive defeat.[20] On 28 December 2009 he scored his sixth of the season at Grimsby Town's Blundell Park, before getting his second bookable offence, earning him the first sending off of his professional career.[21] To his surprise and delight, his good form earned him a contract extension in January 2010 that tied him to the "Vale" until the summer of 2012.[22][23] Adams said that he gave Taylor the contract to avoid other clubs making attempts to tempt him away from Vale Park.[24]

Taylor found himself in the treatment room after tearing his hamstring in only his second start of the 2010–11 campaign.[25] After recovering earlier than expected he aimed to regain his first team place.[26] On 8 January he scored a brace past Championship side Burnley in Vale's 4–2 FA Cup defeat at Turf Moor.[27] These would be two of only three goals that season, though he ended the campaign with 41 appearances to his name.

He started the 2011–12 season on the bench. After he scored in his first start of the season, a League Trophy tie with Tranmere Rovers, he cemented his first team place with a brace against Bradford City in the league.[28] However he picked up an Achilles injury in February that left him unfit to play.[29] He finished the season with three goals in 34 appearances, and agreed to sign a new two-year deal with the club in May 2012.[30] He missed all of the 2012–13 pre-season training with a calf injury.[31] Vale secured promotion with a third-place finish at the end of the season, with Taylor making 32 appearances. Taylor missed the whole of 2013–14 pre-season after damaging his Achilles tendon, and was out of training for close to five months.[32] He marked his first appearance of the season on 23 November with a goal in a 2–1 victory over local rivals Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road.[33] He made a further three appearances before missing six weeks from mid-December onwards with a thigh injury.[34] He was released by the club in the summer, ending a six-year stay at Vale Park.[35]

Mansfield Town

Taylor signed with League Two club Mansfield Town in August 2014 after impressing manager Paul Cox on trial.[36] He played 19 games in the first half of the 2014–15 campaign, but new boss Adam Murray said Taylor had begun looking for a new club to be closer to his pregnant wife.[37]

Tranmere Rovers

Taylor signed for League Two side Tranmere Rovers in January 2015 after being signed for an undisclosed fee by manager Micky Adams, who had coached him at Port Vale.[38] He made 15 appearances for Rovers as the club dropped out of the Football League at the end of the 2014–15 season, and was not offered a new contract by new manager Gary Brabin.[39]

Kidderminster Harriers

In August 2015, Taylor joined Kidderminster Harriers of the National League on a non-contract basis after a successful trial during pre-season.[40] An ankle injury prevented him from playing however, and he left Aggborough in December.[41]

Style of play

An attacking left-sided player, he was known for his pace and ability to beat defenders.[2]

Personal life

Taylor holds a degree in Sports science from the University of Worcester.[42] He is a Manchester United supporter.[43] In January 2018, he appeared on the BBC's Wanted Down Under, where he and wife Selina decided to emigrate to Australia.[44]

Statistics
Club Season Division League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Nuneaton Borough2007–08[45]Conference North8200000082
Port Vale2008–09[46]League Two20300101[lower-alpha 1]0223
2009–10[47]League Two38820311[lower-alpha 1]1[lower-alpha 1]4410
2010–11[48]League Two36132101[lower-alpha 1]0413
2011–12[49]League Two31220001[lower-alpha 1]1[lower-alpha 1]343
2012–13[50]League Two28020002[lower-alpha 1]0320
2013–14[51]League One6121000082
Total 15915113516218121
Mansfield Town2014–15[52]League Two16030101[lower-alpha 1]0210
Tranmere Rovers2014–15[52]League Two150000000150
Kidderminster Harriers2015–16[53]National League0000000000
Career total 19817143617221721
  1. Appearance/s and goal/s in the EFL Trophy.

Honours
Port Vale

References
  1. "Rob Taylor". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
  2. "Name: Robert Taylor". port-vale.co.uk. Retrieved 6 August 2011.
  3. "Port Vale: Tame Shrews and we can endorse our promotion credentials, says Taylor". The Sentinel. 17 September 2011. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
  4. "Holl-is back at Redditch". Worcester News. 26 May 2004. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  5. White, Andy (15 February 2008). "Taylor Joins Nuneaton". The Non-League Paper. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 6 June 2009.
  6. Brown, Derek (16 April 2008). "Taylor's tilt at league career". Coventry Telegraph. Archived from the original on 3 October 2011. Retrieved 6 June 2009.
  7. "Nuneaton Borough History" (PDF). fromtowntotown.org.uk. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  8. "End of the line, admits Kevin". coventrytelegraph. 13 April 2008. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  9. Live, Coventry (15 April 2008). "Taylor's tilt at league career". coventrytelegraph. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  10. "Worcester Students Aiming for England Universities Selection". worc.ac.uk. 19 December 2007. Archived from the original on 16 December 2009. Retrieved 6 June 2009.
  11. "First summer signings for Sinnott". BBC Sport. 29 April 2008. Retrieved 11 August 2008.
  12. "Luton 1–3 Port Vale". BBC Sport. 9 August 2008. Retrieved 11 August 2008.
  13. "Vale winger Taylor eyes new start". BBC Sport. 22 May 2009. Retrieved 22 May 2009.
  14. Tideswell, Martin (28 August 2009). "Port Vale Sentinel: Vale serve up a night to remember". The Sentinel. Retrieved 28 August 2009.
  15. "Port Vale 2–0 Sheff Wed". BBC Sport. 25 August 2009. Retrieved 28 August 2009.
  16. Owen, Jon (12 May 2010). "Port Vale: Griffith takes home top accolade". The Sentinel. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
  17. "Port Vale: Taylor sets scoring target". The Sentinel. 29 August 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2009.
  18. Shaw, Steve (14 September 2009). "Port Vale: Taylor out to prove doubters wrong". The Sentinel. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
  19. "Taylor still developing – Adams". BBC Sport. 14 September 2009. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
  20. "Adams puts Vale squad up for sale". BBC Sport. 27 September 2009. Retrieved 27 September 2009.
  21. Shaw, Steve (29 December 2009). "Port Vale: Taylor hits decisive goal ... then gets his marching orders". The Sentinel. Retrieved 29 December 2009.
  22. Shaw, Steve (14 January 2010). "Port Vale: Taylor extends deal until 2012". The Sentinel. Retrieved 14 January 2010.
  23. "Taylor agrees two-year Vale deal". BBC Sport. 15 January 2010. Retrieved 15 January 2010.
  24. "Port Vale: Taylor aims to repay Vale's faith in his raw talent". The Sentinel. 16 January 2010. Retrieved 16 January 2010.
  25. "Blow for Taylor". port-vale.co.uk. 19 October 2010. Retrieved 20 October 2010.
  26. "Port Vale: Rob Taylor looks to kick-start season". The Sentinel. 20 November 2010. Retrieved 20 November 2010.
  27. "Burnley 4 - 2 Port Vale". BBC Sport. 8 January 2011. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
  28. "Port Vale 3 - 2 Bradford". BBC Sport. 13 September 2011. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
  29. "Port Vale: Duo doubtful for Bradford trip". The Sentinel. 17 February 2012. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  30. "Four players put pen to paper on new deals". The Sentinel. 21 May 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  31. "Rob Taylor back and ready to fly again". The Sentinel. 31 August 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  32. Baggaley, Mike (22 August 2013). "Port Vale welcome back injured duo". The Sentinel. Retrieved 22 August 2013.
  33. Baggaley, Mike (23 November 2013). "Crewe 1-2 Port Vale". The Sentinel. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 24 November 2013.
  34. "Upson downs Valiants with silky display". The Sentinel. 27 January 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  35. "Micky Adams announces retained list". Port Vale FC. 2 May 2014.
  36. "Rob Taylor: Mansfield Town sign former Port Vale left-back". BBC Sport. 5 August 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
  37. "Mansfield Town sell Rob Taylor to Tranmere Rovers". Nottingham Post. 13 January 2015. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  38. "Tranmere Rovers sign Rob Taylor and Lee Molyneux". BBC Sport. 13 January 2015. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  39. Hilton, Nick (6 May 2015). "Tranmere Rovers release seven players". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 15 May 2015.
  40. "Left-sider signed up..." harriers.co.uk. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 7 August 2015.
  41. "Rob Taylor and George Obusu leave Kidderminste". footballexclusives.com. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
  42. Shaw, Steve (14 September 2009). "Port Vale: Turnaround for Taylor is proof of a rejuvenated Valiants". Retrieved 14 September 2009.
  43. Shaw, Steve (23 April 2011). "Port Vale: Taylor already dreaming of Old Trafford date". The Sentinel. Retrieved 23 April 2011.
  44. "Wanted Down Under - Series 12: 15. Taylor Family". Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  45. "Nuneaton Borough 2007-2008Blue Square North" (PDF). fromtowntotown.org.uk. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
  46. "Games played by Rob Taylor in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  47. "Games played by Rob Taylor in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  48. "Games played by Rob Taylor in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  49. "Games played by Rob Taylor in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  50. "Games played by Rob Taylor in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  51. "Games played by Rob Taylor in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  52. "Games played by Rob Taylor in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  53. "Games played by Rob Taylor in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  54. Sherwin, Phil; Johnson, Dave (2013), Port Vale This Side Up: 2012-2013 Promotion Celebration, BGL, ISBN 978-0-9926579-0-1
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