Newcastle’s Steven Taylor to call time on 21-year St James’ Park stay and leave club
Defender insists he has offers “in the UK and abroad” as Toon career comes to an end after being relegated last season
STEVEN TAYLOR will wave goodbye to his 21-year Newcastle stay when his contract expires at the end of June.
The Toon defender, 30, joined the club in 1995, signed a professional contract in 2003 and made his senior debut the following March, going on to rack up 268 appearances on Tyneside.
Taylor said: “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.
The centre-back’s last appearance for the Magpies came in the 5-1 thrashing of Tottenham at St James’ on the final day of last season.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez said: “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.”
“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.”
Taylor earned a scholarship with Newcastle’s Academy in July 2002 and signed his first professional contract with the club, aged 17, in July 2003.
He made his first-team debut on March 25, 2004, against Real Mallorca in the Uefa Cup and followed that up by making his first appearance in the top-flight three days later at Bolton.
Taylor won England caps from Under-16 level right through to England ‘B’ level, representing his country on 58 occasions, many as captain, and scoring seven goals.
He was called up to the full England squad for the first time for the friendly against Germany on August 22, 2007.
Injuries have hampered the defender’s final season and his last act in a Newcastle shirt was to see his beloved club relegated to the Championship.