Head Coach, Ufuk Talay has confirmed that Wellington Phoenix Defender, Steven Taylor will Captain the club for the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 including the FFA Cup campaign.
Taylor, 33, is vastly experienced having appeared in over 200 Premier League games for Newcastle United across a thirteen-year period until 2016.
The centre-back has been assigned the captaincy throughout his club and international career, including England U-21 where he helped his side to a two-year unbeaten run.
A natural leader on the pitch, Taylor is extremely proud to be the new Wellington Phoenix captain ahead of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 and FFA Cup campaigns.
“It is an incredible honour for me in my career to Captain this club.
“The Manager announced it before our first pre-season game and it made me very proud to know I’ll be leading this team,” Taylor commented.
At English Premier League side Newcastle United, Taylor played under captains including Alan Shearer, Gary Speed and Fabricio Coloccini, all of whom were a huge influence on his career.
“You expect a Captain to lead from the front and give 100% effort in every game so I will make sure to set that example.
“This club has had some outstanding captains and I look to that legacy and emulate those leaders.”
Taylor is excited by the amount of talent around him as he prepares for the new season.
“I’m around hungry players who want to win and it reminds me of the never die mentality that we had at Newcastle United,” Taylor added.
Alongside his appearances in the Premier League, Taylor tasted success in Europe, reaching two Quarter finals in the UEFA Cup and winning the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2006.
More recently, Taylor played a huge part in the club’s run to the finals with his 22 appearances helping Wellington Phoenix reach their first finals position in four seasons.
Head Coach Ufuk Talay, believed the amount of experience that Taylor possessed made it an obvious choice.
“Steven has enjoyed football at the highest level in the Premier League and now carries the experience of a year in the Hyundai A-League so he will be the perfect leader.
“He has shown to be a real professional on and off the field and will be a mentor to the young players within the squad.”
Wellington Phoenix Captain, Steven Taylor will be supported by midfielder, Alex Rufer who has been named vice-captain.
