Steven Taylor

Steven Taylor is a 35-year-old English-born defender, who is entering his fourth season with the Wellington Phoenix. > History Wellington Phoenix signed the ex-Newcastle United and England defender, Steven Taylor, in July 2018. Taylor has had an illustrious career to date, including his 194 appearances for Newcastle United in the Premier League before going on to join Portland Timbers in the MLS and Ipswich Town and Peterborough United in the English Football League. Taylor also won the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2006 before winning the Football League Championship in the 2009/10 season, both while with Newcastle United FC. > 1920/20 Season In his first season as Phoenix captain, Taylor helped lead the squad to a historic third-place finish in the A-League. Taylor appeared in all 26 matches, scoring a goal and leading the A-League in total Blocks. > 2020/21 Season 35-year-old Taylor re-joined the Phoenix in March 2021 following a stint with Oshida FC in the Indian Super League, playing in 12 matches – including 10 starts - in the 2020/21 season. In the eight matches that Taylor started and played the full 90 minutes, the Phoenix were unbeaten during this time (4W, 4D) with the Club conceding an average of 0.75 goals per game – an improvement on the Club’s average of 1.36 goals conceded on the season. Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay says that it is often the intangibles that define Taylor’s impact on the field. “Tayls is a leader for us first and foremost; he brings us that experience, determination and passion on the field that helps everyone on the squad to lift their games,” says Talay. “He’s someone we know we can rely on to bring it 100% every match and solidify our backline – our defence and decision-making is simply better when he plays. > 2021/22 Season The Phoenix announced in June 2021 that Taylor had re-signed with the Club on a one-year deal – ensuring he returns for his fourth season as a key member of the Nix. Taylor says that the Wellington Phoenix and its fanbase has a special place in his heart, which made re-signing an easy decision for him. “Coming back [to the Phoenix] was a no-brainer for me, I want to be around these guys again so I’m delighted to be here next season,” says Taylor. “I had a good chat with the Manager [Ufuk Talay] and he’s been class all the way through; I love the style of play that we play, I love the Phoenix fans and the boys in the squad. “I don’t want the Phoenix to be on the fringes of the playoffs every season; I want us to be guaranteed in the top six and challenging for the top two, so that’s my goal and the Club’s goal for next season.”