Rob Taylor (footballer, born 1985)
{{short description|English footballer}}
{{similar names|Robert Taylor (disambiguation){{!}}Robert Taylor}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Rob Taylor
| image = Rob Taylor.JPG
| caption = Taylor in Port Vale colours (September 2010)
| upright = 0.75
| fullname = Robert James Taylor{{Hugman|25518|accessdate=9 March 2017}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|1|16|df=y}}
| birth_place = Shrewsbury, England{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Tame-Shrews-endorse-promotion/story-13349913-detail/story.html|title=Port Vale: Tame Shrews and we can endorse our promotion credentials, says Taylor|date=17 September 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=17 September 2011}}
| death_date =
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=7}}
| position = Wing-back; midfielder; forward
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 =
| years1 = 2004 | clubs1 = Redditch United | caps1 = | goals1 =
| years2 = 2004–2005| clubs2 = Solihull Borough | caps2 = | goals2 =
| years3 = 2005–2006| clubs3 = Evesham United | caps3 = | goals3 =
| years4 = 2006–2008| clubs4 = Redditch United | caps4 = | goals4 =
| years5 = 2008 | clubs5 = Nuneaton Borough | caps5 = 8 | goals5 = 2
| years6 = 2008–2014| clubs6 = Port Vale | caps6 = 159| goals6 = 15
| years7 = 2014–2015| clubs7 = Mansfield Town | caps7 = 16 | goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2015 | clubs8 = Tranmere Rovers | caps8 = 15 | goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2015 | clubs9 = Kidderminster Harriers | caps9 = 0 | goals9 = 0
| totalcaps = 198| totalgoals = 17
}}
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.
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 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 six years and signed with Mansfield Town in August 2014. He moved on to Tranmere Rovers in January 2015 and then Kidderminster Harriers eight months later.
Career
=Early career=
Taylor started his career at Redditch United, joining as a 19-year-old in May 2004.{{cite news |title=Holl-is back at Redditch |url=https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/7536370.holl-is-back-at-redditch/ |access-date=11 July 2020 |work=Worcester News |date=26 May 2004 |language=en}} 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,{{cite web|url=http://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/article.asp?aid=2588&iid=61&sud=249|title=Taylor Joins Nuneaton|last=White|first=Andy|date=15 February 2008|work=The Non-League Paper|access-date=6 June 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717020913/http://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/article.asp?aid=2588&iid=61&sud=249|archive-date=17 July 2011}} where he was a consistently good performer in the division.{{cite web|url=http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/coventry-warwickshire-sport/coventry-warwickshire-non-league-footbal/nuneaton-borough-fc/2008/04/16/taylor-s-tilt-at-league-career-92746-20770957/|title=Taylor's tilt at league career|last=Brown|first=Derek|date=16 April 2008|work=Coventry Telegraph|access-date=6 June 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003143633/http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/coventry-warwickshire-sport/coventry-warwickshire-non-league-footbal/nuneaton-borough-fc/2008/04/16/taylor-s-tilt-at-league-career-92746-20770957/|archive-date=3 October 2011}} He signed with Nuneaton on non-contract terms in February 2008. He made his debut as a substitute in a 1–0 win over Alfreton Town at Liberty Way on 1 March.{{cite web |title=Nuneaton Borough History |url=http://www.fromtowntotown.org.uk/assets/nuneaton-borough-2000-2008-part-2.pdf |website=fromtowntotown.org.uk |access-date=11 July 2020}} He went on to make eight appearances for "Boro", scoring goals against Kettering Town and Hucknall Town. Manager Kevin Wilkin said that "Rob is competent and a good signing".{{cite news |title=End of the line, admits Kevin |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/end-line-admits-kevin-3099088.amp |access-date=11 July 2020 |work=coventrytelegraph |date=13 April 2008 |language=en}} 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".{{cite news |last1=Live |first1=Coventry |title=Taylor's tilt at league career |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/taylors-tilt-at-league-career-3099271 |access-date=11 July 2020 |work=coventrytelegraph |date=15 April 2008}}
=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.{{cite web|url=http://www.worc.ac.uk/about/news/9519.html|title=Worcester Students Aiming for England Universities Selection|date=19 December 2007|work=worc.ac.uk|access-date=6 June 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091216070147/http://www.worc.ac.uk/about/news/9519.html|archive-date=16 December 2009}} After a successful trial with Port Vale, where he scored in a reserve team outing, manager Lee Sinnott signed him up on a two-year deal in readiness for the 2008–09 season.{{cite news| title = First summer signings for Sinnott| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/7373498.stm| work = BBC Sport| date = 29 April 2008| access-date = 11 August 2008}} He scored on his Vale debut in a 3–1 victory against Luton Town.{{cite news| title = Luton 1–3 Port Vale| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7541153.stm| work = BBC Sport| date = 9 August 2008| access-date =11 August 2008}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8062886.stm|title=Vale winger Taylor eyes new start |date=22 May 2009|work=BBC Sport|access-date=22 May 2009}}
During the start of the 2009–10 season, under new manager Micky Adams, Taylor found himself in the first-team and a fan favourite.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/portvale/Port-Vale-Sentinel-Vale-serve-night-remember/article-1291545-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale Sentinel: Vale serve up a night to remember|last=Tideswell|first=Martin|date=28 August 2009|work=The Sentinel|access-date=28 August 2009}} He played in the League Cup "Sheffield double" defeats of both Championship sides, also scoring past Wednesday.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8205222.stm|title= Port Vale 2–0 Sheff Wed|date=25 August 2009|work=BBC Sport|access-date=28 August 2009}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Griffith-takes-home-accolade/article-2145856-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Griffith takes home top accolade|last=Owen|first=Jon|date=12 May 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=12 May 2010}} In August he set himself a target of ten goals for the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/portvale/Port-Vale-Taylor-sets-scoring-target/article-1294870-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Taylor sets scoring target|date=29 August 2009|work=The Sentinel|access-date=29 August 2009}} Under Adams, Taylor was utilized in an attacking role, rather than his original role as left-back/left midfielder.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/sport/Port-Vale-Taylor-prove-doubters-wrong/article-1334304-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Taylor out to prove doubters wrong|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=14 September 2009|work=The Sentinel|access-date=14 September 2009}}
{{Blockquote|"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.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8253020.stm|title=Taylor still developing – Adams |date=14 September 2009|work=BBC Sport|access-date=14 September 2009}}}}
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.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8277136.stm|title=Adams puts Vale squad up for sale |date=27 September 2009|work=BBC Sport|access-date=27 September 2009}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/portvale/Port-Vale-Taylor-hits-decisive-goal-gets-marching-orders/article-1652815-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Taylor hits decisive goal ... then gets his marching orders|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=29 December 2009|work=The Sentinel|access-date=29 December 2009}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/portvale/Port-Vale-Taylor-extends-deal-2012/article-1709377-detail/article.html#StartComments|title=Port Vale: Taylor extends deal until 2012|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=14 January 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=14 January 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8461241.stm|title=Taylor agrees two-year Vale deal |date=15 January 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=15 January 2010}} Adams said that he gave Taylor the contract to avoid other clubs making attempts to tempt him away from Vale Park.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/portvale/Port-Vale-Taylor-aims-repay-Vale-s-faith-raw-talent/article-1717441-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Taylor aims to repay Vale's faith in his raw talent|date=16 January 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=16 January 2010}}
Taylor found himself in the treatment room after tearing his hamstring in only his second start of the 2010–11 campaign.{{cite web|url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2189475,00.html|title=Blow for Taylor|date=19 October 2010|work=port-vale.co.uk|access-date=20 October 2010}} After recovering earlier than expected he aimed to regain his first-team place.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Rob-Taylor-looks-kick-start-season/article-2916364-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Rob Taylor looks to kick-start season|date=20 November 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=20 November 2010}} On 8 January he scored a brace past Championship side Burnley in Vale's 4–2 FA Cup defeat at Turf Moor.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9341762.stm|title=Burnley 4 - 2 Port Vale|date=8 January 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=8 January 2011}} These would be two of only three goals that season. However, 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 Football League Trophy tie with Tranmere Rovers, he cemented his first-team place with a brace against Bradford City in the league.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14799500.stm|title=Port Vale 3 - 2 Bradford|date=13 September 2011|work=BBC Sport|access-date=13 September 2011}} However, he picked up an Achilles injury in February that left him unfit to play.{{cite news|title=Port Vale: Duo doubtful for Bradford trip|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Duo-doubtful-Bradford-trip/story-15223854-detail/story.html|access-date=17 February 2012|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=17 February 2012}} 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.{{cite news|title=Four players put pen to paper on new deals|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-players-pen-paper-new-deals/story-16143964-detail/story.html|access-date=21 May 2012|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=21 May 2012}} He missed all of the 2012–13 pre-season training with a calf injury.{{cite news|title=Rob Taylor back and ready to fly again|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Rob-Taylor-ready-fly/story-16798714-detail/story.html|access-date=31 August 2012|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=31 August 2012}} 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.{{cite news|last=Baggaley|first=Mike|title=Port Vale welcome back injured duo|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-welcome-injured-duo/story-19695333-detail/story.html#axzz2cRbjK7P0|access-date=22 August 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=22 August 2013}} 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.{{cite news|last=Baggaley|first=Mike|title=Crewe 1-2 Port Vale|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Match-Report-Crewe-1-2-Port-Vale/story-20167728-detail/story.html|access-date=24 November 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=23 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203004629/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Match-Report-Crewe-1-2-Port-Vale/story-20167728-detail/story.html#|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=dead}} He made a further three appearances before missing six weeks from mid-December onwards with a thigh injury.{{cite news|title=Upson downs Valiants with silky display|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Upson-downs-Valiants-silky-display/story-20503960-detail/story.html|access-date=27 January 2014|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=27 January 2014}} He was released by the club in the summer, ending a six-year stay at Vale Park.{{Cite web |title=Micky Adams announces retained list |url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20140502-retained-list-1521609.aspx |work=Port Vale FC |date=2 May 2014}}
=Mansfield Town=
Taylor signed with League Two club Mansfield Town in August 2014 after impressing manager Paul Cox on trial.{{cite news|title=Rob Taylor: Mansfield Town sign former Port Vale left-back|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28663783|access-date=6 August 2014|work=BBC Sport|date=5 August 2014}} 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.{{cite news|title=Mansfield Town sell Rob Taylor to Tranmere Rovers|url=http://www.nottinghampost.com/Mansfield-Town-sell-Rob-Taylor-Tranmere-Rovers/story-25847279-detail/story.html|access-date=13 January 2015|work=Nottingham Post|date=13 January 2015|archive-date=5 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705211309/http://www.nottinghampost.com/Mansfield-Town-sell-Rob-Taylor-Tranmere-Rovers/story-25847279-detail/story.html|url-status=dead}}
=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.{{cite news|title=Tranmere Rovers sign Rob Taylor and Lee Molyneux|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30798401|access-date=13 January 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=13 January 2015}} 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.{{cite news|last1=Hilton|first1=Nick|title=Tranmere Rovers release seven players|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/tranmere-rovers-release-seven-players-9194274|access-date=15 May 2015|work=Liverpool Echo|date=6 May 2015}}
=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.{{cite web|title=Left-sider signed up...|url=http://www.harriers.co.uk/news/article/defender-rob-taylor-signs-non-contract-terms-with-kidderminster-2599625.aspx|website=harriers.co.uk|access-date=7 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924025046/http://www.harriers.co.uk/news/article/defender-rob-taylor-signs-non-contract-terms-with-kidderminster-2599625.aspx#|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}} An ankle injury prevented him from playing however, and he left Aggborough in December.{{cite web|title=Rob Taylor and George Obusu leave Kidderminste|url=http://footballexclusives.com/rob-taylor-and-george-obusu-leave-kidderminster/#.V0Nsj762HIE|website=footballexclusives.com|access-date=23 May 2016}}
Style of play
An attacking left-sided player, he was known for his pace and ability to beat defenders.{{cite news|url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10381~43764,00.html|title=Name: Robert Taylor|work=port-vale.co.uk|access-date=6 August 2011}}
Personal life
Taylor holds a degree in Sports science from the University of Worcester.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/sport/Match-analysis-Aldershot-1-Port-Vale-1/article-1333955-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Turnaround for Taylor is proof of a rejuvenated Valiants|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=14 September 2009|access-date=14 September 2009}} He is a Manchester United supporter.{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/vale/portvalenews/Port-Vale-Taylor-dreaming-Old-Trafford-date/article-3482007-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Taylor already dreaming of Old Trafford date|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=23 April 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=23 April 2011}} In January 2018, he appeared on the BBC's Wanted Down Under, where he and wife Selina decided to emigrate to Australia.{{cite web|title=Wanted Down Under - Series 12: 15. Taylor Family|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b09pr73n/wanted-down-under-series-12-15-taylor-family#|access-date=30 January 2018}}
Career statistics
{{notelist}}
Honours
References
{{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Taylor, Rob}}
Category:Footballers from Shrewsbury
Category:Alumni of the University of Worcester
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football utility players
Category:Men's association football fullbacks
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:Evesham United F.C. players
Category:Solihull Borough F.C. players
Category:Redditch United F.C. players
Category:Nuneaton Town F.C. players
Category:Port Vale F.C. players
Category:Mansfield Town F.C. players
Category:Tranmere Rovers F.C. players
Category:Kidderminster Harriers F.C. players
Category:Southern Football League players
Category:National League (English football) players