John has so much ability it’s been brilliant to link up with him
STRIKER Ryan Taylor has expressed how much he enjoys linking up with forward partner John McAtee ahead of Grimsby Town’s National League play-off final showdown with Solihull Moors tomorrow.
Both arrived at the club at the start of the season and formed a crucial partnership at the top of the pitch.
The pair combined for Taylor’s goal in Grimsby’s dramatic 5-4 play-off semi-final win over Wrexham, and the 34-year-old said he rates McAtee very highly.
“He has obviously got so much ability,” said Taylor. “Everyone has seen that he can do a bit of everything, so it has been brilliant to link up with him.
“He is a top-quality player, and I am sure there’ll be a lot of interest in him come the summer, but he has got another year left on his contract, so I don’t think he is going anywhere!
“I love playing with him, and it’ll be no different on Sunday. We’ll be looking to link up, hopefully, drive the team forward and get that victory.”
Speaking about the group as a whole, as one of the more experienced players in the dressing room, Taylor expressed his delight at how the team has performed in high-pressure situations in the last two games.
“It has been top drawer; I think to keep our cool in the two previous games going through extra time, as we have done, is a testament to the group,” he added.
“It’s a good and mature group, and I think you’ve seen that, so we need to take that confidence into this game.
“Everyone is calm, relaxed and ready to go, and we are ready.
“It’s a nice balance [of emotions], everyone is chomping at the bit and raring to go.”
Despite playing as the furthest man forward for most of the season for Town, Taylor has only managed eight goals this season
When highlighted, it was something the forward said he could’ve done better with, but he also believes he provides more to the team than just goals.
“I think I could’ve done more in patches, but ultimately if we get promoted, as a team, this season will be viewed as a huge success,” he added.
“My general play is quite good, and that is probably why I have managed to stay in the team because I probably could’ve scored more goals.
“They’ve not always come so I have to add something else and the manager has seen that and I am raring to go on Sunday.”