The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
A model pro leaves the ABAX
Popular defender Steven Taylor has left Posh for a career on the other side of the world. Taylor (32) has joined Wellington Phoenix who are the only New Zealand-based club to compete in the Australia dominated ‘A’ League.
Taylor was deemed surplus to requirements by Posh boss Steve Evans at the end of last season despite a decent first season at the ABAX Stadium. The centre-back made 51 appearances, scoring four goals. “Steven Taylor has been a model professional from the minute he walked through the door,” Posh director of football Barry Fry said. “He was a very geniune, popular man in the dressing room and among all the staff. He also played well for the most part.
“He was one of, if not the best, paid players at the club, but he didn’t want to sit around on his contract, he wanted to find a new club. He leaves with all ouir best wishes.”
Taylor insists it was a move he couldn’t turn down.
“As soon as I was aware of the interest, I knew it was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up,” the former Newcastle player said. “I was in New Zealand in 2014 as part of the Football United Tour when we played in Dunedin and Wellington and I loved the country then.
“I know I am joining an exciting project as well as playing in one of the best leagues in the world in the A-League.”
Taylor has also played for Ipswich and endured a brief, unsuccessful spell in the United States before joining Posh last summer. The Posh League One fixture at Coventry has been moved forward a day to Friday, November 23 (7.45pm kick-off ) as the Ricoh Stadium is required for a Wasps rugby union fixture on November 24.