CITY READY TO TINKER WITH STARLET TAYLOR
Youngster could be heading out on loan again after impressing with Pirates
CONNOR Taylor will be trying to keep up a remarkable rate of development when he clocks in for pre-season training back at Stoke City later this month.
The 20-year-old centre-back was a late bloomer and only joined Stoke’s academy system at under18s level.
He has since made huge leaps playing youth football and a succession of loans, each higher up the pyramid culminating with a star turn in Bristol Rovers’ League Two promotion.
It is understood there are League One clubs on alert in case Michael O’neill decides his progress is best suited to another loan – but everyone has learnt not to rule anything out with Taylor.
Academy director Gareth Owen said: “Connor was in Stafford Rangers’ scholar programme when we picked him up, he came in on trial and joined us as a second-year scholar.
“He was in and out of the under18s getting used to full-time football and improving in certain areas. He didn’t really attack the ball well enough in the air and was improving one-v-one.
“We got him some extra games and he played for Newcastle Town in that first year while he was getting up speed. Then he got into the 23s, had experience out on loan at Ashton and Chester and then to Bristol Rovers, where he has had an outstanding season.
“So how far can we get him? Every time we have put a pathway in front of him he has taken the challenge and gone up to the next level. The biggest challenge will be to ultimately cement a first team place at Stoke.
“His progress is all credit to him and his family who have trusted us with his development.
“When I saw him play this season you can see his ability in the air has got considerably better – playing in League Two has helped bring that on.
“He’s still good on the ball, as he was when he came through the door, while being on loan has helped his leadership skills.
“He’s athletic and he has a good physique so it’s been about improving his heading, his organising and ability to play week in, week out in front of a crowd.
“Connor has loved living away from home and loved the whole season. Then he was back to cheer on our under-23s in the play-off final. Credit to him.”
Taylor was one of a group of young players who took a chance on loan.
Owen said:
“We look at loan appearances because they are an important stepping stone either for an opportunity
here or to develop players as a whole. It’s a collective effort too, lobbying agents and managers. Me, Kev Russell, Andy Cousins, Rory Delap and the manager have helped with moves.
“We all want what’s best for the players, to push them and help them reach their potential.”