Taylor return no-brainer for Dons boss, says Irvine

Former Aberdeen defender Brian Irvine insists bringing Ash Taylor back to Pittodrie is a no-brainer for Dons boss Derek McInnes.

Former Don Taylor was back in the Granite City earlier this week to discuss a possible return to the club after agreeing his release from Northampton Town.

Ross County coach Irvine understands why former Wales under-21 international Taylor, who spent three years at Pittodrie, is being targeted by his old manager.

He said: “It’s a no-brainer that Aberdeen are trying to bring him back.

“The Dons are not Celtic or Rangers. They have to work in the free agent and loan market more often than not and I can see why Derek under those circumstances is looking at tried and trusted players he knows.

“The appeal to any manager is knowing what they are getting and it’s only natural Derek is interested in a player who has done so well for him I applaud him looking at bringing Taylor back as he is a proven commodity from his last spell at the club.

“I can see why Derek is keen on bringing him back to the club. He played every week when he was at the club in his first spell and did really well. He was also captain of the club he joined after leaving the Dons too and at 28 he should be reaching the peak years of his career.”

The news of Taylor being a signing target at Pittodrie has been greeted with a mixed reception by the Dons supporters.

Irvine understands their desire for new faces but believes Taylor would be a shrewd acquisition for Aberdeen should he return to the club this summer.

He said: “It makes sense for the manager to look at players he knows. When I played a lot of clubs followed the mantra of ‘you should never go back’ but some work out well, some don’t.

“That is why I understand why some fans are not convinced. They want the excitement of a new signing as it feels fresh and new and Derek is never going to convince everyone with any signing he makes never mind a former player.

“But you’ve seen Russell Anderson come back and captain the team to the League Cup while at Ross County Michael Gardyne and Don Cowie have come back and played big roles for the club.

“I watched Taylor most weeks when I was working as an ambassador at Aberdeen and was very impressed. His height makes him a very commanding presence in the air.

“His use of the ball was also very good and he showed he can be an attacking threat too.”