Steven Taylor Missed More Than Expected?

Steven Taylor turned 26 on Monday and has taken his first steps on the long road to recovery from what is pretty nasty injury.

After rupturing his Achilles at the start of December I find it hard to believe he will make it back this season but Taylor has stated that’s his aim and I wouldn’t put it past him having seen his wholehearted approach to Newcastle United over the years.

Taylor travelled over to Tenerife with the rest of the squad and as always, he spoke positively (to NUFC TV) with regard to getting back into full fitness;

“The leg is getting better. It’s the first day today that I’ve been out of the protective boot and into a normal trainer for a little bit. It was a bit weird because I’m having to learn how to walk again. It’s baby steps and is all in the head.

I think it’s going to take about three weeks before I’m walking again properly, which is a nice thought. So I’m back and starting the long road to recovery now. I find watching the lads the most difficult thing, especially the home games – they are even worse. It kills me because I want to be playing.

The way I see it is that when you’re out on that pitch you’re a somebody, but when you’re not playing or injured then you’re a nobody – that’s my opinion. In my mind I’m a nobody at the moment and just want to get back out there, doing what I do best. The one thing you can’t buy is time. This has to be left to heal and when it feels good I’ll be ready”.

I’ve always thought a section of our support have had a real downer on Taylor, which to me stems from his wholehearted confident approach combined with being a local lad and fan, which some perceive as arrogance.

I’ve had many an argument sticking up for Steven Taylor and find it quite bizarre that some supporters still want to believe that Mike Williamson is a better player!

Williamson seems one of the good guys but surely in the long-term can’t be anything more than a squad player at most, if we aspire to better things.

This season, with and without Steven Taylor, should tell all fans just how much we miss Taylor when he isn’t there.