Town boss Mick McCarthy has confirmed that former Newcastle United and Portland Timbers centre-half Steven Taylor is joining the Blues on a short-term deal to the end of the season. Taylor, who TWTD revealed Town were targeting last Friday, has been training with the Blues since the start of the week.

“He’s looked very good, he was a real positive influence around the place, an experienced voice," McCarthy said.

“We did two really good sessions Tuesday and Wednesday, he was involved in both and got through them no problems, he looks very fit.

“He organises the back four, he’s talker and I have to say we need a bit of that, so I’ve agreed with him to take him until the end of the season.”

He added: “He’s only 31 and you talk about centre-backs playing until they’re 35 or 36. I think he’s hungry to get back in and to prove to everybody that he can still play at least at this level. He was an outstanding centre-back for Newcastle.”

In terms of adding further to his squad before Tuesday, he said: “I hope so, we have had some had some really good bids in for players and they keep getting knocked back. But the market is so inflated.

“Everybody is hanging onto their players unless somebody says, ‘There you are, there’s an offer you can’t refuse.”

Photo: Action Images

iaintaylorx added 14:07 - Jan 26 As much as I am getting fed up with the free's and loans now, this is a good signing to be honest. Good experienced defender who reads the game really well and with Webster out for the season, it'll come in handy until Tommy is fully fit.
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jcITFC added 14:08 - Jan 26 Fair enough, I hope he does well for us. Not so sure about the ''he's only 31'' comment..
3

brendenward35 added 14:10 - Jan 26 Think the back 4 needs someone to be a real leader and organiser and I think this could be freebie that keeps us up. Hopefully get some confidence back into the team let face it they need some
9

TCisdynamite added 14:11 - Jan 26 welcome super steve
6

hampstead_blue added 14:11 - Jan 26 I think this could be a very good signing.
8

MickMillsTash added 14:11 - Jan 26 IF he stays fit - excellent at this level A good talker is something we miss with Chambers on the right, Berra seems to be quiet- would be good for Webster to play alongside him
8

rickw added 14:11 - Jan 26 With Webster and Smith injured and Berra struggling for form this is a good signing, whether you rate Taylor or not we're getting an experienced Premier League player coming in on a position where we're short at - for free!
17

NeverGoingUp added 14:12 - Jan 26 Chocolate teapot comes to mind
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Michael11 added 14:13 - Jan 26 Thought this was going to be Matty Taylor from Bristol Rovers. Shame, but welcome Steven.
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ITFC1983 added 14:13 - Jan 26
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Surco72 added 14:14 - Jan 26 Phil why is Best not being considered for rest of season ?
2

Pencilpete added 14:15 - Jan 26 Nobody can doubt this guys ability his problem has always been injuries so he is a fantastic signing for nothing IF he can stay fit
3

DoobDude added 14:15 - Jan 26 Nothing like the player you remember from 5 years ago. Terrible panic signing that perfectly sums up our current transfer policy.
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Stato added 14:17 - Jan 26 No brainer
4

blueblood_soldier added 14:24 - Jan 26 An experienced defender that can definitely add something. With Webster and smith out, that back 2 needs more competition than just digby!
3

brendenward35 added 14:26 - Jan 26 DoobDude "Nothing like the player you remember from 5 years ago. Terrible panic signing" Guy hasn't even kicked a ball for us and you already jumping to conclusions. Lets give him some game time and then decide can't be any worse than we already have?
9

Baldo88 added 14:27 - Jan 26 Like this move. If he can stay fit till end of season, he will be a useful addition. Lots of experience and a good leader
7

RoyalAscotBlue added 14:29 - Jan 26 Taylor is a right sided centre half isn't he? On the face of it this a perfectly good bit of business, but does it just mean that Chambers is going back to RB? I guess we could play Taylor in the centre of a back 3 but that system really doesn't look like it suits Berra at all.
4

legoman added 14:35 - Jan 26 Don't forget Warky was a great defender till 39 years old and that was after a demanding midfield career so 31 is a spring chicken.
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jutever added 14:37 - Jan 26 Good news....welcome COYB
6

hoppy added 14:40 - Jan 26 Could be a bit of a Mowbray type signing, who was 32 when we signed him, and then stayed playing for 5 years... I'm happy enough with this. If it doesn't work out, will just give decent cover til the end of the season at the very least.
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Chondzoresk added 14:47 - Jan 26 He may well be a decent acquisition. However, frees and loans don't get you anywhere. Sorry, I am very underwhelmed at present. Linked with every player on the planet but beggar all really happening.
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mikeybloo88 added 15:00 - Jan 26 He certainly used to be a quality player...let's be honest, he doesn't have to be that good to be better than what we've got, so i'm happy with this one.
4

planetblue_2011 added 15:01 - Jan 26 Good player, good signing! Welcome Stevie
8

cat added 15:09 - Jan 26 Fantastic signing this one, if he can stay injury free he will be a great asset to our struggling defence.
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