Excited Taylor Raring to Go Friday, 3rd Feb 2017 06:00 Town new boy Steven Taylor believes he can help to transform the club’s fortunes and allay fears of a relegation battle. The experienced former Newcastle defender is at Portman Road until the end of the season after returning to England following a few months in the USA with Major League Soccer side the Portland Timbers. Taylor, 31, didn’t take long to prove to Town boss Mick McCarthy that he still had plenty to offer after a short trial period and now wants nothing more than to make his Ipswich debut. “I can’t wait to get going,” he said. “When I first came in here it was like your first day at school when you are getting to know everybody’s names. “It’s been exciting and I’ve been waiting for a good challenge like this to come along. I don’t see this as a relegation battle — don’t sulk and don’t hide, that’s the big thing. Accept it and get on with it. “I came down here last week and trained with the boys straight away, got involved in a few 11 v 11 games and I’m feeling in good shape. I’m just raring to go now. “You can train as much as you want but it’s games that get you fit. The international clearance has come through from America and I’m ready to go. “There was some interest in me from clubs in Europe — things were quite close to happening — and there was also interest from Championship clubs over here. “The fact that Mick McCarthy spoke to me straight away made a big impact on me. “He wanted me down here and looking at the squad — the sort of players they are and the style of play — it’s perfect for me and suits me. “They’re going through a blip at the moment but you are always going to get that at any club. “I wasn’t really tempted to go and play in Europe. For me, there’s nothing better anywhere than the English game. I’ve played all my career at Newcastle, mainly in the Premier League but we did have a spell in the Championship as well. “I know what they say about it — there’s no easy games, anybody can beat anyone and it’s physical. “I want to be a part of it and I’ve got a real buzz for it. It’s going to be good and I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait to get started, win a few games and get us up the table.” Taylor, who represented England at U16, U17, U20, U21 and B international levels, was asked if he was confident he still had plenty to offer. He replied: “Yes, definitely, 100 per cent. I’ve looked after myself well and when I went out to America I played every game out there and trained every day. “I had a good run and I knew after playing the games out there that I still had a lot to give. “That’s why I came back to England. I played under Bobby Robson, who was always well respected and is a legend at this football club, and there are players like Titus Bramble, Kieron Dyer and Darren Ambrose, who also came from Ipswich and played alongside me at Newcastle. “They all speak so highly of Ipswich as a top English club and I’m looking forward to establishing myself here.”
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