According to Sky Sports reporter Pete Graves, former Newcastle United defender and handball enthusiast Steven Taylor has retired from professional football.
Now aged 35, Taylor made his Magpies debut in 2004 after coming through the club’s academy. He replaced Andy O’Brien in a UEFA Cup clash against Real Mallora.
That was the start of a 12-year stint in the Newcastle United first-team.
Taylor had some great moments in a black and white shirt, and some that were memorable for all the wrongs reasons.
He was the unfortunate third man to be sent off for Newcastle when they faced Aston Villa at home in 2005.
Lee Bowyer and Kieran Dyer had already seen red for fighting with each other, while Taylor was later sent off for saving a shot on the line with his hand.
To everyone’s shock, the local lad tried to get away with it, pretending the ball had struck him in the stomach. It was Oscar-worthy acting from Taylor, who hit the deck like he’d been shot. Sadly, the referee didn’t buy it and sent him off.
In total, Taylor made 268 appearances for the Magpies in all competitions.
He left the club in 2016 following relegation, joining MLS side Portland Timbers. He’s also played for Ipswich, Peterborough, Wellington Phoenix and Odisha.
The centre-back recently returned to Australia, joining Wellington Phoenix for a second spell in March 2021.
But six months later and Taylor has announced his retirement from the game. A cult figure at times, Toon fans have paid tribute to their former defender on Twitter.
Toon fans pay tribute as Steven Taylor retires and remember that incredible handball
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