The Wellington Phoenix coach Mark Rudan has made a statement of intent by luring one-time Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor to the A-League club.
A veteran of 194 English Premier League appearances, Taylor brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to the Phoenix.
The 32-year-old is Rudan's first player-signing since being unveiled as coach six weeks ago, following through with a promise to set his sights high with player recruitment.
"Steven is a significant signing for the football club in what we are trying to create," Rudan said.
"He brings a huge amount of experience and strong leadership. We expect Steven to be a success on and off the park."
A former England under-21 captain, Taylor never played at senior level for his country. However, he did make one appearance for England B.
He enjoyed a career with Newcastle United from 2003-2016, with all but one of them being in the EPL where he forged a reputation as an industrious and reliable defender.
Steven Taylor is sent off while playing for Newcastle United against Chelsea in the English premier league in 2014. Photo: Photosport
Taylor had brief stints with Major League Soccer club Portland Timbers and English Championship club Ipswich Town before joining Peterborough United in the third-tier English Football League.
The central defender played against the Phoenix in 2014 when Newcastle played pre-season matches in Dunedin and Wellington.
"As soon as I was aware of the interest, I knew it was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up," Taylor said.
"I know that I am joining an exciting project under Mark as well as playing in one of the best leagues in the world in the A-League."
Taylor will begin training this week with his debut likely to be against Bentleigh Greens in their first round FFA Cup match in Melbourne next month.
-AAP