Former Odisha FC skipper Steven Taylor returns to Wellington Phoenix

The Englishman led the Juggernauts in what was an underwhelming season in the Indian Super League.

Former Newcastle United star Steven Taylor made a return to his former club Wellington Phoenix after a season spent in the Indian Super League with Odisha FC. The defender endured a torrid season with the Juggernauts as they finished in the last place in the regular season winning only two of their designated 20 games.

Now back with the side he led to a historic third-place finish in the A-League in 2019-20, Steven Taylor expressed delight at rejoining the club for whom he made 50 appearances in his previous spell.

"I’m looking forward to joining back up with my teammates in Wollongong and working under Uffy (Ufuk Talay) again and doing my best for the Phoenix fans back in New Zealand and across Australia," said Taylor who negotiated an early release from his contract with Odisha.

Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay also expressed his delight at the return of the veteran defender. Speaking of Taylor's imminent return, Talay answered, "Stevie (Taylor) is a class act. He’ll bring that leadership that we need in the backline, especially with Luke (DeVere) out with injury. As a player, he brings a defensive presence and as a person, he brings leadership and character to the team. He was very influential in the changing room for us and that’s what we want him to bring to the squad, in addition to his play on the field."

Steven Taylor will return to the pitch after completing the mandatory quarantine procedures. However, he has a big task on his hands upon his return. The Phoenix are currently second-bottom in the A-League table having got only eight points from their first nine games. Moreover, they have conceded 14 goals and scored just 10.