From the Sunday Mirror
Ryan Taylor believes his winning goal for Newcastle against Sunderland in Augustâs Tyne-Wear derby and the birth of his first child Henri have changed his life.
The Scouse utility man admits the stunning Stadium of Light free-kick dramatically transformed his status on Tyneside from relatively unknown squad player to a Geordie folk hero with his very own Toon Army signature tune.
And proud dad Taylor is also a changed man off the pitch now that his four-month-old son has become such a huge part of his life.
Taylor, again likely to feature in midfield against Aston Villa today with Yohan Cabye suspended, *insists he has never been happier, on or off the pitch.
Taylor said: âIt just shows how crazy football is â one goal in a derby that proved to be the winner has changed the way the fans are to me and changed my life.
âNo matter where I go now on *Tyneside â even if it is just out *shopping â people will come up and shake my hand and say âthank youâ for that goal.
âIt means so much to me because I know how much it means to them as well. It was one of those moments I will never forget.
âWhen I scored and looked up and saw how much it meant to the fans it was wonderful. Ever since then no matter where I am I always get reminded of it. People say you will go down in history and you donât realise how much it meant. But I am not too popular in Sunderland â I think the only time Iâll go back there is when we play them again.â
But Taylor insists a happy home life and parenthood have played a key role in shaping his best-ever Premier League season. He added: âI think being happy at home and having my first child makes you realise what life is all about. My *little boy Henri is four months now and when people say your first child is life changing â I have to agree.
âEvery day I look forward to *coming into training, but I also look forward to getting home and seeing him and having time with him *before he goes to bed. I feel I came here as a young man and now I have turned that corner. I have other *priorities now back at home.â
Taylor, 27, is ready to sign another deal at Newcastle after looking to have no future under previous Toon boss Chris Hughton. He explained: âIt was tough. It is not down to me it is down to managers and to preferences. The *manager now seems to be working well with me. I am so happy that I didnât moan or ask to leave. My patience has paid off. I have 18 months left here and I would love to stay.â
Given vows to keep emotions in check on Toon return*
Ryan Taylor believes his winning goal for Newcastle against Sunderland in Augustâs Tyne-Wear derby and the birth of his first child Henri have changed his life.
The Scouse utility man admits the stunning Stadium of Light free-kick dramatically transformed his status on Tyneside from relatively unknown squad player to a Geordie folk hero with his very own Toon Army signature tune.
And proud dad Taylor is also a changed man off the pitch now that his four-month-old son has become such a huge part of his life.
Taylor, again likely to feature in midfield against Aston Villa today with Yohan Cabye suspended, *insists he has never been happier, on or off the pitch.
Taylor said: âIt just shows how crazy football is â one goal in a derby that proved to be the winner has changed the way the fans are to me and changed my life.
âNo matter where I go now on *Tyneside â even if it is just out *shopping â people will come up and shake my hand and say âthank youâ for that goal.
âIt means so much to me because I know how much it means to them as well. It was one of those moments I will never forget.
âWhen I scored and looked up and saw how much it meant to the fans it was wonderful. Ever since then no matter where I am I always get reminded of it. People say you will go down in history and you donât realise how much it meant. But I am not too popular in Sunderland â I think the only time Iâll go back there is when we play them again.â
But Taylor insists a happy home life and parenthood have played a key role in shaping his best-ever Premier League season. He added: âI think being happy at home and having my first child makes you realise what life is all about. My *little boy Henri is four months now and when people say your first child is life changing â I have to agree.
âEvery day I look forward to *coming into training, but I also look forward to getting home and seeing him and having time with him *before he goes to bed. I feel I came here as a young man and now I have turned that corner. I have other *priorities now back at home.â
Taylor, 27, is ready to sign another deal at Newcastle after looking to have no future under previous Toon boss Chris Hughton. He explained: âIt was tough. It is not down to me it is down to managers and to preferences. The *manager now seems to be working well with me. I am so happy that I didnât moan or ask to leave. My patience has paid off. I have 18 months left here and I would love to stay.â
Given vows to keep emotions in check on Toon return*
