An insight into Bradford City’s new signing Paul Taylor

Yesterday, Bradford City announced the signing of Paul Taylor on a one-year deal. The striker was released from Peterborough United at the end of last season.

The Liverpudlian played youth football for Everton and Liverpool but failed to establish himself at either side. The striker then moved to Manchester City and after a year at the Etihad, he moved to Vauxhall Motors.

The 29-year-old enjoyed a prolific season with the non-league team. He scored 17 goals in 32 appearances before eventually attracting interest from Football League side Chester City.

Taylor’s time at Chester didn’t work out and he returned to Vauxhall Motors. The striker was banned from football for six months after failing a drugs test and then went to play football in Belgium.

The striker joined Belgian side Montegnée and scored 13 goals in 18 matches prompting Anderlecht to sign the striker. The 29-year-old was sent out on loan to Charleroi on loan where he made ten appearances but eventually, he returned back to England.

Taylor signed for Peterborough United in 2011 and enjoyed a prolific season, scoring 12 goals in 48 appearances for the Posh. His pace, dynamic runs and eye for goal up top for Peterborough United began to attract potential suitors. The striker’s consistent performances saw Ipswich Town bid £1.5 million for his services which Peterborough then accepted.

Upon signing for Ipswich, he struggled to settle and recapture his goalscoring form after suffering an injury. The striker only made 16 appearances for the Tractorboys scoring on just one occasion. He then returned to Peterborough on loan to recapture his fitness in 2013 for just six matches. The striker also had two loan spells at Rotherham United and Blackburn Rovers where he made a combined total of 22 appearances, failing to score for both sides.

Last season, Peterborough United resigned the five-foot-seven striker for the third time. Taylor made 39 appearances in League One scoring three times and struggled to score a plethora of goals. Taylor’s injury woes are behind him in the past.

How will Taylor fit in?

The Bantams have now brought him to Valley Parade as a replacement for Billy Clarke.

Taylor’s is hard working, quick and can get in and behind the defence. Billy Clarke often spent last season playing in the hole behind the strikers, creating space. Taylor differs as he will be the man running into space. With Charlie Wyke and Alex Jones expected to make up the Bantams main striking partnership, Taylor can offer something from the bench.

In the event that Bradford need pace and width down the wing, McCall could move Taylor to the left-hand side of a front three. With Taylor’s pace and positivity, if he can get past defenders quickly he could offer quality service for Charlie Wyke up front. A front three of Jones, Wyke and Taylor would offer pace from either side and height in the middle and could prove to bring goals to the Bantams line-up.

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