Ryan Taylor wants a fresh start at Newcastle

Jul 25 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

In order to become the club’s first-choice right-back he will have to oust Habib Beye – if the Senegal defender sticks around long enough to see in the new season.

Beye is attracting interest from Portsmouth and Greek side

Panathinaikos and has made it known that he is looking to move on from the chaos at Newcastle United.

His hopes of doing that may be affected by an unofficial transfer ‘embargo’ enforced by the United hierarchy.

But a focused Taylor would be in pole position to take over if Beye did depart – and reverting to a defensive role would suit him.

“My aim is to be the club’s first-choice right-back. It’s going to be difficult because of the quality in the squad but I’m nearly 25 years old and I’ve realised I want to settle down in one position.

“I’ve played in numerous roles in the past – left midfield, right midfield.

“I’ll do it but I want one position only and that is right-back – and I’ll do everything I can to force the manager to force my way into the team.

“All of the managers I’ve played under at Newcastle have their own opinions of where I’m best. I want them to see the player I was when I was 18-19, growing up as a right-back, that’s my best spot.

“I’ve never been in a settled position since I came here whereas if you get ten games under your belt you become settled and understand your role much better.”

Meanwhile, United fans will make their feelings known when Alan Shearer returns to St James’s Park this weekend for Sir Bobby Robson’s charity match tomorrow.

Despite an admission by friend Rob Lee that Shearer is “frustrated”, the legendary United number nine is still as determined as ever to regain control at St James’s Park.

And the reaction of the large number of Newcastle fans expected to pack the stadium will help hammer home the fact that he is the majority choice to take over.