Taylor: No problems with Andy Carroll

Jul 17 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

STEVEN Taylor has sought to draw a line under speculation surrounding his Newcastle United future by insisting there is no lingering ill will between him and team-mate Andy Carroll.

Addressing the issue of his relationship with Carroll for the first time since reports emerged of a serious training ground altercation between the pair, Taylor says he has a “great understanding” with the England Under-21 striker.

It was claimed that Taylor was left with a broken jaw after a training ground bust-up in March – claims that were consistently met with a firm ‘no comment’ by Newcastle United officials. Taylor missed the second half of the season through injury.

With togetherness very much the theme of the moment at St James’ Park, Taylor is understandably reluctant to dredge up an issue that was the subject of much speculation last season.

The former England Under-21 defender admits it was “difficult” to hear some of the wilder rumours circulating the city but agreed with the club’s ‘no comment’ policy – which he believes helped the players stick together.

“What I can say about it is ‘Don’t believe everything you’ve read and heard’,” he said.

“We have a fantastic team bond and everyone is happy. I’ve not got a problem with anyone at the football club.

“People reading all of that stuff about me and Andy were probably amazed to see us standing together on the podium at the end of the season, but we’ve got a great understanding.

“There’s a fantastic team spirit at Newcastle United and no one wants to put that under threat.”

Taylor believes that United are in a “new era” and have moved on from the days when they were constantly buffeted by scandal and speculation.

He says his decision not to address the rumours at the time was a conscious one – and points to the trouble-free way that they clinched the Championship as proof that it was the right way to go.