Taylor given Phoenix armband
Veteran defender Steven Taylor says he feels "two inches taller" after being appointed as Wellington Phoenix's new captain.
The 33-year-old former Newcastle United player is just the third permanent skipper of the club since they entered the A-League, and takes over from Andrew Durante, who had worn the captain's armband for the previous 11 years, moved to expansion club Western United in the off-season
He was head coach Ufuk Talay's choice to take over the responsibility having previously captained England age-group teams.
Taylor will take charge for the first time in a competitive game when the Phoenix face Brisbane Strikers in the FFA Cup round of 32 on Wednesday.
He described it as an "unbelievable honour" to skipper the side, adding: "You put the captain's armband on for the first pre-season game and you feel two inches taller. There's a responsibility behind it and you've got to perform with it.
"We spoke last year about our values and what we expect from each other and there won't be anyone who is quiet or shy, it's a good vocal group."
Taylor, who joined Wellington ahead of last season, says he is open to the idea of seeing out his career with the club.
"For me now long-term I see myself in Wellington building something special for both Wellington Phoenix and New Zealand Football," he added. "A lot of it is driven through Auckland but I'd like it to be driven through Wellington, especially with the Kiwi kids coming through now, the next generation."
Wellington are 25/1 to win the A-League Grand Final, while the Phoenix are 20/1 to lift the FFA Cup.
View all Soccer betting
Veteran defender Steven Taylor says he feels "two inches taller" after being appointed as Wellington Phoenix's new captain.
The 33-year-old former Newcastle United player is just the third permanent skipper of the club since they entered the A-League, and takes over from Andrew Durante, who had worn the captain's armband for the previous 11 years, moved to expansion club Western United in the off-season
He was head coach Ufuk Talay's choice to take over the responsibility having previously captained England age-group teams.
Taylor will take charge for the first time in a competitive game when the Phoenix face Brisbane Strikers in the FFA Cup round of 32 on Wednesday.
He described it as an "unbelievable honour" to skipper the side, adding: "You put the captain's armband on for the first pre-season game and you feel two inches taller. There's a responsibility behind it and you've got to perform with it.
"We spoke last year about our values and what we expect from each other and there won't be anyone who is quiet or shy, it's a good vocal group."
Taylor, who joined Wellington ahead of last season, says he is open to the idea of seeing out his career with the club.
"For me now long-term I see myself in Wellington building something special for both Wellington Phoenix and New Zealand Football," he added. "A lot of it is driven through Auckland but I'd like it to be driven through Wellington, especially with the Kiwi kids coming through now, the next generation."
Wellington are 25/1 to win the A-League Grand Final, while the Phoenix are 20/1 to lift the FFA Cup.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com
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