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Wellington Phoenix captain Steven Taylor has left the club with immediate effect.
Wellington Phoenix has been rocked for another outing, this time losing its inspiring captain Steven Taylor with two years remaining on his contract.
The former Newcastle United defender played 49 games for the Phoenix over two seasons in the A-League, scoring two goals and quickly became a fan favorite for his colorful personality and strong defensive presence on the field.
Taylor received the captain’s armband when veteran skipper Andrew Durante departed at the end of the 2018-19 season, and the charismatic Englishman said it was his intention to play the last two years of his professional career in New Zealand after signing a contract in January. .
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The 34-year-old’s sudden departure was announced via a press release on Monday, which did not reveal the reasons for Taylor’s departure.
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However, it is undoubtedly influenced by the financial impact of Covid-19. A-League clubs are currently locked in negotiations with the PFA over a new collective bargaining agreement that could cut player salaries by 30 percent in the wake of a reduced broadcast deal.
“It is with great regret that I bid farewell to Nix,” said Taylor.
“I want to give a huge thank you to the club owners, the board and the great staff I have worked with, and I want to especially thank [coach] Horizon [Talay] for his faith in me and for becoming captain of this great club.
“For my teammates, I will miss playing together, but I know I have made lifelong friends.
“Finally, for the fans, you are truly unique, amazing; I hope you will return to Sky Stadium soon supporting such a strong and proud team. “
Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images
Steven Taylor played 49 games for Phoenix in two seasons.
Taylor is the fourth player to leave the Phoenix since the 2019-20 season concluded, after Liberato Cacace, Callum McCowatt and Gary Hooper walked out the door. But given his stature in the club, this will be the one that hurts the most.
“We thank Steven for his incredible contribution to this club these last two seasons; For his hard work on the field, his mentoring of younger players and the positive way he engaged with the fans, he is without a doubt a classy player and we wish him all the best, ”said Talay.
“Steven was the right choice for us as captain, he’s a seasoned leader who not only says the right things, but also leads by example.
“He left his mark on the team last season and helped create a positive, winning culture for the players; now it will be up to our next captain to continue that great work and build on the third place we achieved. last season.”
