Taylor Pens New Deal At Newcastle

By NBF News

NEWCASTLE'S defender Steven Taylor has ended speculation over his future by finally signing a new five-and-a-half-year contract.

The 24-year old, who was born in Greenwich but raised on Tyneside, was transfer-listed earlier in the season after talks over a new deal stalled. However, both Taylor and new manager Alan Pardew have confirmed in recent days that progress had been made and yesterday's announcement would keep the academy graduate at St James' Park till the summer of 2016.

Taylor becomes the third Newcastle player to sign a long-term deal in a matter of weeks, following in the footsteps of Mike Williamson and Nile Ranger, with striker Andy Carroll having earlier also committed his future to the club. The defender said: 'I am absolutely delighted to have agreed terms with the club on a new long-term contract that will see me play for Newcastle United in my prime years.

'I joined the club as a boy and feel confident that I can fulfil all my professional ambitions here at my hometown club. Throughout the past few months, I have never lost hope that everything could be sorted and that I could stay here and play for this fantastic football club.'

He added: 'I would like to thank the fans for their support throughout the contract negotiations and I'll look to repay them with my performances in the black and white shirt.

'Also, (I would like to thank former boss) Chris Hughton for bringing me back into the team, Alan Pardew, who made it clear from day one that he wanted me to stay at the club, the board and management for their willingness to work together to find an agreement and, finally, my agent Paul Stretford, for always having my best interests at heart.'

The England former U-21 skipper has made 177 appearances for the club but looked to be heading away from Tyneside when his contract talks reached an impasse.