The young right back signed a four year contract at the JJB Stadium in July 2005, for a fee of £1.25million despite interest from both Everton and Norwich.

The 22-year old Liverpudlian began his career over the other side of the River Mersey at Tranmere Rovers. He first joined Prenton Park as a thirteen year old, after progressing through the youth system was given a first team debut in September 2002 against Hartlepool in League One, and Taylor was still only 18 years of age at the time. Taylor had since made 122 appearances and scored 19 goals.

Taylor was popular with Tranmere fans, who were quick to point out that his pace and attacking abilities were an obvious attraction for potential buyers, and they also added that his defensive qualities were ever improving.

Taylor made 11 Premiership appearances in his first season at the JJB Stadium, and was also given a run out in both the Carling Cup and F.A. Cup. He demonstrated his ability to produce a good cross from the right flank and terrorised Newcastle in the Carling Cup.

Unfortunately Taylor suffered metatarsal damage in January 2006, and then four months later when he recovered, he suffered a broken leg whilst playing for the reserves at Newcastle in April later that year. 

But the scouser recovered and returned to action against Chelsea in January 2007 and made 16 appearances towards the end of the 2006/07 campaign. Despite the horrendous injury, Taylor continually produced superb performances and he fully deserved his first Premiership goal against Newcastle in February - the same club whom he had suffered his injury against. The goal itself was a perfectly curled free-kick from twenty-five yards.
 
PLAYER SPONSOR: Carl Cowpland