Portland Timbers sign English Premier League defender Steven Taylor

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers have signed longtime English Premier League central defender Steven Taylor, it was announced today. Taylor, who joins the Timbers with more than 260 appearances across all competitions with Newcastle United F.C., will be added to the Timbers’ roster pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 visa.

“Taylor is a player with a wealth of experience in the English Premier League and will be a good fit in our club,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer for the Timbers. “This addition addresses a positional need at a critical stage of the season.”

Taylor, 30, joins the Timbers after spending 13 seasons in the top divisions in England with Newcastle United, including 12 years in the English Premier League. After making his Premier League debut against Bolton Wanderers on March 28, 2004, Taylor went on to make more than 190 league appearances in the Premiership with Newcastle United, scoring 12 goals.

"Steven Taylor gives us a proven piece that can step into our backline and perform immediately,” said Caleb Porter, head coach of the Timbers. “His experience and leadership will be very important to our team down the stretch."

Over his time with Newcastle, Taylor helped the club win the 2006 UEFA Intertoto Cup and the 2009-10 Football League Championship, which gained the club promotion to the English Premier League after a one-year absence. Taylor also made eight appearances (6 starts) during Newcastle’s run in the 2012-13 UEFA Europa League.

Taylor will occupy an international slot on the Timbers roster.

Transaction: Portland Timbers sign defender Steven Taylor as a Discovery Signing on Aug. 1, 2016.

Steven Taylor
Position: Defender
Height: 6-2
Weight: 200
Born: Jan. 23, 1986, in Greenwich, London, England
Last Club: Newcastle United
College: n/a
Citizenship: England
Acquired: Signed on Aug. 1, 2016