PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers announced today the signing of English midfielder Tom Taylor to a two-year contract. Taylor, who split the 2006-07 season with English clubs Walsall FC and Halesowen Town, is scheduled to arrive in Portland within the next few weeks.
“Tom is a strong left-footed midfielder who has the ability to get from box to box,” said Timbers head coach and general manager Gavin Wilkinson. “He’s athletic, and at 6-3 is fantastic in the air. Tom possesses the workman-like mentality that we’re looking for.”
Taylor, 22, started the 2006-07 season with Walsall FC of England’s League Two and then joined Halesowen Town of the Nationwide Conference South in January 2007. With Halesowen Town, Taylor played in 10 matches, scored two goals and recorded one assist.
The Linchfield, England, native began his professional career at the age of 19 with Norway’s Viking Stavanger in 2005, helping the club win the league title that season. Taylor played for the English side, Grimsby Town, during the 2005-06 season before joining Walsall FC in July 2006. Taylor was a member of Walsall’s youth academy from 1994-2003.
The Timbers visit the Seattle Sounders Saturday for their second game of the 2007 USL First Division season. The Timbers return home May 9 for an exhibition match against Mexico’s Club Necaxa at PGE Park. Kickoff against Necaxa is set for 7 p.m. Click here for ticket information.