Bob Taylor was picked up from Horden Colliery Welfare in 1986 and
looked to be a useful, hardworking forward. He finished leading scorer
for the reserves in his first season for the club, but his return of
13 goals in 54 games for Leeds wasn't that brilliant - although he was
frequently a sub or replaced himself. Howard Wilkinson sold him on to
Bristol City as part of the deal that brought Carl Shutt to Elland
Road.
Taylor subsequently carved out a decent career for himself at
Bristol, West Brom, scoring a few Premiership goals as Bolton tried to
stay up, and finally returned to West Brom where he's still playing
and still scoring. In 2001-02 he spent most of the season on the bench
but still came on and scored some vital goals - including one in the
final victory over Palace - as the Baggies put together an incredible
run of victories to overcome a massive deficit and overtake Wolves
and clinch promotion at the death. Back in the Premiership for one
final time, he struggled with fitness and injury throughout the season
and after having one start and two sub appearances early on, didn't
figure in the side until the final day of the season when Gary Megson
allowed him one last start against Newcastle to give the Baggies fans
a chance to say farewell to their hero on the pitch.
After being released by West Brom in summer 2003, he joined up with
Cheltenham Town in Division 3 and has already got himself among the
goals. At the start of the summer, Cheltenham boss Bobby Gould denied
that such a move would happen, and said: "I spoke to Bob a couple of
weeks ago but I've had no contact with him since then. I've spoken to
a lot of players in the last couple of weeks." Not that anyone
believes anything managers say... Injury problems dogged him in his
season with Cheltenham, and after being released during summer 2004,
Bob moved on to play with Tamworth in the Conference for 2004-05.
Tony Lloyd says: As a baggy fan I can say that Bob has always been
a favorite. His hard working tenacity means that what is lacking in
skill is made up for in effort. Be sad when he finally hangs up his
boots. I met him once when I was match ball sponsor. He seemed a real
nice guy, concerned with his own failures rather than gloating over
his then position of Top Scorer.
Dave Woodward says: Super Bob - he still glows with pride when he
pulls on the West Brom shirt.
Lucy says: i met bob taylor a couple of times and i can honestly
say he is one of the nicest and down to earth people you can meet
Mark says: Bolton fan here, Super Bob is one of the best
professionals around and is a role model for a lot of younger
players. Always knew where the net was and his professionalism could
not be faulted.
Andy says: Another baggies fan here - without doubt Bob Taylor is
an Albion hero. I've met him twice and he always seemed to have time
for everybody - a thoroughly nice bloke. It's a shame he didn't get
to play often in the Prem - if anyone deserved to it was Bob. I wish
him well with his future - if he ends up at Cheltenham I'll go and see
him play every once in a while - he still knows where the goal is!
Chris says: Bob Taylor will always be a hero to us Baggie fans. He
helped to get us promoted twice and saved us from relegation when
returning from Bolton. On the few occasions that I have spoken to
Bob, he always struck me as a really nice bloke. I wish him well for
the future and he knows he is always welcome at the Hawthorns.A real
hero.
Bob Taylor says: Bob Taylor,quality.
Ed Symonds says: I was fortunate enough to see all of Bobs' games
for Bristol City. A bargain signing, his quality and honest endeavour
won over all City fans with ease. Never a diver, whinger or cheat,
Bob always played with his heart on his sleeve. Not just a goal-line
poacher, Bob also had the rare ability to score from anywhere (the
final goal of his hat-trick against Crewe in 1990 was a 30 yard
belter!!!). Glad to see that he has found a new club, and I hope that
he is as much of a success at Cheltenham as he has been elsewhere!
Ben says: Super Bob is the hero of my generation of baggies fans. I
started going to games when i was about 8 which was around the same
time that super bob joined the club. At the age of 18 in the albions
last premiership game when bob was taken off, i cried. He was a real
hero and is already sorely missed.
Harry Matthews says: Super bob the man and the legend iv grown up
as a boy wotching the best playing days of his career and wotched him
iluminate his status of one of the games true legends and will forever
be rememberd amoungst the wba faithful
Dave Clayton says: Newcastle fan here. I was at Dene House school
in Peterlee with Bob Taylor, he was Robert back then. He was a
hardworking footballer even then, and its great to see where he got
to. Me and him made a stand to spank Easington school at
cricket. Result!
anon says: super super super bob
Gary Silk's Son 1960-1994 says: Bob Taylor is a legend in his own
time, my father was very good friend of his. And every one at West
Brom will have time for one of their favourite sons of and on the
pitch.I remember going to a West Brom game I believe it was against
colchester in 1993/94 season my father was chating with Stuart Naylor
the WBA goal keeper back then and he offered to take me in the
dressing room and meet some of the players, Bob had come in the
dressing room from the game just played and was covered in mud he was
in the bath and still gave me his time to sign my autograph book-Thats
the kind of bloke he was. quality bloke all the best bob, from Luke
Silk and family. x
www.4dsports.co.uk says: Bob Taylor is a true professional both on
the pitch and off the pitch. Hardworking gentleman who's name is
cemented in West Bromwich Albion legency. The word legend is often
used today but only really applies to players who have dedicated their
time to the club and gave 110%, un-like todays modern game and huge
salary's. I have met Bob on numerous occasions and wish him all the
best at Tamworth FC....... 4D Sports www.stores.ebay.co.uk/4dsports -
www.4dsports.co.uk
Carl Howell says: Bob as always been my all time hero,only met him
once in the Vine pub west brom eating his spicy chicken.Always be know
as"SUPER BOB" p.s named my cat after U !
|