CSF Taylor returns to City to inspire “I scored with my head, left foot, right foot – the perfect hat-trick and then a couple more,” recalls Taylor. “Unfortunately half of the Gills fans were stranded on the M6 so they missed it!” Having scored for Gillingham at Wembley stadium in the play-off final of 1999, he was signed by their victorious opponents that day, Manchester City, for their upcoming season in Division One. A swift successive promotion to the Premiership followed for City, but with his family struggling to settle, Taylor asked to be transferred at the start of the season. He still managed to form a rapport with legendary strike partner George Weah during pre-season.
Rob Taylor’s career has come full circle. Starting out as a Norwich City youngster with Wembley appearances, a famous five-goal haul and partnerships with George Weah along the way - he’s now back to inspire participants on CSF’s Street Life programme.
Above: Coaching at a Street Life session at Carrow Park Below: Rob Taylor in his playing days for the Canaries
The programme, supported by the Big Lottery Fund, engages homeless or vulnerable adults through sport and ex-pro Rob Taylor is the latest addition to the scheme’s staff.
“When I left, George called me to say how disappointed he was to see me go and that he had rated me as one of the best he’d ever played with. I do wonder if it was a case of mistaken identity!” Since retiring, Rob has moved back to Norfolk and, inspired by working with youngsters at Wayland Academy in Watton, took the next step of returning to the club where it all began. “The Street Life lads all come from challenging backgrounds and circumstances, but our goal is about getting them to believe in themselves again. We use sport to provide a routine that allows social and health benefits and hopefully progression into further education, training and employment.”
“It’s great to be back at Carrow Road,” says the 43-year-old. “I’ve been really taken with the welcome from both staff and the Street Life participants.”
Ian Hill, who heads up the programme, says: “It’s brilliant that we’ve got someone of Rob’s pedigree on board. He’s already proved to be a great role model for the lads and they’ve really taken to him.”
Norwich-born, Rob Taylor started his career at Norwich City. Though he didn’t make a first team appearance for the Canaries, a spell at Leyton Orient launched his playing career. A successful four-year stint at Brentford followed, before he signed for Division Two’s Gillingham.
Rob and Ian will be getting down to business right away and plans for the next few months include a friendly with an equivalent team from Manchester United.
A no-nonsense centre forward, the goals came thick and fast – most famously scoring five goals away at Turf Moor against Burnley.
To find out more about the Street Life Soccer visit communitysportsfoundation.org.uk or email Ian.Hill@canaries.co.uk
01603 761122
Facsimile 01603 761309
info@communitysportsfoundation.org.uk
www.communitysportsfoundation.org.uk @norwichcityCSF www.facebook.com/communitysportsfoundation
Community Sports Foundation, Norwich City FC, Carrow Road, Norwich, NR1 1JE. Registered charity 1088239
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