Feelgood factor back for Taylor

CHRIS TAYLOR: positive

THE gradual return to form of Chris Taylor has been one of the most promising aspects of the season.

The exciting dribbler who caused League One full-backs to have sleepless night only two seasons ago, scoring 11 goals and attracting the attentions of scouts from higher divisions, has been a very different animal to the one who cut a frustrated and belief-free figure on and off the pitch last term.

Everyone at Athletic knows the high value of a fully-functioning Taylor and it was a dispiriting experience — not least for the 23-year-old himself — to trudge through a constant struggle with injuries, illness and a loss of form under Dave Penney.

Revitalised by new manager Paul Dickov, Taylor has already struck two goals from open play.

That is two more than in the whole of 2009-10, which brought about only one goal and that from the penalty spot.

And Taylor’s general form has been on an upward curve, with efforts in a supporting striking role behind Oumare Tounkara in the 0-0 draw at Sheffield Wednesday two nights ago causing plenty of problems for the home defence.

The difference? Taylor puts much of it down to Dickov's positive influence.

"There wasn't much lower I could have been last season, other than if we had been relegated," said Taylor, now in his sixth season of first-team football.

"Paul Dickov wants to bring on not only my game, but everyone's. He wants everyone to be better players and we are all benefiting from that.

"In the previous regime there were very negative vibes about the place and people didn't seem to enjoy it.

"You had the feeling coming in that things weren't right and it wasn't happening on the pitch as well. So they are much better times now.

"At the end of last season I wanted to go away and have a good think about what was going on.

"You don't want to see anyone get sacked and I am not down for anything like that.

"But I think it was for the best that Oldham and him (Penney) went separate ways.

"Now we have a bright young manager here and we are responding very well to him.

"I am loving it at the moment. I have scored two goals and the team are full of confidence.

"You can see it in lads like Dean Furman who was here last year. He is right on top of his game and Lewis Alessandra is the same.

"I could name a few more. With every game, I am looking forward to it and can't wait to play the next one.

"I didn't realise how big a toll the injuries and illness had taken. Looking back, my confidence wasn't there and that is a massive thing.

"It is coming back now and hopefully everyone will see the benefits."

Dickov is keeping his goals for the season in terms of a finishing position close to his chest.

A place in the play-offs would be a huge achievement, especially given the disparity in wage budgets between Athletic and the division's bigger spenders.

Taylor, though, believes there is no reason why the team can't end up being in the top-six mix towards the end of the campaign.

"I think there is a belief we can do well," he added. "The team spirit is possibly the best in the six years I have been here.

"If we keep believing together and keep working hard we will pull in the right direction and will be there or thereabouts."