The 102 appearances made by Ryan Taylor and the 10 goals he has scored since signing for Newcastle in January 2009 would have been considerably higher were it not for the two serious knee injuries that kept him out for the best part of two years. The former Tranmere Rovers and Wigan Athletic midfielder is loved by a large section of Newcastle supporters due to his commitment, work effort and general persona - but his performances have been mixed since he returned from injury. Played in a variety of positions this campaign - including left-back, right-back, right-midfield and defensive-midfield - Taylor has put in some exquisite passes but he has often struggled to keep up with the pace of games. A set-piece specialist - of which Newcastle do not have many - and his position as a senior figure in the dressing room should count for him, but his injury record, his age (he will be 31 come August) and his lack of pace may convince the Magpies hierarchy that it is time to move Taylor on. Verdict: 50-50 chance of a new deal. His delivery can be brilliant but he has looked a bit off the pace in some matches since his return from injury - and as a 30-year-old he could well be dispensed of by the club, despite the fact they need experience and leaders in the dressing room. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
