Paul Taylor's taking on a first half chance at The Riverside on Saturday

Paul Taylor will be like a new signing, says Terry Connor

By Stuart Watson Tuesday, February 5, 2013
6:00 AM

IPSWICH Town assistant boss Terry Connor can’t wait to start working with the club’s first ‘summer signing’.

The Blues paid out £1.5m for Paul Taylor on the penultimate day of last summer’s transfer window, but the forward recruit from Peterborough suffered a serious ankle injury in only his third appearance for the club.

However, he’s now making a steady recovery following surgery. And ex-striker Connor – who scored nearly 100 goals himself during a career at the likes of Leeds, Brighton and Portsmouth – is excited by the prospect of the 25-year-old adding more competition to an already packed strike force.

“He’s doing very well,” said Connor, when asked about Taylor’s progress. “I saw him in the gym the other week and he was doing some pilates!

“He’s down to a little boot now, is doing a lot more and the physio is saying he should be ready for next season. It’s a slow process but he’s on course to be ready.”

He added: “I’m sure he showed glimpses of what he could do when he first came here. All we can hope is he makes a full recovery and can carry on where he left off.

“It will feel like we’ve got a brand new player when he gets back on the training pitch. That will give everybody a lift.”

Previously the lowest scoring side in the Championship, Ipswich’s 4-0 thrashing of Middlesbrough at Portman Road on Saturday saw them draw level with fellow strugglers Barnsley with 33 goals from 30 games. The result also saw them lose the tag of worst goal difference in the division, drawing level with Peterborough on minus 18.

With 10-goal loanee DJ Campbell having departed, the emphasis is now on January additions David McGoldrick and Aaron Mclean – as well as the versatile Daryl Murphy – bagging the all important goals which will keep the Blues clear of the drop zone.

Frank Nouble has been getting some time off the bench, while Michael Chopra has been an unused substitute of late and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas hasn’t even made the squad for the last four games.

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10 comments

How come Ken Hairy gets through 3 times & I don't make it at all ???? Afraid I'm going to have to be 'tasteless' like Rob - sorry just can't get get rid ofthe image of Taylor fighting Frank Nouble for a place in the team !!!!!!

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Old Timer

Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Steroo, how much spare time do you get working for Archant? Does your employer know you're taking his money to go moonlighting, you, you, MERCENARY, you?

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Ken Hairy

Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Steroo, how much spare time do you get working for Archant? Does your employer know you're taking his money to go moonlighting, you, you, MERCENARY, you?

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Ken Hairy

Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Steroo, how much spare time do you get working for Archant? Does your employer know you're taking his money to go moonlighting, you, you, MERCENARY, you?

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Ken Hairy

Tuesday, February 5, 2013
I really think Copra and JET can go, neither has a chance now of living up to expectations.

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JOHN BURLS

Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Sorry I'm going to have to join Rob in being tasteless here - the image of Taylor scrapping with Frank Nouble for a place in the side is just too good to resist !!!!!!!!

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Old Timer

Tuesday, February 5, 2013
everyone is entitled to one mistake,its what he can do on the pitch that really matters,COYB.

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david peters

Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Not as tasteless as some of your remarks Steroo

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Cyril Baker

Tuesday, February 5, 2013
On the contrary, the article speaks of " adding more competition to an already packed strike force", which clearly indicates needing to get into the side. This mindless puff is what discredits reader comments. I was interested to read details of Taylor's progress and about when he might be ready to be back in contention for a place.

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Norm Emerges

Tuesday, February 5, 2013
No footballspeak of Taylor fighting for his place in the side I see. This mindless puff sort of assumes he will be around to play - which is somewhat tasteless of the EADT given his current circumstsnces.

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Rob Steroo

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Paul Taylor will be like a new signing, says Terry Connor

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