Charlton Athletic new signing Terry Taylor on Burton boss injecting belief and confidence into his game

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Every player needs a manager who fully puts their faith in them – and Terry Taylor would arguably not be at Charlton Athletic now without Dino Maamria.

The Addicks agreed compensation of £150,000 with Burton Albion to sign the highly-rated midfielder, who still commanded a fee as he is under the age of 24.

It was former Charlton striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink who took Taylor to the Pirelli Stadium in February 2021. At the time the Dutchman talked about his potential, adding “the sky is the limit – whatever he wants to achieve, he will achieve”.

But it was only once Maamria stepped up to replace Hasselbaink, who resigned in September 2022, that Taylor, 22, started to hold down a starting spot and full flourish.

The former Wolves youngster ended up finishing second in Burton’s Player of the Season award despite an ankle injury, which required surgery, ending his campaign in February.

“I always had a great relationship with Dino,” Taylor told the South London Press. “Jimmy didn’t play me consistently.

“Dino probably saw, once I had that run of games and confidence, almost the player I could be.

“It’s a tough one for a manager, isn’t it? You’re almost always looking for that next result and three points. You look at a young lad who might be really good one weekend and he’s not as good the next one – I did have a bit of that inconsistency under Jimmy.

“I don’t think it was Jimmy’s fault. It was just Dino had the vision and gave me belief. I started to come into my own. The fans really took to me after a certain point and I’m glad I got some recognition, even if it isn’t all about that.”

Taylor has not played since the 3-2 win over Fleetwood when he was forced off after 14 minutes.

“I had the operation at the start of March,” he said. “I thought it was probably the best thing – to get it healed up so I could move on and it wasn’t something that could come back later down the line.

“I’ve been playing catch up a little bit. Getting back to the level you were before is the tricky part, but I feel like I’m getting there now.”

Taylor, who can play an anchoring role or slightly more advanced, collected four assists in 26 League One matches in 2022-23.

He has a reputation for taking pinpoint corners and set-pieces. Charlton boss Dean Holden has talked about the importance of his squad increasing their deadball output.

“There are a few boys here who have got good deliveries,” said Taylor. “If I’m on the pitch then I’m sure they’ll definitely consider me taking them, I’ll be an option.

“It really just depends what the manager wants – inswinging corners or outswinging ones, all those little details.”

Taylor has signed a three-year contract in SE7. Plymouth Argyle reportedly had an offer turned down for him earlier in the summer.

The Wales U21 international, born in Scotland, had allowed his Burton terms to run down.

“You just see what is on the table and weigh everything up,” said Taylor. “If it feels like a step that will progress you as a player then you go for it.

“It was never about me wanting to leave [Burton], it was about doing the right thing and going to the right club.

“I’ve been here a week now and I already get the feeling there is a buzz. There is a good vibe from all the boys. We’ve got a good group and the quality is there for everyone to see.

“We can’t get too ahead of ourselves as players, we’ve got to focus on the next game.

“But there is always going to be speculation (that Charlton will be challenging for promotion) and we as players want to go and back that up – show we deserve to be around those places. That’s our aim and what everyone has been saying since I’ve been here.

“I don’t mind a bit of expectation on my shoulders.

“I’m always going to give the energy and desire that you need when times are tough. But I like to think I’ve got a bit of quality as well to find the pass or put the ball on someone’s head.

“I think I bring something different to what we have got.”

PICTURES: PA AND CHARLTON ATHLETIC FC