Lyle Taylor has been the subject of increased speculation recently after it was announced that he would be leaving Charlton Athletic to get a “life changing move” and by refusing to play during the final days of his Addicks contract.
Speaking to Football Insider, former England full-back, Danny Mills, sympathises with the forward’s predicament and understands the action he has taken with Rangers said to be close to the front of the queue to secure his services.
So what has Mills said?
The BBC pundit was asked to give his verdict on Taylor’s situation and identified the financial future of the player as a major reason for his decision:
“I completely get it. It is not a popular opinion but he is 30-years-old. This is his final, big contract.
“He has not signed a pre-contract and he is not 21 – there are not going to be as many deals on the table for players this year. He cannot risk it.
“His contract runs out and it is incredibly awkward and exceptional circumstances but I get it.
“I cannot say that I would not do the same thing in his situation. People talk about loyalty to clubs but if he gets injured are Charlton going to give him another year? Another four-year deal if he gets injured? No they are not.
“Put yourself in his shoes – wouldn’t we all do that?”
So is Mills correct?
Absolutely, and the player has said as much himself, the EFL is looking to kick off again on the 2oth of June and Taylor’s contract ends just ten days later, it is a big gamble to take at this stage of his career.
His current manager, Lee Bowyer, said that the move is “life changing”, so for a player that has spent the majority of his career in the lower leagues or at unfashionable clubs, it is too big a risk to take.
If he has agreed a move to Rangers for example, playing in a relegation battle when there is the prospect of competing in the Europa League just weeks away is not a difficult decision to make.
These are truly exceptional times and Taylor’s decision not to extend his contract is perfectly within his own rights, his manager should have been more understanding and compassionate when revealing the news on national radio though rather than serving his own self interest.