Allardyce Explains Why Taylor Was Dropped!

Last updated : 26 October 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

The England Under-21 skipper has been brought back down to Earth since his return from international duty, and told to fight for his place.

The young defender has yet to agree a new deal with the club, and Sam is prepared to let him wait.

Taylorhas paid the price for Newcastle's 3-1 defeat at Manchester City, along with Czech stopper David Rozenhal.

Allardyce: "It's not about me dropping players, it's about players dropping themselves because they played crap at Manchester City.

"If you play that badly, you're likely to lose your shirt. That's not just Steven Taylor - it's most of the back four on that day. One poor performance can cost you.

"It's frustrating and disappointing for the player in question, but that's the nature of the game.

"Steven trains his hardest every day and of course he will be frustrated.

"Basic repetitive training is the answer, particularly for defenders.

"That hasn't happened too much in the past here. No disrespect to previous Newcastle managers, but it doesn't look as though it has.

"The perfect example for Steven is Claudio Cacapa. He's not as quick as Steven, not as young but his brain gets him in to positions before the forwards. He makes it look simple. That's one of the big things to learn as a defender - reading the game."