Taylor’s contract wrangles have been a dark cloud over him all year, and he seems to be waiting for the January transfer window to see who makes an offer for him.
Steven Taylor: “I have been very impressed with the new manager
“Since he came in, he has been absolutely spot-on. Within a day or two of him coming in, he sat me down in his office and made it clear he wants me to be here.
"He just wants to get the ball rolling.
“For me, he has been first class. It was just what I needed. He is a man’s man and I have a lot of respect for him and I know that all the players feel the same way about him.
“It was music to my ears when he told me he wanted me to stay. That’s the best possible thing that could have happened to me, for a new manager to come in and tell me how much he wants me to stay.
“I don’t want to be unwanted. For him to say he wanted me here, and will do everything he can for me, was brilliant. Everyone knows how much I want to stay here.
“There was a lot going on when he first arrived and no one really knew how to take him.
“But from the first time he met us, the way he has come across to the players, he has been absolutely unbelievable.
“The training sessions have been fantastic and it’s fair to say the players have taken an instant shine to him.
“Its been a difficult year for me with injuries, but it looks as if it could be finishing on a high.
“Pre-season, I was where I wanted to be looking forward to the campaign ahead only for me to get that freak shoulder injury in our first pre-season game at Carlisle.
“It was a massive blow to me after being injured last season.
“All I wanted to do was start playing again so to have another three and a half months on the sidelines was a nightmare.
“I just had to get on with it and come back as quickly as I could.
“I have played a few games now and I am not looking back, just forward.
“After everything that has gone on this year, it looks like 2010 could end on a happy note. I just want to be playing football for Newcastle.”