New Boy Matty Acted On Gut Feeling

New Boy Happy With Move
By Mark Heys
January 17 2008

New Bolton Wanderers signing Matthew Taylor says that his gut feeling made him choose the Trotters ahead of Sunderland after the two clubs went head to head in the race to sign the former England U21 midfielder.

Taylor completed his switch from Portsmouth to Bolton on Thursday two weeks after the deal was originally agreed and the 26-year old says it was nice to feel wanted by Wanderers.

Gary Megson had kept an eye on the progress of Taylor ever since he was starting out at Luton Town and this was also something which helped the player decide his next move.

"Bolton made me feel very welcome, the manager was very welcoming, and the key thing was he wanted me,” Taylor said in an interview with Setanta Sport.

“Football club wise, as soon as I went up there I had a gut feeling it was what I wanted. The Reebok was where I wanted to play.

Sunderland boss Roy Keane was keen on taking the player to the Stadium of Light after talks had taken place, and although Taylor chose Bolton, he is thankful of the interest which the Black Cats showed in him.

“I had a chat with Roy Keane at Sunderland, and let me make this clear it was not an easy decision. Sunderland were very accommodating, it’s a great club and I want to thank Roy publicly for his time.

“Gary Megson just showed that he wanted me, that’s a fantastic feeling. That’s not to say the other clubs didn’t also show that, but Bolton was right for me.”

One of Taylor's first aims is to help Bolton improve on their league position, starting in Kevin Keegan's homecoming at Newcastle United on Saturday evening.

“Hopefully I can repay the manager for the money he has spent on me. I hope to start doing that as soon as possible. I believe this is a very good decision in my career" he added