Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) outfit Odisha FC announced on Wednesday, the arrival of English defender Steven Taylor for the upcoming 2020-21 season. The 34-year-old Englishman comes with a wealth of experience in Europe and Asia-Oceania as well, having last played for Wellington Phoenix in the Australian A-League.

“I am extremely delighted to join Odisha FC and am hopeful that my experience and leadership qualities will be helpful for the team. I am very happy to be working under Stuart once again and can’t wait to meet all the young Indian lads. I hope I can help the lads push on and in turn egg the team on towards the playfoff spots. I am looking forward to creating something special at Odisha FC, make no mistake about it,” the defender said after penning his contract.

Taylor began his football career after graduating from English club Newcastle United’s youth academy and made his senior team debut during the 2003-04 season. He played for the Magpies in English football’s top division for more than a decade, before moving to America to join Portland Timbers in 2016.

He returned to England after one season with Portland and had stints at Ipswich Town and Peterborough United, before joining Wellington Phoenix. Taylor spent two seasons with Wellington Phoenix and made 47 appearances for the club, helping them to a third-place finish during the 2019-20 A-League campaign.

“Steven’s credentials speak for themself, but more than that we are bringing leadership qualities into our young squad. He is an exceptional defender and is a presence that will give the whole team a whole boost,” said Odisha FC Head Coach Mr. Stuart Baxter welcoming the new centre-back.

The addition of Taylor by Odisha follows the signing of Australian defender Jacob Tratt, who played against the Englishman during his time with Perth Glory. Odisha FC has also confirmed the signings of George D’Souza, Kamalpreet Singh, Hendry Antonay and Saurabh Meher ahead of Hero ISL 2020-21.