Matty’s Mission: Championship challenge the key for Taylor in cross-city switch

By Tom Blackett

IT WAS the move that shocked football, but striker Matty Taylor insists he has no regets about leaving Bristol Rovers for their bitter rivals Bristol City.

The 26-year-old had bagged 67 goals in 132 games for Rovers as they stormed to back-to-back promotions to reach League One.

He had scored 16 league goals this term – 19 in total – to prove he could cut it in the third tier.

His goalscoring feats made him a Pirates hero, but he did what some thought unthinkable by joining their city rivals on a two-and-a-half year deal, after the Robins activated a £300,000 clause in his Rovers contract.

And after previously playing for Oxford United, North Leigh, Forest Green Rovers and Chester (loan), the 26-year-old felt he couldn’t turn down the chance to play football a further step up the ladder at Championship outfit Bristol City.

“It happened so fast and I was a little bit shocked at first,” admitted Taylor. “I spoke to a few people and decided it was the right thing to do. I’m really ambitious – I’ve come from Non-League and I want to play as high as I can.

“It was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. It’s a chance to play in the Championship and I’m looking forward to it.”

City boss Lee Johnson is delighted with the coup.

“He’s scored goals at every level he’s played at and his next challenge is to do that in the Championship.

“It’ll be a big step up in standard for him, but he’s been able to deal with every challenge that’s been thrown at him so far in his career.” Taylor’s move is a rarity.

The last player to transfer between the clubs was Trevor Morgan in 1987 and it has not gone down well at Rovers.

There is talk they are going to make an official complaint to the EFL over the controversial switch, claiming City knew confidential details of Taylor’s release clause.

*This article originally featured in The FLP’s 5 February 2017 edition – you can pick up your copy of the paper every Sunday!