Taylor earns Redpath tribute
FLY-HALF Tim Taylor could have played himself into a contract extension at Gloucester with his performances in the last two weeks, according to head coach Bryan Redpath.
The former Nottingham number 10 kicked the winning conversion as part of an 11-point haul as the Cherry and Whites qualified for the semi-finals of the LV= Cup with a dramatic bonus-point win over Harlequins at the Stoop yesterday.
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Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath celebrates with Tim Taylor
Taylor had only originally signed until the summer, but the composure and cutting edge he showed in the 31-29 victory made him the outstanding player on the pitch.
"I thought he was outstanding," Redpath said. "I was delighted for him.
"He came on last 15 minutes last week and looked sharp and then yesterday he did a lot of good things.
"He looked composed, put up some great high balls and looked defensively strong."
Taylor is the latest in a series of players Gloucester have promoted from the second tier of English rugby, following Tim Molenaar from Nottingham, and Akapusi Qera from Pertemps Bees.
Redpath said: "We've researched him, we knew he was one of the best in the first division and he wants to challenge Nicky (Robinson) and Freddie (Burns).
"It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that he's done that. I'm chuffed to bits for him.
"At the moment and we're in negotiations to keep him here for another year. It's something we need to look at now.
"With Carlos leaving there was a space to fill and he's come in and taken his chance.
"He's shown he can cope at this level."
Redpath said it was crucial Gloucester did not let themselves down at the Stoop, especially given Quins visit Kingsholm in the Guinness Premiership on Saturday.
He said: "We need to focus on the Premiership now, and we have four weeks to do that."
■ Gloucester will face Cardiff in the semi-final of the LV=Cup on the weekend of March 13-14.
4 Comments
by Boris the labrador, having adventures in the wardrobe
Monday, February 08 2010, 5:04PM
“Has anyone else noticed that the Glawster squad is beginning to resemble the main characters in an Enid Blyton novel - Tim, Tim, Tom, Ollie, Olly, Freddie, Charlie, Jonny... with Boris the dog and lashings of ginger beer!”
by Doc Holliday, Tombstone
Monday, February 08 2010, 1:37PM
“Good old Timmy Taylor.
Not only does he brew a great pint of ale, it turns out he's not a bad outside half either.”
by jarah edge, scotland
Monday, February 08 2010, 12:55PM
“good to see numbers 10's in gloucester performing!! - kep an eye on cinderford 10 matty james 5 tries in last two games, could be a possibility for gloucester”
by Boris the labrador, the kitchen
Monday, February 08 2010, 12:22PM
“A couple of wins and suddenly the grumpies are silent on Brush's abilities as a coach and talent scout... hoorah!
Personally, I would have preferred Northampton in the next round (having taken barrow-loads of grief from my colleagues in Cardiff over the last few seasons). However, if we keep gaining confidence, I think we can face anyone. The wheels are definitely back on the Glawster machine.”