ISL: ATK sign former Newcastle United defender

Kolkata, Dec 13: Defending Indian Super League champions ATK have confirmed the surprise signing of former Newcastle United and England under-21 international Ryan Taylor, the club have announced yesterday.

The 33-year-old has been apparently signed to replace Englishman Carl Baker who recently Achilles ligament injury and was ruled out for the rest of the season.

The former England under-21 player is a versatile player and can play in a variety of positions but mainly as a full-back or over the defensive midfield He also has a name for himself phenomenal free-kick taking and dead ball abilities.

The full-back last appeared for the Magpies in 2015 and in his last three seasons only made 18 appearances before experiencing two surgeries on a repeating front cruciate tendon damage.

He then left St. James' Park in 2015 and has had short spells at Hull City and Port Vale later. However has been without a club since the finish of last season.

Taylor started his professional career at Tranmere Rovers in 2002 and then played three full seasons with the club and also awarded the club's Player of the Year and into the PFA Team of the Year in 2004– 05. After joining Newcastle in 2009 he also helped them to the Championship title (second division) in 2009– 10.

After joining the Kolkata based side the defender also expressed his joy and said: "I am very excited to play for ATK. I know ATK has a huge fan following who share a high level of passion for their team. I will give my best, for the team and we will get back to winning ways."

ATK are currently struggling in the tournament and are loitering at the bottom of the table. They are yet to register a win in the league and will travel to Mumbai for a tricky tie to face Mumbai City FC next.