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Bob Taylor was picked up from Horden Colliery Welfare in 1986
and looked to be a useful, hardworking forward. He finished leading
scorer for the reserves in his first season for the club, but his
return of 13 goals in 54 games for Leeds wasn't that brilliant -
although he was frequently a sub or replaced himself. Howard
Wilkinson sold him on to Bristol City as part of the deal that
brought Carl Shutt to Elland Road.
Taylor subsequently carved out a decent career for himself at
Bristol, West Brom, scoring a few Premiership goals as Bolton tried
to stay up, and finally returned to West Brom where he's still
playing and still scoring. In 2001-02 he spent most of the season
on the bench but still came on and scored some vital goals -
including one in the final victory over Palace - as the Baggies put
together an incredible run of victories to overcome a massive
deficit and overtake Wolves and clinch promotion at the death. Back
in the Premiership for one final time, he struggled with fitness
and injury throughout the season and after having one start and two
sub appearances early on, didn't figure in the side until the final
day of the season when Gary Megson allowed him one last start
against Newcastle to give the Baggies fans a chance to say farewell
to their hero on the pitch.
After being released by West Brom in summer 2003, he joined up
with Cheltenham Town in Division 3 and has already got himself
among the goals. At the start of the summer, Cheltenham boss Bobby
Gould denied that such a move would happen, and said: "I spoke to
Bob a couple of weeks ago but I've had no contact with him since
then. I've spoken to a lot of players in the last couple of weeks."
Not that anyone believes anything managers say... Injury problems
dogged him in his season with Cheltenham, and after being released
during summer 2004, Bob moved on to play with Tamworth in the
Conference for 2004-05.
Tony Lloyd says: As a baggy fan I can say that Bob has always
been a favorite. His hard working tenacity means that what is
lacking in skill is made up for in effort. Be sad when he finally
hangs up his boots. I met him once when I was match ball sponsor.
He seemed a real nice guy, concerned with his own failures rather
than gloating over his then position of Top Scorer.
Dave Woodward says: Super Bob - he still glows with pride when
he pulls on the West Brom shirt.
Lucy says: i met bob taylor a couple of times and i can honestly
say he is one of the nicest and down to earth people you can
meet
Mark says: Bolton fan here, Super Bob is one of the best
professionals around and is a role model for a lot of younger
players. Always knew where the net was and his professionalism
could not be faulted.
Andy says: Another baggies fan here - without doubt Bob Taylor
is an Albion hero. I've met him twice and he always seemed to have
time for everybody - a thoroughly nice bloke. It's a shame he
didn't get to play often in the Prem - if anyone deserved to it was
Bob. I wish him well with his future - if he ends up at Cheltenham
I'll go and see him play every once in a while - he still knows
where the goal is!
Chris says: Bob Taylor will always be a hero to us Baggie fans.
He helped to get us promoted twice and saved us from relegation
when returning from Bolton. On the few occasions that I have spoken
to Bob, he always struck me as a really nice bloke. I wish him well
for the future and he knows he is always welcome at the Hawthorns.A
real hero.
Bob Taylor says: Bob Taylor,quality.
Ed Symonds says: I was fortunate enough to see all of Bobs'
games for Bristol City. A bargain signing, his quality and honest
endeavour won over all City fans with ease. Never a diver, whinger
or cheat, Bob always played with his heart on his sleeve. Not just
a goal-line poacher, Bob also had the rare ability to score from
anywhere (the final goal of his hat-trick against Crewe in 1990 was
a 30 yard belter!!!). Glad to see that he has found a new club, and
I hope that he is as much of a success at Cheltenham as he has been
elsewhere!
Ben says: Super Bob is the hero of my generation of baggies
fans. I started going to games when i was about 8 which was around
the same time that super bob joined the club. At the age of 18 in
the albions last premiership game when bob was taken off, i cried.
He was a real hero and is already sorely missed.
Harry Matthews says: Super bob the man and the legend iv grown
up as a boy wotching the best playing days of his career and
wotched him iluminate his status of one of the games true legends
and will forever be rememberd amoungst the wba faithful
Dave Clayton says: Newcastle fan here. I was at Dene House
school in Peterlee with Bob Taylor, he was Robert back then. He was
a hardworking footballer even then, and its great to see where he
got to. Me and him made a stand to spank Easington school at
cricket. Result!
anon says: super super super bob
Gary Silk's Son 1960-1994 says: Bob Taylor is a legend in his
own time, my father was very good friend of his. And every one at
West Brom will have time for one of their favourite sons of and on
the pitch.I remember going to a West Brom game I believe it was
against colchester in 1993/94 season my father was chating with
Stuart Naylor the WBA goal keeper back then and he offered to take
me in the dressing room and meet some of the players, Bob had come
in the dressing room from the game just played and was covered in
mud he was in the bath and still gave me his time to sign my
autograph book-Thats the kind of bloke he was. quality bloke all
the best bob, from Luke Silk and family. x
www.4dsports.co.uk says: Bob Taylor is a true professional both
on the pitch and off the pitch. Hardworking gentleman who's name is
cemented in West Bromwich Albion legency. The word legend is often
used today but only really applies to players who have dedicated
their time to the club and gave 110%, un-like todays modern game
and huge salary's. I have met Bob on numerous occasions and wish
him all the best at Tamworth FC....... 4D Sports
www.stores.ebay.co.uk/4dsports - www.4dsports.co.uk
Carl Howell says: Bob as always been my all time hero,only met
him once in the Vine pub west brom eating his spicy chicken.Always
be know as"SUPER BOB" p.s named my cat after U !
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