Former Walsall winger Brian Taylor dies at 78

Former Walsall footballer Brian Taylor has died aged 78-years-old, the club has confirmed.

The talented former outside-left died suddenly while on holiday with his friends.

Taylor made a a total of 78 senior appearances for the Saddlers, scoring 17 goals before moving onto Birmingham City for a fee of £10,000 in 1958.

Born in Walsall, he signed amateur forms with the Saddlers upon leaving school in 1952 before going on to become a full-time professional two years later.

His impressive performances on the wing earned him a move to St Andrews.

But a broken leg halted his progress and in October 1961 he signed for Rotherham United.

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In a career spanning over sixteen years he made 316 league appearances in the Football League after going onto serve Shrewsbury, Port Vale and Barnsley.

While with the Tykes he won promotion to the old Football League Third Division.

Taylor then dropped into non-league to enjoy spells with Kidderminster Harriers, Bromsgrove Rovers, Welshpool Town, Oswestry Town and Darlaston.

He retired from football completely in the early 1970s.

A spokesman for Walsall Football Club said: "The thoughts of everyone here at Walsall FC are with Brian's family and friends at this sad time."