Express & Star

Andy Taylor is ready to stay at Walsall

Andy Taylor today admitted he is keen to stay at Walsall – but says his sole focus for now is helping the Saddlers into the play-offs.

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The left-back is one of several players out of contract at the end of the season.

Taylor admits he would be favourable to signing a new deal at the Banks's but says his only current priority is the remaining six league games, as the Saddlers chase a top six finish.

When asked about any possible new deal, the 28-year-old said: "I'd like to stay. I'll make no bones about it, I've really enjoyed my time here.

"It's been nice to play regular football. But I'm not thinking about stuff like that, I'm just trying to concentrate on the here and now and trying to get into the play-offs."

Boss Dean Smith has previously indicated Taylor is a player he would like to tie down on a new deal. The Saddlers have tied down Sam Mantom, Paul Downing, James Baxendale and Richard O'Donnell on longer-term contracts this season.

"I'm out of contract but I'm just going to concentrate on what I can control which is my performances," added Taylor. "Negotiations will start whenever they start but all I can control is my own performances, staying fit and staying in the team."

Taylor joined in August 2012, having been released by Sheffield United and has made more than 60 appearances for the Saddlers over the past two seasons.

His time at Bramall Lane was marred by serious injury – he spent 15 months out after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament – and Taylor acknowledges he has been able to rebuild his career with the Saddlers.

"When you are out for that amount of time you always have doubts over whether your body can cope with football again," he said. "It is obviously demanding on your body. There are times in that 15 months when I did think 'flippin' heck, am I going ever play again?'

"I had to rebuild my career otherwise you sort of drift off into nowhere. I have enjoyed the regular football. Bar a couple of niggles my playing record is not bad, I have played a lot of games over the past two seasons.

"I have always said I enjoy my time here. I enjoy the style of football we play, the style of football is brilliant."

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