VIDEO: Best Goal of the Season!

Watch this amazing goal from Taylor against Everton. An absolutely amazing football video.

 

Matthew «Smudger» Taylor (born November 27, 1981 in Oxford, England) is an English football (soccer) player. He currently plays for Portsmouth F.C. as a left-sided defender and/or attacking midfielder. He began his career at Luton Town F.C., making his debut at the beginning of the 1999/2000 season. He soon made the left wing-back slot his own and won the Young Player of the Year award in his first ever season as a professional. His success at Luton came after an initial trial at his local side, Oxford United, who told a young Matthew that due his to his thick set build he was ‘too fat’ and ‘only good enough to go in goal’ – a decision they no doubt regret. His impressive displays led to Portsmouth signing him for £750,000 for the 2002/03 season. He also became a regular for the England U21 side.

His speedy breaks down the left flank in support of the attack were a feature of Portsmouth’s play as they lifted the First Division (now Football League Championship) crown in May 2003, earning him the chance to show his skills in the Premiership. As well as being a regular in the team during the season he also scored seven crucial goals in the League.

He continued to be a first team regular during Portsmouth’s debut Premier League campaign, and was strongly tipped to become an England international in the future. However, the signing of David Unsworth from Everton, together with injury, limited his first team appearances. However, towards the end of the 04/05 English Premiership season, Taylor won his place back at left back, fully recovering from his injuries, whilst Unsworth was loaned out to Ipswich Town after failing to impress at Portsmouth. Unsworth was subsequently sold to Sheffield United, and replaced by Gregory Vignal.

In the 2005/2006 season, Taylor played on the left wing or at left back for Portsmouth. He played 34 games in the FA Premier League, scoring six goals – making him the highest scoring left back in the competition. Two of these were crucial penalties; one in the last minute against Sunderland to secure a 2-1 win, and another in an away game at Wigan Athletic to clinch another 2-1 win and survival from relegation.

His good form has brought alleged interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, but he signed a long term contract with Portsmouth in July 2006. On the 9th of December 2006, Taylor scored a 45-yard Goal of the Season candidate against Everton at Fratton Park.