JT admits he's learned not to be so lippy
It's fair to say Hawke's Bay United soccer captain Jonathan Taylor has had a close association with yellow cards over the years.
"I get my competitiveness from dad. But he told me off the other day when I got my second for the season," said Taylor referring to his father, former Northern Districts and Taranaki cricketer Geoff Taylor.
It's also fair to point out Taylor isn't as lippy as he was in his younger days.
"I've learnt my lessons. Things are a lot more professional these days and, with only 14 games in a regular season, you can't afford too many yellows," Taylor said.
While he may monitor his comments a lot closer these days, the 2002 All White is still his usual physical self.
"That's part of being a centreback ... it's about initimidating the opposition," said Taylor during a break from his job as an engineer at Wecan Precision Engineering in Hastings.
Taylor, 31, has an extra incentive to avoid a yellow card when Hawke's Bay United host Auckland City in an ASB Premiership clash at Bluewater Stadium tomorrow - its his 50th premiership outing.
"I didn't know it was that many ... I know I've played more than 100 games for Napier City Rovers since 1996," he recalled.
The 2003-04 season Kingz player is naturally eager to celebrate the occasion with a victory. Taylor pointed out it's an ideal time to take on Auckland City as they are lacking confidence and are without several big names they have had in the past.
"We've never played them when they have been so vulnerable.
"As for our side, we're building with each game. Last week, we didn't capitalise on the scoring chances we created and it's time for a solid performance back at home," said Taylor as he reflected on last weekend's 0-all draw in Christchurch.
With two Chatham Cup winner's medals and a national league title winner's medal, it isn't surprising Taylor has high expectations of himself and the team.
"One always remembers those glory days but, at the same time, I know things are different now with a more professional and more competitive league.
"Before, we could always pick the top three or four teams ... now any team can beat another on the day."
Taylor believes if Hawke's Bay United can retain players for longer periods, those glory days like Rovers' 2000 Chatham Cup-National League double could return to the province.
"It makes it difficult when lots of new players are coming in each season and you have to spend time getting them to gel. Waitakere United are reaping the rewards from retaining players well in recent years," said Taylor referring to the top-of-the-table side.
The father of 18-month-old Brody, Taylor sees the similarities between his son's childhood and his own.
"I went along to dad's cricket and football games and enjoyed watching him ... now I'm struggling to keep Brody off the field."
Should Taylor miss out on the long-awaited Hawke's Bay United glory days, there's a strong chance he will see his son experience some.
There's no way Captain JT will be a leaving a province he has called home for the past 28 years.
United assistant coach Chris McIvor agreed with Taylor that this is the most vulnerable Auckland City have been in recent times.
"Results haven't quite been going their way. But we have to be wary of them ... they will be desperate," he said.
Should the hosts win, they will go to second on the points table - a position they have never been in before.
Another first for the side could come before the final whistle if twin brothers Peter and Phil Doran get game time - twins have never played together for the side previously.
So there's at least three huge incentives for Hawke's Bay United to record a home victory. Needless to say, if JT and the boys deliver there might be a few more taxis than normal called to Park Island tomorrow night.
Quieter approach from captain
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