Getting Started
I found this old Newcastle poster while cleaning the basement yesterday – Steven Taylor covered in mud doing a sliding tackle. Made me think: “When did he actually retire? What were his stats?” Couldn’t remember squat, so grabbed my laptop around 9 PM.
Digging Up The Basics
First, hit the usual football sites. Searched “Steven Taylor career stats” expecting quick numbers. Big mistake! Got bombarded with messy tables scattered across different leagues and seasons. Felt like herding cats.
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Drama Points Found:
- That wild red card against Villa where he blocked a shot with his chest like a goalie
- His weird stint in America playing on turf fields
- Total apps jumping between sources – 268? 213? Who even knows
Stats Nightmare
Spent an hour trying to line up his championship years with Premier League apps. Opened like 12 tabs comparing club sites and fan forums. Worst part? His Indian Super League numbers vanished into thin air. Ended up scribbling notes on a pizza box.
Simplifying The Mess
Finally said “screw it” around midnight. Made my own cheat sheet:
- Newcastle Era: 13 seasons – mostly defense, few screamers
- Injuries: shoulder pops, hamstring snaps – dude was held by duct tape
- Post-England: Portland → India → NZ → coaching
Wrapping Up
Turned my pizza box scribbles into bullet points before passing out. Woke up realizing football stats are mostly guesswork. Taylor wasn’t some glamour player but bled for that shirt. That messy poster in my basement? Keeping it right on the fridge now.