Taylor pens Newcastle extension

Ryan Taylor has signed a two-year contract extension with Premier League club Newcastle United.

The versatile 27-year-old has made 25 league appearances for the St James’ Park outfit this season, scoring two goals and featuring at both left-back and on the right-hand side of midfield.

Taylor, whose new deal runs until 2015, originally joined Newcastle from Wigan Athletic in February 2009.

“I am delighted to secure a contract extension for Ryan,” manager Alan Pardew told Newcastle’s official website.

“He has been outstanding for me this season wherever I have asked him to play.”

“Ryan is a fantastic player who is firmly in the hearts of our fans, not only for his derby winner against Sunderland but also because of some excellent performances in the Newcastle shirt.”

“On the back of agreeing new deals last week with Tim Krul and Fabricio Coloccini, this gives us a huge boost going into the final 11 games, and hopefully Ryan can help us make this a truly memorable season.”

The regular first team opportunities afforded to him by Pardew made signing a new deal an easy decision, according to Taylor.

“I’m over the moon,” Taylor said. “It’s been a quiet one to get done and didn’t take long.”

“I stated not so long ago that I would love to stay here, and that has always been the case. Playing every week helps, and having a good manager has been a massive plus for me as well.”

“When the gaffer came in first of all I was injured, so I’ve had to prove myself to him. But this season has been great for me on a personal note, and to have played every Premier League game bar two or three then it’s been a great season.”