Newcastle Jets winger Clayton Taylor has made a dramatic and impactful return to his best form, just months after twice requesting a release from the final year of his A-League Men contract.
From seeking an exit to full commitment
Twice during the recent off-season, the 21-year-old rising star asked Jets management to let him go. Both times, the club refused. Despite the failed attempts to depart, Taylor insists his mindset shifted completely from the first day of pre-season training.
"There were a few things which came up in the off-season," Taylor admitted. "Once pre-season started, once I came in, I was fully committed to the Jets. I don't want to be in two minds. If I am here I am giving it 100 per cent on the pitch. That is all I am focused on."
Behind the scenes concerns and a fresh start
The desire to leave was driven by concerns raised by Taylor's manager, Tony Rallis. In May, Rallis told the Newcastle Herald he believed the club was "under-resourced" in its medical and sports science departments, which he felt was not in his client's "best interest".
"There is not enough medical resources and quality sport science to adequately service the players," Rallis said at the time. He noted Taylor had scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists in his first two professional seasons while managing injuries.
The landscape changed with the arrival of new coach Mark Milligan, who brought in his own coaching and medical staff. Taylor, who underwent surgery in May to correct Osteo Pubis—a groin issue that had plagued him since December 2023—was carefully managed back to full fitness.
Starring role in triumphant return
After four appearances as a substitute, Taylor was finally handed a start in the Jets' Round 7 clash against Wellington Phoenix. He seized the opportunity, delivering a man-of-the-match performance in a 3-1 victory.
The dynamic winger scored a goal, played a key role in another, and combined brilliantly with fellow attackers Lachie Rose and Eli Adams. His electrifying pace and movement terrorised the Phoenix defence, showcasing the form that made him one of the league's most exciting prospects.
"It was great to be back in the starting XI," Taylor said. "I have been building myself back up... I feel great. I pulled up pretty well." He credited the club's cautious approach, acknowledging that while he wanted to play sooner, the medical team's slow and steady plan was for the best.
Future focus and a Sydney FC showdown
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Taylor's future is a topic of speculation. However, the young gun is in no rush to make a decision.
"It is still pretty early in the season," he stated. "At the moment, I am just focusing on my performances. That is what is going to probably decide what happens next for me."
His immediate focus is a tantalising clash against A-League leaders Sydney FC at McDonald Jones Stadium this Saturday. Taylor is a product of the Sky Blues youth system and enjoys the extra motivation of facing his former club.
"I guess it always feels good to prove to them it was wrong to let me go," he said. "Show them what they are missing out on."
The Jets will be without Max Burgess, who suffered a groin injury just five minutes into the Wellington win, but the potential front three of Taylor, Rose, and Adams—who combined so effectively last weekend—provides plenty of attacking threat for the Newcastle faithful to embrace.
