Fabian Taylor hints at retirement

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Former national striker Fabian Taylor has had a torrid time in the Norwegian league over the past two seasons as he has suffered one injury after another. This has led to the former Harbour View talisman contemplating quitting the sport.

"I am undecided if I am going to stay in Norway or just give up football for good," Taylor declared. "It (football) is really not treating me good injury-wise, it is really slowing me up and I am not getting to perform like how I use to, and know I can.

"Right now, I am undecided as to what I am going to do. I am even thinking about giving it a rest for a little while and see how best I can come back or venture into something new," he elaborated.

The 30-year-old who has spent three seasons in the Norwegian league managed 14 goals in his opening season, but this was not enough to prevent his club from being demoted to the second division. His club came close to regaining promotion to the first division in the just-concluded season but fell six points short of division winners, Asker FK (57 points). Taylor saw limited playing time due to his injuries and lack of fitness, and only scored six goals.

"For me, as a player, it has been a disappointing and really challenging year," Taylor bemoaned. "I broke my leg last season and didn't play at all and I was struggling for most of this season. Then I got injured just before the season finished and did a small knee operation, so it has been a really rough time for me."

Both injuries were sustained during training. Taylor also has another problem as, with his club being part of the second division, he will not be granted a work permit for next season, as foreign nationals are not given work permits to play below the first division.

Undecided

Taylor said: "I have another year left on my contract but I am undecided because I cannot play in the second division anymore because I am a foreigner. As a foreigner, you are not going to, able to get a work permit playing in the second division in Norway."

Taylor's former Harbour View teammate, Dwayne Miller, has reaped success in his inaugural season with Swedish Division One Club Syrianska FC. Miller, in establishing himself as the number-one ranked custodian in the league led his team to the coveted championship title and promotion to the country's premiership next season.

The 23-year-old stopper recorded 20 clean sheets, which contributed to Syrianska FC winning the League on goal difference - by one goal.