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Veteran striker Lyle Taylor has completed a stunning move to National League South club Chelmsford City after leaving Colchester United. The 35-year-old announced his departure from the U’s on Wednesday, ending months of speculation about his future.
Colchester United Departure
Lyle Taylor confirmed he would not be returning to Colchester United despite ongoing contract negotiations since December. The experienced forward expressed frustration at being “currently jobless” during an interview with BBC’s EFL podcast.
Contract talks between Lyle Taylor and Colchester stalled throughout the summer transfer window. The striker scored 10 goals in 37 League Two appearances last season, making him the club’s leading scorer.
Manager Danny Cowley acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Taylor’s future affected squad planning. Colchester opened their new League Two campaign against Tranmere Rovers without their top goalscorer.
Chelmsford City Switch
Essex-based Chelmsford City announced Lyle Taylor’s signing on Wednesday evening via their official channels. The ambitious National League South club has significant financial backing to compete at non-league level.
Lyle Taylor joins Chelmsford as they prepare for their 2025-26 National League South campaign. The Clarets possess resources to challenge for promotion to the National League.
Sources suggest Taylor was attracted by Chelmsford’s ambitious project and professional setup. The move represents a significant coup for the Essex club.
Injury Concerns and Recovery
A calf muscle injury sustained in April ended Taylor’s 2024-25 season prematurely. The striker was injured during Colchester’s 2-0 victory over Newport County.
Lyle Taylor spent the summer focused on regaining full fitness ahead of the new season. His rehabilitation programme included intensive work to ensure complete recovery from the calf problem.
The striker’s injury history remains relatively clean throughout his career. Lyle Taylor previously stated he has suffered only two significant injuries during his 15-year professional career.
Career Highlights and Records
Lyle Taylor boasts an impressive goalscoring record across English football’s lower divisions. His career statistics show 174 goals in 522 appearances across all competitions.
The striker became AFC Wimbledon’s record Football League goalscorer with 44 goals before Joe Pigott surpassed him. Taylor scored 55 goals in all competitions during his three-year spell at Plough Lane.
His move to Charlton Athletic in 2018 proved equally successful initially. Lyle Taylor scored 32 goals in 63 league appearances for the Addicks before controversy struck.
Charlton Athletic Controversy
Taylor’s reputation suffered during the 2020 Championship restart following COVID-19 suspension. The striker refused to sign a contract extension to complete the season.
Manager Lee Bowyer confirmed Lyle Taylor feared injury would jeopardise his “life-changing move” to a higher level. Charlton desperately needed their top scorer as they battled relegation.
Taylor defended his decision publicly, citing the risk of serious injury affecting his career prospects. The controversy divided opinion among football supporters and pundits.
Nottingham Forest Disappointment
Championship club Nottingham Forest signed Lyle Taylor on a free transfer in August 2020. However, his three-year spell at the City Ground proved largely unsuccessful.
The striker made just 57 appearances for Forest, scoring seven goals across three seasons. Taylor was released without making a single appearance during their Premier League season.
A loan spell at Birmingham City in 2022 provided temporary respite with five goals in 14 appearances. Lyle Taylor impressed teammates Troy Deeney and Brennan Johnson during his Blues stint.
International Success with Montserrat
Lyle Taylor represents Montserrat at international level through his grandparents’ heritage. The striker has scored 13 goals in 20 appearances for the Caribbean nation.
His international highlights include crucial goals in CONCACAF Nations League competition. Lyle Taylor scored twice against Bermuda in a dramatic 3-2 victory in 2022.
The striker’s penalty expertise has proved valuable for Montserrat in major tournaments. Taylor maintains an 81% conversion rate from penalty kicks throughout his career.
Recent Club Struggles
Lyle Taylor endured difficult spells at Wycombe Wanderers and Cambridge United during 2023-24. The striker managed just three goals across both League One clubs.
His arrival at Cambridge coincided with his first goal since April 2022. Lyle Taylor expressed delight at ending his lengthy scoring drought.
The veteran striker joined Colchester United in July 2024 seeking regular first-team football. Taylor rediscovered his goalscoring touch with 10 League Two goals.
Future Ambitions
Despite his age, Lyle Taylor remains determined to continue his professional career. The striker rejected suggestions of retirement following his injury setback.
Lyle Taylor expressed renewed enthusiasm for football during recent interviews. His move to Chelmsford City represents a fresh challenge at non-league level.
The experienced striker brings leadership qualities and proven goalscoring ability to Chelmsford’s squad. Taylor’s signing demonstrates the club’s serious promotion ambitions.
Personal Charitable Work
Lyle Taylor actively supports Cancer Research UK through various fundraising initiatives. The striker dyes his hair pink each October and wears pink boots to raise awareness.
His charitable efforts have raised £78,000 for cancer research as of 2024. Lyle Taylor combines his football career with meaningful community work.
The striker’s brother Joey also represents Montserrat internationally, creating a family footballing legacy. Taylor has worked as a model and appeared in Champions League television advertisements.
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