GARETH TAYLOR today admitted he would jump at the chance of extending his stay at Wrexham if given the opportunity.
Former Wales international striker Taylor joined Wrexham in the summer following his release by Championship outfit Doncaster Rovers and is currently the Reds’ leading scorer this term with nine goals in all competitions.
The majority of the Wrexham squad is out of contract at the end of the season and manager Dean Saunders has already offered new deals to goalkeeper Chris Maxwell, left-back Neil Taylor, experienced centre-back Frank Sinclair and midfielder Andy Fleming.
And Taylor has expressed a desire to sign up beyond next summer.
“Of course I would love to stay,” said Taylor. “I knew all about the club before I signed and I have been really enjoying it here.
“I came in, have give my best and scored a few goals. If there is the opportunity to stay, I would definitely look at taking it.”
Wrexham are Taylor’s 14th club of his 19-year career and the frontman, who celebrates his 37th birthday in February, has no plans to retire just yet.
“If I had only played 12 games so far, was injured and struggling for fitness, and not enjoying it, I would look at it,” said Taylor. “But at the moment it is going well.
“For the last three years, I have said I am just going to take every season as it comes.
“I have had year deals here and there, and that gives you the opportunity to see how you feel.
“But every former professional has said to me to keep playing as long as you can.”
Taylor is the second most senior player at The Racecourse.
Sinclair turned 38 earlier this month and a series of impressive performances have led to the former Chelsea and Leicester defender being offered a new deal.
And Taylor praised the contribution of Sinclair, who is hoping to overcome a calf problem for the Boxing Day visit of Altrincham.
“Frank has done well. He has a calf problem and I think missing games has been the only disappointing thing,” said Taylor.
“I think you need as many experienced players on the pitch as possible to help the young lads.”
Taylor has been given a taste of coaching this season when he has been involved in reserve team games alongside Saunders and Brian Carey.
And when he ends his playing career, Taylor admitted he would like to move into coaching.
“I see myself as a coach in the future,” said Taylor.
“I would consider it if I was given the opportunity, I think I could do well. I think I could deal with people and get the best out of them.
“I have a handful of opportunities to do the reserves and I have enjoyed it. I am learning all the time under Dean and Brian.
“It is difficult to get into with not many opportunites but it is something I’d like to do.”
Taylor, whose last goal came in the FA Cup win over Lowestoft on November 7, has been thwarted in his bid to reach double figures before Christmas.
Injury ruled Taylor out of Wrexham’s two FA Trophy ties with Altrincham, who progressed to the second round with a 1-0 victory at Moss Lane last week, while Saturday’s home league clash with Mansfield Town was postponed because of a frozen pitch, preventing the fit-again frontman from making his comeback.
With Altrincham returning to The Racecourse on Saturday in the Blue Square Premier, Taylor would like to end his mini-goal drought and see Wrexham get revenge.
“I have not scored for five games and I would like to get back on the goal trail,” said Taylor.
“Before that I was on top form and it would have been nice to get to double figures before Christmas but Saturday’s game being postponed put paid to that.
“I feel in this team that if they keep putting the ball in, I will get opportunities and stick them away.
“I watched the two games with Altrinhcam and they are difficult to play against.
“In the first game at The Racecourse they came for the draw as they got loads behind the ball.
“We owe them, we are working hard in training and will make sure we are right for it to get some points on the board.”
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Wrexham’s home league fixture against Mansfield Town has been re-arranged for Tuesday, February 2 (7.45pm).
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Due to a combination of uncertainty about the weather over the Christmas period and the numbers who have so far booked, the club has reluctantly had to cancel their official travel coach to Gateshead on Monday, December 28.
Anyone who has booked a place but is yet to hear from the club should contact 01978 262129 to arrange a refund.
There is better news for the New Year's Day game at Altrincham, with coaches leaving The Racecourse at 12.30pm for the trip to Moss Lane. Bookings can be made either in the club shop or online.