Taylor Takes Up Northern Ireland Coaching Role

 Maik Taylor has taken up the role as Northern Ireland’s goalkeeping coach for the remainder of the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.  The 41 year old, who is Northern Ireland’s second most capped goalkeeper, takes over the role from Tommy Wright, who stepped down from the role in June after being appointed St Johnstone manager.

 Taylor, who has played 88 times for Northern Ireland, recently completed his UEFA B Licence and UEFA A Licence in Belfast. He was delighted to take up his new role and said “I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to become involved with the squad. I always enjoyed playing for Northern Ireland and to now have the chance to come in and work with the goalkeepers for the remaining five games in the World Cup qualifying campaign is just fantastic”. However despite gaining his first coaching role Taylor has no intentions on giving up playing just yet. He added “I am actively looking to play for another season, however nothing has come about at the moment and getting the opportunity to become involved with the Northern Ireland squad is one I didn’t want to miss out on”.

 Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neil was also pleased with the appointment of Taylor. O’Neil told reporters “I am delighted that Maik has agreed to take on the role of goalkeeping coach for the senior squad for the remained of the World Cup qualifying campaign. He is a truly excellent professional and his experience will be invaluable in ensuring that our goalkeepers are well prepared and in the right frame of mind. Maik has been a great servant for Northern Ireland and I know he has the drive and initiative to really make a big contribution to the squad”.