Taylor - Newcastle are united

Steven Taylor: Newcastle defender is proud his hometown club are flying high in Premier League

Steven Taylor insists Newcastle United have finally lost their 'crisis club' tag after the players and the board went on a night out.

His hometown team was almost torn apart a year ago in a dispute between the boardroom and the dressing room over bonus payments.

But fast forward 12 months and the club are sitting pretty in fourth spot ahead of their trip to Stoke on Monday night following an unbeaten start to the season.

And Taylor, who will wear a mask to protect his broken nose, believes the sight of managing director Derek Llambias at a recent player's bash means Newcastle really are united now.

Taylor said: "He came out after we'd been paint- balling. We all went for a Chinese and then he turned up, which was a nice touch.

"Sometimes I think directors are too scared to talk but we all had a bit of a chat and the banter was good.

"Everything now feels how it should be and that has never really happened before. You can sense it everywhere."
Steven Taylor Quotes of the week

"This season, the chairman has been straight on our side from day one. He's sorted out the problem we had with the bonuses, he leaves the gaffer to do his job and there have been no hassles at all.

"There is a togetherness running throughout the club which is vital because at a club like Newcastle, you can't afford to be split.

"Everything now feels how it should be and that has never really happened before. You can sense it everywhere.

"These are exciting times for us and we know that when everyone is pulling in the same direction, this club can be a powerful force."