Luton striker Joe Taylor was pulling pints just 18 months ago but is now eyeing the biggest names in world football as Luton embark on their first-ever Premier League season.
The 20–year-old has just 25 Football League appearances to his name but will now be taking to the pitch at the likes of Old Trafford, Anfield and many more. It wasn’t always meant to be that way though.
Taylor, a product of the Norwich academy, almost gave up on the game after being released by the Canaries, whilst he had ambitions of instead playing other sports. Speaking to The Sun, he said: “I was more a cricket fan as a kid but got signed by Norwich aged nine.
“But I didn’t get my scholarship and that was the worst feeling I’ve had in football, apart from my disallowed goal at Wembley! Myself and another lad who was released, Aaron Powell, got trials at Peterborough and were offered deals."
That tempted Taylor to turn his back on the sport and in a conversation with his Dad admitted that he "hated" football. He then claimed that he wanted to focus on rugby and cricket instead.
Despite initial hesitation, Taylor soon got back into football as he penned a youth deal with non-league King’s Lynn. That proved to be an excellent decision from the youngster as he immediately worked his way up the ranks before he broke into the reserve side, whilst he had "fallen back in love" with football.
Where do you think Luton will finish in the Premier League next season? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Whilst he caught the eye during a loan spell with Wroxham Taylor still had to pick up another job working behind a bar to make ends meet. However, once League One side Peterborough United made their interest known, he was in no doubt about making the move to London Road.
Whilst he caught the eye with Wroxham and King’s Lynn, Taylor still had to pick up another job working behind a bar to make ends meet. However, once League One side Peterborough United made their interest known, he was in no doubt about making the move to London Road.
“I was working in a hotel as a barman, which I loved, but when the call came from Peterborough my mind was made,” he added.
After just 19 appearances for the Posh, Taylor was on the move once again as Luton Town swooped for his signature back in January. In just 18 months, the striker had gone from non-league to the verge of the Premier League.
He made five Championship appearances for the Hatters as they secured a spot in the play-offs. He would only be afforded 15 minutes of the final against Coventry - but it was a dramatic cameo.
Taylor thought he had guided Luton to the top flight with what looked like a winning goal, only to see it ruled out by VAR. Even ahead of his introduction, Luton boss Rob Edwards and his assistants regularly told him that he would score the winner.
And it so nearly happened, too, as he scored but saw a handball call deny his chance to celebrate, whilst Taylor claims that the 'goal' was his "biggest 100 to zero moment."
His contributions were not quite finished there as he netted in the resultant penalty shootout before Coventry star Fankaty Dabo missed in sudden death to seal Luton’s promotion.
He said: “I’m not an emotional person. As a young lad to be part of winning a huge game, it’s the stuff of dreams — especially at the home of football.”
