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Everything In Black And White Makes Sense To Taylor
Written by Newcastle Utd
Steven Taylor reckons this year's home kit - which is now on sale - is one of the best he's worn during ten seasons at St. James' Park
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
For Steven Taylor, all that matters is the black and white stripes.
They're the colours he wore to support his team as a young lad from Whitley Bay and he still swells with pride every time he pulls them on now as he begins his tenth season as a Newcastle United player.
The defender made his first-team debut in a UEFA Cup tie against RCD Mallorca in March 2004 and has donned a variety of Magpies kits since then. But he ranks this year's stylish offering from PUMA as one of the best from a decade of service at St. James' Park.
The shirt went on sale to supporters on Thursday and Taylor told nufc.co.uk: "I think this kit has got to be in the top three from the past ten years that I've played here.
"It's in the tradition of Newcastle United. They're well known for their black and white - and they will be forever. I think it's important to keep that.
"A few years ago, they had just the three black stripes going down - the NTL one - but I think it's important to have the famous old style.
"You've got the Wonga sign there and bit of blue, but the main thing is it's black and white and I think the fans will be happy with that."
For Taylor, it's more than a shirt - it's a badge of honour which links him to 52,000 supporters in the stands.
He explained: "I'm living every kid's dream at Newcastle. Every time I pull the shirt on, it's something special.
"You go out on a normal day and wherever you go, be it a supermarket or a restaurant, there are so many kids who want to be in your shoes and who are wearing that shirt.
"I was one of those kids so I know exactly what it means to them. For me to be living that dream is great and I want it to carry on."
Not only does it look good, but the new strip feels fantastic too according to the 27-year-old, whose form last season earned him a call-up for Roy Hodgson's England squad.
"It feels better than last year - this one's more fitted and it retains sweat very well too, which is important in pre-season when you're running in the heat.
"You'd be surprised at how important the feel of a kit is. The players want to feel good when they wear it, especially some of the foreign players.
"Even little things like the style of the socks are important. In previous seasons, you see players cutting their socks and having their own little style but the feedback everyone has given this one has been very positive and I think it's gone down well."
To purchase your 2013/2014 home kit, either visit one of the official club stores or click here to buy online