taylor_thomas
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| Name: Thomas "Tommy" Taylor |
Nationality: England |
| Position: Forward |
Signing Information: Transferred from: Barnsley, 03/1953, £29,999 |
| Birthdate: 29-01-1932 |
Years at Club: 1952-1958 |
| Age: (92) |
Debut: 07/03/1953 v Preston North End (H) 5-2 (League Division One) |
| Birthplace: Smithies, Barnsley, England |
Previous clubs: Barnsley |
| Height: 5' 11" (1.80m) |
Farewell to Manchester United: Died of injuries sustained in Munich Air Crash, 06/02/1958 |
| Weight: 12st 6lbs (78.93kg) |
Passed Away: 06/02/1958 |
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Tommy Taylor was one of the most prolific and talented centre-forwards of his generation, and a key figure in Manchester United’s legendary Busby Babes team of the 1950s. Known for his exceptional heading ability, goal-scoring instinct, and physical presence, Taylor was a dominant force in the air and a clinical finisher, earning a reputation as one of the best forwards in English football.
Taylor began his professional career at Barnsley, where his impressive performances as a teenager quickly attracted the attention of bigger clubs. In 1953, he signed for Manchester United for £29,999, a British record transfer fee at the time. He was an instant success, becoming a central figure in Matt Busby’s young and exciting team. Over the next five years, Taylor helped United win two First Division titles (1956 and 1957) and establish themselves as one of Europe’s top clubs.
Taylor was renowned for his heading ability, combining athleticism and timing to dominate defenders in the air. He had an exceptional goal-scoring record, netting 131 goals in 191 appearances for Manchester United. His partnership with fellow forward Dennis Viollet was a crucial component of United’s attack during this period. Taylor’s combination of power, technical skill, and positional intelligence made him one of the most feared strikers in English football.
Tragically, Taylor’s career was cut short when he lost his life in the Munich Air Disaster on February 6, 1958. He was only 26 years old and widely regarded as one of the most promising forwards in world football at the time of his death.
Strengths:
Heading Ability: Taylor was unmatched in the air, scoring many of his goals with powerful headers. His height, timing, and jumping ability made him a constant aerial threat.
Goal-Scoring Instinct: Taylor had a natural goal-scoring ability, capable of finishing from all areas of the box with both feet and his head.
Physical Presence: Taylor’s strength and physicality allowed him to hold off defenders and create space for himself and his teammates.
Positional Awareness: Taylor had an excellent sense of positioning, always finding himself in the right place to score or assist, making him a highly effective centre-forward.
International Career:
Taylor was a key player for the England national team, scoring 16 goals in 19 appearances. His goal-scoring record for England was outstanding, and he was seen as one of the country’s best strikers heading into the 1958 FIFA World Cup, which he tragically never got the chance to compete in due to the Munich Air Disaster.
Legacy:
Tommy Taylor is remembered as one of the finest centre-forwards in Manchester United’s history and one of the most talented players of his era. His goal-scoring prowess and aerial dominance made him a key figure in the Busby Babes, and he played an instrumental role in the team’s success during the 1950s. Taylor’s untimely death in the Munich Air Disaster was a devastating loss for football, as he was widely regarded as a player with the potential to become one of the all-time greats.
Despite his career being tragically cut short, Taylor’s legacy as a goal-scoring legend remains strong, and he is honored as one of Manchester United’s greatest ever players.
Summary:
Tommy Taylor was a prolific and dominant centre-forward for Manchester United in the 1950s, known for his incredible heading ability, goal-scoring instinct, and physical presence. A vital member of the Busby Babes, Taylor helped United win two First Division titles and was one of the best forwards of his generation. His career and life were tragically cut short in the Munich Air Disaster, but his legacy as one of Manchester United’s greatest ever strikers lives on. |
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| League |
League Cup |
FA Cup |
Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
Super Cup |
Cup Winners Cup |
Inter-Continental Cup |
World Clubs Cup |
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| No |
Season |
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Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
| 1 |
1952-1953 |
7 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
11 |
| 2 |
1953-1954 |
22 |
35 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
23 |
36 |
| 3 |
1954-1955 |
20 |
30 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
31 |
| 4 |
1955-1956 |
25 |
33 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
25 |
34 |
| 5 |
1956-1957 |
22 |
32 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
8 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
34 |
45 |
| 6 |
1957-1958 |
16 |
25 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
22 |
34 |
| TOTALS |
112 |
166 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
9 |
3 |
2 |
11 |
14 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
131 |
191 |
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