Aldershot Town have signed former Maidstone United winger Bobby-Joe Taylor on a one-year contract.
The 22 year-old played 45 games for The Stones in 2016-17, scoring nine goals and making eight assists, and last Sunday made his England C debut against Panjab FA.
Having begun his career in the Chelsea and Gillingham academies, Taylor made eight appearances for League Two Cambridge United in 2014-15 before being a part of Maidstone United’s National League South 2016 Play-Off Final winning team.
Taylor scored in the Final against Ebbsfleet United and in total made 83 appearances for The Stones. Whilst at Cambridge, he also enjoyed loan spells at St Neots Town, Arlesey and Bishops Stortford.
“This is a massive club with a good fanbase – it’s a Football League club, so I’m delighted to be here,” said Taylor. “I had a good two years at Maidstone United but for me it’s time for a new chapter in my career. My first chat with Gary Waddock was a bit different to other managers, and in terms of coaching and being able to get the best out of me, I think Gary fits the bill. Other clubs were offering me more financially, and I had an offer from League Two, but it was a no-brainer for me to sign for Aldershot Town.
“I played numerous positions at Maidstone but primarily I am an out-and-out winger. I’m quite direct, comfortable with both feet and I like to work hard,” he suggested of his own qualities as a player. “I hope to bring a lot to the team in terms of assists and goals. I want to get back into the Football League, and if it’s with Aldershot Town that would be fantastic, because that is where the club is destined to be. I’m really looking forward to the season.”
“I’ve liked Bobby-Joe for quite some time and our supporters will like his style of play,” said manager Gary Waddock. “He can play left side or right-side (of midfield) and as a makeshift left-back as well. That gives us some options and some flexibility within the group.
“We’re trying to improve the squad, but we know that will be difficult because we have a good group here already. The players that come in have got to try to push the lads that are already here. Flexibility will be helpful, because it’s not going to be a big squad, but we have already assembled a very good group of players.”
