Sunderland U21 coach Graeme Murty has claimed one ‘outstanding’ player will now have clubs ‘banging on his door’.
Sunderland U21s have enjoyed a tremendous campaign, having initially finished seventh in Premier League 2.
After losing only one of their final seven league games, the Black Cats went onto beat Wolves, West Ham and Reading to reach the PL2 play-off final.
The U21s went onto lose 3-1 against first place Tottenham Hotspur, but were able to head north with their heads held high.
For one player the match meant even more, as it was his last in red and white after 12 years at the club.
Having netted a hat-trick in the semi-final, Ellis Taylor brought his time with Sunderland to an end at the weekend.
The U21s captain finished the season with 11 goal contributions in only 17 matches, but was released by the club and will now have to find a new home.
Taylor’s exit was unfortunate given his success for the youth team, but manager Graeme Murty doesn’t think it will take him very long to find a new club.
Ellis Taylor won’t be short on clubs to choose from
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, Murty said: “I’ve just said in there, I think we all as a staff and playing staff are gutted we haven’t given him a trophy to go away with, because he’s been outstanding for us as a young man. Also his commitment to the group when, let’s be honest, when he got that news he could have just walked away. He didn’t, he wanted to stay here and continue with the group and wanted to make sure that he led. I thought he led all the way through.
“Last week (against Reading) was outstanding for him individually and he got all of the headlines and rightly so, because he’s a very, very good player. He’s an excellent young man and we have said as a staff if there is anything we can do for him and anything that he needs he can come to us.
“I’m sure with what he’s shown, not just this season but particularly in the postseason, there will be lots and lots of people banging on his door to make sure they get him signed and over the line. I can’t give him a high enough recommendation as a person.”
Could Sunderland regret his exit?
Ellis Taylor’s release wasn’t through any fault of his own, as he obviously made a huge impact on the U21s.
However, Sunderland’s strength in depth on the left side makes it extremely unlikely that he would force his way into the senior team.
Taylor is approaching his 22nd birthday next season and needs regular minutes if he is to get anywhere in his career.
It is definitely the right decision from the club, but one that they could well regret if he goes onto impress elsewhere.