Shropshire lad Rob Taylor is on course to achieve his career goals after signing for Port Vale as he closes in on a degree in sports studies.
The 23-year-old got his head down at Worcester University after the likes of Derby County and Coventry City failed to follow up their interest.
But the Shrewsbury-born former Bridgnorth Endowed schoolboy has been handed his chance by Vale after impressing manager Lee Sinnott during a trial.
Taylor’s performances for Nuneaton Borough in Conference North took the eye of Sinnott’s scouts early this year and he followed that up with a couple of impressive displays for Vale’s reserves.
The midfielder was rewarded with a two-year contract and can’t wait to get cracking at Vale Park after his graduation and the summer holidays.
Taylor, who lives with his mum in Bridgnorth, said: “I took sports studies at SCAT (Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology) and then progressed to university after it looked like the chance to become a full-time footballer had passed me by.
“It was a case of putting a plan ‘B’ into operation and I’m now excited and delighted to get the chance at my plan ‘A’ as well. I’ll give it my very best shot at Port Vale, but it is always handy to have something to fall back on or take up later in life.”
Taylor’s versatility was one of the reasons relegated Vale have taken a chance on him as Sinnott attempts to plot the way back to League One at the first attempt.
He added: “I can play on the left wing, in the centre of the park or at left-back. The manager told me he likes players who can play in a variety of positions because it gives him more options.
“They are a great bunch of lads at Vale and I’m looking forward to developing and improving as a player and getting as fit as I can. I would ask the supporters to have a bit of patience with me because I’m making a big jump in standard, but my aim is to get into the first team as quickly as possible.”
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