Taylor’s team looking good already (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Threlfall and Oliver joined by rookie keeper for City next season

7:40am Friday 28th May 2010 in Football By Simon Parker

Peter Taylor reckons he could field a decent City team already after completing his first business of the summer.

Taylor captured three players in a hectic day of business – former loanees Robbie Threlfall and Luke Oliver, who have both signed for two years, and rookie Plymouth goalkeeper Lloyd Saxton on a one-season deal.

With midfield mainstays Lee Bullock and Michael Flynn set to follow Simon Ramsden’s lead and commit their future to the club, the City chief believes his plans are coming along nicely.

Taylor said: “If we had to name a team now, they wouldn’t be a bad side for our first game. It’s not yet as strong as I want to have but we’re going the right way.

“I think I’m getting there a little bit on another couple of players, which might take slightly longer, and I’m confident of adding to what we’ve already got.”

Oliver’s return had been flagged up by Taylor after his seven-match loan stint was cut short by Wycombe in April.

There was other interest, believed to be Southend, but the versatile defender – who chipped in with two goals as a makeshift striker – was happy to link up with his former manager for the third time.

Taylor said: “I know Luke and he knows me and I still maintain he will improve. There were times him and Steve Williams played well together and Zesh (Rehman) finished off all right, so it gives us competition.

“It was hard to let Matt Clarke go because he’s got good experience but in the end I always thought I had a chance of getting Luke and I’m pleased we have.”

Left back Threlfall was Taylor’s first temporary capture, arriving from Liverpool within days of the manager taking the City helm in February. He played all 17 games under Taylor last term, scoring cracking free-kicks at Rochdale and Port Vale.

Taylor said: “I think it’s very difficult for a reserve player to come along and all of a sudden play regular first-team football. He has got to adjust.

“I thought Robbie did very well at the start then had a little bit of a dip but picked it up again towards the end.

“He didn’t 100 per cent know his Liverpool future and you can understand anybody trying to stay at a place like that. But when it was made clear that he wasn’t getting a contract, then he was happy to come back.

“It was said to me that there were others looking at him but Robbie saw the potential at this club.

“It’s good that from July 1 we’ll have people in the building who know how we like to work.

“The team finished the season well and I felt we didn’t need too many changes if we could get some of the players back that were the reason that we improved.

“I’m still very confident that Bullock and Flynn will be re-signing and we’ve agreed a deal with Ramsden.”

Saxton, 20, arrives as understudy to Jon McLaughlin after losing his spot as Plymouth back-up following a change of manager.

“If Jon hadn’t finished off the way he did, I would have either stuck with Matt Glennon or got a bit more experience in,” said Taylor.

“I know people that have seen Lloyd play and potentially he can be really good. Jon will be number one but I think that Lloyd fancies his chances and that’s why it’s a good opportunity for him.”