Source: PA
Taylor sees bright future for Magpies
Steven Taylor is confident Newcastle have returned to their rightful place after his goal confirmed their Barclays Premier League status.
The 25-year-old Greenwich-born, but Geordie-raised defender powered home a 43rd-minute header which put the Magpies 2-0 ahead over Birmingham. The Magpies went on to win 2-1 and ease into 10th place on 44 points and, more importantly, safety from relegation.
Retaining their place in the top flight was the Tyneside club's only focus in the immediate aftermath of their promotion from the Championship last summer, and with a trip to Chelsea before their final day clash with West Brom at St James' Park to come, a more than creditable top-10 finish remains a possibility.
It was all a far cry from the day at Aston Villa almost two years ago when the unthinkable happened and the Magpies slipped out of the Premier League.
Taylor, who was handed a rare start in place of the injured Mike Williamson, said: "This is where the football club should be.
"That's what it feels like when you are a professional footballer. That's what it is all about. You play in big stadiums and the fans, the atmosphere here, that's what it is all about. Three points and a goal - I think you could tell by the celebration how happy I was, and for us to get safety was very important."
