Former Premier League defender Steven Taylor has been handed the Wellington Phoenix captain’s armband after 11 seasons in the care of Andrew Durante.
Coach Ufuk Talay confirmed Taylor will lead a new-look Phoenix in the 2019-20 A-League, after Durante was one of 14 players to depart from last season.
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The 33-year-old Taylor played more than 200 games for Newcastle United and impressed in his maiden Phoenix campaign last year alongside Durante in central defence.
Taylor made a winning start to his captaincy as the Phoenix steamrolled Central League club Wairarapa United 7-0 in Masterton on Wednesday.
New forwards David Ball and Jaushua Sotirio both bagged doubles while Mexican midfield signing Ulises Davila also registered a goal.