Ryan Taylor signs new contract at NUFC

Ryan Taylor has signed a two-year contract extension at Newcastle United meaning that he is now contracted to the club until 2015.

The 27-year-old has earned the label of being a utility man after appearing in a number of positions for United this term. So far he's played at left-back, right-back and right-midfield, and I even vaguely remember him lining up in the middle of the park for us on the odd occasion.

In the main he's done well and has proved to be an able squad player. In fact when played at left-back we have arguably been more solid as a team. He's not exactly my favourite player - I think you all know that - but I'll hold my hands up and say that he's proving me wrong with his performances and the fact that he gives no less than 100% which is all I ever ask for.

I'm still waiting to see evidence of him being a set-piece specialist however...

Anyway, Ryan has been talking to the official club website and had this to say about his new deal:

"I'm over the moon. It's been a quiet one to get done and didn't take long," said Taylor.

He continued: "I stated not so long ago that I would love to stay here, and that has always been the case. Playing every week helps, and having a good manager has been a massive plus for me as well."

"When the gaffer came in first of all I was injured, so I've had to prove myself to him. But this season has been great for me on a personal note, and to have played every Premier League game bar two or three then it's been a great season."

I can't knock his enthusiasm for the club and he clearly enjoys being here. More importantly he hates Mackems which is fairly evident if you red his Twitter feed and some of the verbal jousting that has gone in the build up to the derby.

Alan Pardew seems to rate him highly though, even if I don't, and he seems happy enough with being able to tie Taylor down to a new deal.

"I am delighted to secure a contract extension for Ryan. He has been outstanding for me this season wherever I have asked him to play," said Pardew.

"Ryan is a fantastic player who is firmly in the hearts of our fans, not only for his derby winner against Sunderland but also because of some excellent performances in the Newcastle shirt."

"On the back of agreeing new deals last week with Tim Krul and Fabricio Coloccini, this gives us a huge boost going into the final 11 games, and hopefully Ryan can help us make this a truly memorable season."

Ryan, or Raylor as he has become known, has played in all but two of our Premier League games this season. Fair play on him for signing a new deal, and for not hanging about in signing it. It's out of the blue this one.

Maybe NUFC are getting the hang of this contract malarkey after all?