Former England Manager Peter Taylor has made a surprise return to management, after more than two years since his last coaching role.
The 72-year-old has been announced as the new boss of non-league side Canvey Island - the club where he started his career as a youth player in the late 1960s.
The appointment comes as the side is still to confirm their safety in the Isthmian League Premier Division.
The Islanders are currently five points from the relegation zone with two games in hand but a favourable goal difference, meaning a point would be more than likely enough to remain in the division.
Peter Taylor has returned to his former team Canvey Island after more than 50 years
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The club confirmed the arrival on their website, saying: “Peter returns to the club where he started his career as a youth team player. Peter has always kept in contact with Canvey and is delighted to be returning.”
Taylor replaces Brad Wellmen, who resigned after four years at the club. Wellmen won two of his final fourteen games in charge, picking up just 10 points from a possible 42.
On Bellmen’s resignation, the club said: “Throughout his tenure, Brad has led the team with integrity, commitment, and passion. It has been a strong and respectful relationship, and the club is grateful for the hard work he has put in.
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Peter Taylor worked with Sven-Göran Eriksson at England
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“Brad has led the club through a successful period over the last 4 years, securing promotion from the Ryman North, Play-Offs in our 1st season back in the Ryman Premier division and guiding the team to victory in the Essex Senior Cup this season.
These accomplishments mark a memorable and proud chapter in the club’s history.”
Earlier on in the season, the side lost a staggering seven games on the spin to put them in real danger of entering the drop zone. They seem to have averted this danger, however.
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Taylor’s recent appointment marks the latest twist in a remarkable career in football. His previous job was in 2023 at Maldan & Tiptree, but he was sacked just three games into a new season.
The former Tottenham Hotspur player had spells managing Hull City and Crystal Palace. He also managed Leicester City, where he won Premier League Manager of the Month in September 2000 and nearly guided the midlands club to a European spot, however the side lost nine of their final ten games to finish mid-table.
Peter Taylor experienced both caretaker manager and coaching roles with England
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But his most fascinating endeavours come on the international stage: prior to Sven-Göran Eriksson’s appointment as England boss, and while he was in charge of Leicester City, Taylor was appointed caretaker manager for his country.
Here, he gave David Beckham the captain's armband for the first time, but the side unfortunately lost 1-0 to Italy, meaning Taylor ended his reign without a win.
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Following his departure from Leicester in 2001, Taylor joined Brighton & Hove Albion, where he would win the second division.
A decade later, Taylor landed another international job: the Bahrain national team, and even won their first-ever regional tournament.
The former England boss will be hoping to turn The Islanders’ fortunes around and find more silverware in his latest role.
