Neil Taylor talks about why he chose Boro and how he sees competition

That’s a lot of time to ponder a next move in football which equates to about four and a half months but even though there was a number of offers at home and abroad, the 32-year-old is happy with his decision to come to Boro.

Despite the fact he told the media that he was relaxed about his current contractual situation, Taylor’s deal runs out in the middle of next month. He is set to hold talks with the club following the busy festive period.

Now doubt the man of the moment Chris Wilder will have a big say in whether an extension is agreed. Taylor has played for a host of managers throughout his career but once he got the call from the former Sheffield United boss, his mind was pretty much made up.

“Chris was a big pull for me” admitted the 32-year-old.

“I’ve admired his teams and the way they work and the way they set up and I really wanted to work with him as well.

“I’ve not been disappointed. I can tell you safely on here that I’ve worked with a lot of managers in my career, good, band and indifferent as we all have in the workplace.

“I think the workplace that they have got set up here is right up there. The way they operate day to day, the way people can see how the system has been implemented quickly.

“Obviously these things never guarantee success but he’s created a culture here very quickly and I’ve not been disappointed with how he is. It’s been everything I expected and more.

“I think between him, Alan (Knill) and Matt Prestridge, they are extremely good. I can say that because I’ve worked with a lot of managers and a lot of good ones and these are especially very good.

“Especially for the Championship, Middlesbrough have made a fantastic appointment.”

When the media caught wind that Taylor was set to sign on Teesside, fans universally said that bringing a left-back with plenty of experience under his belt was a good bit of business.

Especially given that Boro’s only senior left-back at the time Marc Bola was struggling for fitness and Boro were having to use a variation of different players to fill the void in his absence.

Bola was absent once again for the weekend’s game against Bournemouth and so the round peg of Taylor slotted straight into a round hole.

As he played an important role in Boro’s 1-0 win over the Cherries, Taylor admitted that he likes what he’s seen from both Boro’s wing backs but having someone breathing down your neck for a place in the side never hurt anyone.

He added: “Football is like that. You have to have competition. If you’re going to have 22 players in the squad, the likelihood is you will have two in each position and that’s the way it should be. You’re always looking over your shoulder and you always feel that competition to push your performance a little big higher.

“Marc is a great lad. Fantastic young player. Really nice lad around the place as well. I’ve really enjoyed spending time with him and he’s got a bright future for sure.

“In football, you have to have competition and push each other. Ultimately, the aim is to make Middlesbrough successful.

“No player is bigger than any football club and players will always come and go but the club and the fans are always there so it’s important that by pushing each other in the position, you’re making Middlesbrough Football Club better and helping your manager out. I think that’s the plain and simple of it.

“He’s a really great lad. I’ve enjoyed working with him and he’s good player as is Jonah (Isaiah Jones) on the other side who’s done really well as well.

There’s young lads here with still a lot to learn and they are starting out in their career but doing really well.”

Up next for Boro is a Boxing Day clash at home to a Nottingham Forest side who haven’t lost in the league since October.

Steve Cooper has led his side to a nine match unbeaten run in the Championship that has seen his team climb up to seventh in the table, one point and two places above Boro.