FOOTBALL FEATURE - Fresh start for footballing son

11:58am Wednesday 15th August 2001

No-one has stronger associations with the Croydon football scene than Micky Taylor. So why this season will his managerial skills be used to help a team on the South Coast? TOM GEOGHEGAN reports.

One of Croydon's most famous football sons is starting a new era next week, managing St Leonard's in East Sussex.

Micky Taylor is well known to hundreds of footballers of all ages after 40 years of playing and managing local teams.

The 53 year old who lives in Duppas Road and works for Croydon Council is now looking ahead to a new challenge in the Doc Martens League.

“It was a difficult decision to leave Croydon FC because they are a genuine outfit, but I wanted to pit myself against the northern clubs in that league. They'll see us as the southern softies.”

It has been a long journey from his young playing days at Wandle Park, when his team dressed in maroon were forced to flee the pitch chased by a bull escaped from Croydon's slaughter-house.

On the eve of a new chapter, his odyssey is a remarkable story about the changing fortunes of football which is a credit to his resilience and passion.

The high point was going to the FA Vase Final at Wembley four years ago representing Surrey, and taking Croydon Athletic into the Ryman League after the Taylors renovated the ground themselves to bring it up to scratch.

And as if to demonstrate the unpredictability of football, the popular Micky was sacked' a season later as Athletic boss when 5th in the league.

As a young, all-round sportsman Micky became an apprentice joiner after leaving Tavistock School and won his first football medal with Woodside Albion Juniors in 1964-65.

He played for Bromley in the late 60s as right-wing, in the days when team selection was done by postcard in the absence of telephones.

But his favourite playing days were spent at Whyteleafe, which he described as “one big family” and he has fond memories of his manager at the club, Les Brown, who is still a legend there.

His playing career finished with a number of clubs in the 70s and he started his managerial career with Reedham Park, bringing them their greatest success for 15 years.

Then came the love of his life Croydon Athletic, where he took over the reserve team in 1995 and then led the first team to promotion into the Ryman League.

His contribution off the pitch was as impressive - the whole Taylor family grafted to bring the ground up to Ryman standard.

“I built an extension to the bar and a press box. I wasn't just a manager, I got involved. My mum even helped in the kitchen.”

That is why the heartbreak he called “a kick in the teeth” was so great when he was asked to leave as manager and offered a directorship which he did not want. Then the loss of his mother and the death of a young footballer Paul Muir affected him deeply.

“That was the closest I've come to thinking I don't want to know anymore, but I was always supported by my wife and son.” But he was rescued by Croydon FC manager Ken Jarvie and Colin Turner, who made him chief scout and director of football.

He made an immediate impact as the team won Ryman Division One and was promoted to the Premier. Micky's canny assessment reports on opposing teams and work with the youth team was credited for earning about 12 points.

Facing his new challenge, he is keen to spend time with his growing family, who have played an important part in his football life and he paid tribute to his “wonderful” wife of 31 years, Judy.

“Football has taken more of my time than anything but I've just become a grandad a second time and my thoughts are leaning towards my family.

“This will be my last go at management, for how long I don't know. This is clearly a job and I'm not going to be involved in painting dressing rooms or ground improvement work.”

Don't bet against Croydon's Mr Football making a return.

MICKY TAYLOR FACTFILE

1948 Born in Croydon

1960s Played football for Tavistock School

1964 Won first medal for Woodside Albion Jr

1967 Played for Bromley

1969 Played for Whyteleafe

mid 70s played for Epsom & Ewell, Merstham, Addiscombe Social Club

1983 Manager of Reedham Park

late 80s Manager of Surrey sides: inter, senior, youth

1995 Reserve team manager of Croydon Athletic

Last competitive game as a player for GMB union at Craven Cottage

1996 First team manager and won promotion

1999 Sacked' by Croydon Athletic when placed fifth in Ryman Div Three

Joined Croydon FC as chief scout and won Ryman Division One

2001 Joined St Leonard's