Interview: Rotherham United journo gives the lowdown on winger linked with Sunderland transfer

RR: So, Jon Taylor... Sunderland fans probably don’t know much - if anything - about him. What kind of player is he?

DB: Quick, tricky and persistent. He’s an old-fashioned wide man in many ways, the type who gets his head down and really runs at full-backs. He’s also got a fantastic engine.

RR: I noticed that, for a winger, he doesn’t have many assists. Has his lack of end product been a sore point with Rotherham fans?

DB: Not particularly, Rotherham fans will forgive mistakes from players if they’re putting a shift in. They love a trier and Taylor is certainly that. You also have to bear in mind he has been playing for a team near the foot of the Championship, taking on sides with better players and superior resources. The gap between League One and the second tier is big; the defenders he was up against were so much better.

Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images

RR: Sunderland lack direct, pacy players in wide areas. Would Taylor address any of our concerns?

DB: He certainly would. He fits that description perfectly.

RR: How do Rotherham fans feel about Taylor? Will they be sad to see him leave?

DB: Yes and no.

Yes because he is a strong player to have in League One and so much more effective in the division as a winger.

No because he has had three years with the Millers, won promotion to the Championship and got relegated again. Sometimes the player needs a change and so does the club.

RR: Do you think he’s good enough to start games regularly in League One for Sunderland?

DB: I don’t see why not. The fact he’s got a choice of clubs to go to tells you a lot!

RR: He’s been linked with Barnsley too - do you think he’d go there?

DB: Geographically it would suit, he knows the South Yorkshire scene, and Barnsley have got the pull of Championship football. Then again, Sunderland is a big club.

RR: Overall, how do you think Sunderland fans should feel about Taylor potentially joining our club - decent business on a free, or not?

DB: Decent business.