Charlie Taylor makes admission about Leeds exit

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Charlie Taylor has told the Sunday Mirror (2/2; page 70) that how his time with Leeds United ended has proved to be the biggest regret of his career to date, and insisted that he hopes to see the Whites back in the Premier League next season.

Taylor had an unconventional time coming through the ranks at Leeds. For some time, it appeared – from the outside – as if he may be one of the youngsters who may not make the grade at Elland Road.

He did not become a first-team regular for the Whites until after he had turned 21. But he certainly made up for lost time as he established himself as one of the most exciting talents in the Championship.

However, his relationship with the Leeds fans seemed to sour as he headed out the exit door in 2017.

The Sunday Mirror (2/2; page 70) reports that he told Massimo Cellino that he would not sign a new contract, and Garry Monk accused him of refusing to play in what would have been his final game for the club before his deal expired.

The left-back – who has now made over 60 Premier League appearances – insisted that he has no regrets over choosing to join Burnley, but admitted to being disappointed with how events played out on his way out of Leeds.

“I loved my time there, but the way it ended was the biggest regret of my career and, if I could go back and change it, I would,” he told the Sunday Mirror.

“I don’t have any regrets about signing for Burnley because I think I was proved right in the way things have worked out for me.

“But I am still a Leeds fan and I’d love to go back there next season to play them in the Premier League, I really would.”

TBR View – Leeds have certainly missed Taylor

Leeds have not found it easy to replace Taylor. The likes of Gjanni Alioski and Barry Douglas have had some success at left-back. But the pair have also struggled at times.

And there have certainly been some incredibly poor replacements for Taylor. Laurens De Bock, for example, will be held up as one of the worst additions from Victor Orta’s time as director of football.

There is no question that Leeds are stronger in that position now than they have been at any time since Taylor left. And there is plenty of excitement about Leif Davis’s potential.

But nearly three years on, the club arguably still have some way to go before they have filled the void Taylor left when he moved on in those acrimonious circumstances.