Bromley boss Neil Smith signs winger Bobby-Joe Taylor: He's a player who excites me every time I see him play

BROMLEY manager Neil Smith has made winger Bobby-Joe Taylor his first summer signing.

 

The 23-year-old, who is comfortable on either wing, has represented England C twice and has signed a one-year contract with the Ravens, having left their Vanarama National League rivals Aldershot Town.


MOTORING DOWN THE WING: Bromley chairman Jerry Dolke welcomes Bobby-Joe Taylor to Hayes Lane.
Photo: Bromley FC

After starting his career in the Chelsea and Gillingham youth setups, Taylor moved onto Cambridge United, where he made a handful of appearances in League Two back in the 2014-15 season. During his time with the U’s, he enjoyed loan spells at Southern League outfits St Neots Town and Arlesey Town, before being sent out to Bishop’s Stortford, who were then in the Conference South.

Following his departure from Cambridge, he joined Maidstone United, helping Jay Saunders side to promotion to the National League, thanks to a dramatic Promotion Final victory over Ebbsfleet United on penalties.

In his first National League season, Taylor netted nine goals in all competitions, ensuring his side a mid-table finish, comfortably staving off relegation.

Following this, he attracted the attention of various National League clubs, before eventually signing for Gary Waddock’s Aldershot Town in the Summer of 2017 and was part of the side who reached the National League Promotion Eliminator, where the Shots were denied a semi-final place by Ebbsfleet United after losing on penalties.

“I’m delighted to be signing Bobby-Joe. He’s a player who excites me every time I see him play,” Smith told www.bromleyfc.tv.

“He is quick and direct, and I believe he’ll cause teams problems. He has played at England C level too and after expressing an interest in him last season, I’m pleased to finally get him on board.

“He’s hungry to play for us and I look forward to seeing him in a Bromley shirt.”

Taylor added: “I’m really pleased to have joined Bromley Football Club. It was a no-brainer for me once I knew Neil was interested. It’s a great club with real ambition and I’m looking forward to trying to achieve what we want to achieve together.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to play for this club and build relationships with everyone involved in it. I can’t wait to get going now and join up with the boys in a few weeks.”

Taylor joins Jack Holland, Jordan Higgs and David Gregory in signing deals with the Club for next season.

Meanwhile, Smith has confirmed that left-back Tyrone Sterling has left Hayes Lane and three players that spent most of the season out on loan have also departed, full-backs Kristian Campbell, Ben Wynter and winger Iffy Allen.

21-goal attacker Louis Dennis has been snapped up by Sky Bet League One side Portsmouth on a free-transfer after his contract expired at Hayes Lane.

Smith remains in talks with the rest of last season’s squad and potential new signings after guiding his home-town club to their highest ever finish in the top-flight of ninth-place on a record 70 points as well as reaching The FA Buildbase Trophy Final, when they lost 5-4 on penalties to Vanarama National League North side Brackley Town, who had equalised with only 19 seconds of normal time remaining through a Roger Johnson own goal.

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