Taylor kick-starts Posh career

Taylor started his career with the Manchester City academy

The roller coaster career of Paul Taylor has reached a new high with his recent goalscoring exploits for Peterborough United.

The 23-year-old announced himself to the Championship with livewire performances against Millwall and Ipswich, having previously been limited to substitute appearances.

He came off the bench to inspire a comeback from two goals down at Millwall, scoring once and providing an assist.

Taylor arrived at London Road on trial in January, impressing enough to secure an 18-month deal, but playing just once, as Posh claimed promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.

"When I first came to the club I was very unfit, but Darren Ferguson game me a chance all the same," he said.

"I've been working really hard in pre-season and I'm really grateful to be getting games."

Taylor started his career as a trainee with Manchester City before moving on to Vauxhall Motors and then Chester City on loan in 2008.

He made just 10 appearances before having his contract terminated after failing a random drugs test.

Chester chairman Stephen Vaughan said at the time: "This latest bombshell has saddened us all at Chester City but we do hope that Paul can get his life back on track and overcome the demons that appear to be affecting him."

Taylor served a six-month ban after testing positive for cocaine, before joining Belgium side Montegnée.

He proved so prolific that a surprise move to Anderlecht followed, but he ended the 2009-10 season on loan at Charleroi having failed to make an appearance.

Throughout his career, Taylor had been dogged by accusations of a lack of focus and commitment, but Darren Ferguson took a gamble in bringing him to Peterborough, and that gamble appears to be paying off.

Taylor fires home his first goal against Ipswich

Fans have been impressed by both his skill and determination on the pitch. The challenge now is to maintain the momentum he has built up.

"Maybe when I was younger I was a bit stupid, but now I'm all about my football," Taylor said.

"Darren is a great gaffer and by a mile the best manager I've ever played under - simple as that.

"He always knows exactly what everyone is doing on the field, and you certainly don't want to see the tough side of him."

With Peterborough United losing star striker Craig Mackail-Smith to Brighton over the summer, there is an opportunity to fill the void.

Nicky Ajose, David Ball and Lee Tomlin will also be keen for regular starts, but Taylor has certainly made a strong impression,

"Paul has some real ability, he can score goals and is a good dribbler of the ball," Ferguson said.

"We've had a bit of a concern over his fitness, but he's been training really well."

It is a long season, but Taylor has made a very decent start.