PLAYER PROFILE

Ryan Taylor

Position: Defence

Height: 5'8

Weight: 10st 0lbs

Date of Birth: 1984-08-19 Liverpool, England

Ryan Taylor

In July 2005 Wigan Athletic completed the signing of Tranmere Rovers right-back Ryan Taylor on a four-year contract for a fee that could rise to £1.25million.

The 21-year-old made well over 100 first-team appearances for Rovers and had also been the subject of interest from Everton.

However, Latics boss Paul Jewell won the race for Taylor's signature and felt that he had landed a player with a big future in the game.

He told the club's official website: "Ryan is a cracking young prospect and he's an important addition to the squad.

"I've been keeping tabs on him for some time now and his performances for Tranmere last season were first-class and I have no doubt he'll excel at the top level.

"A number of top-flight clubs were also having a look at him, but we've taken the plunge and it's a great boost for Wigan that the player has chosen to come here."

Taylor himself added: "The chance to play in the Premiership at this stage of my career is almost unbelievable.

"I know playing in the top-flight will be a massive test for me but it's one I'm looking forward to."

In his first season as a Latics player he scored once in sixteen appearances and continued this progress with 12 starts and one goal in 2006/07.