FORMER Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor has announced his retirement from playing at the age of 35.

Taylor spent 16 years of his professional career on Tyneside having come through the academy ranks in 2003 and went on to make 268 appearances for the club. 

The centre-half played a part in some famous days at the club including their runs in the UEFA Cup and helping the club to a fifth place finish in the Premier League under Alan Pardew. 

He formed a formidable partnership with Fabrizio Coloccini in central defence but found his place in the side under threat by the emergence of Sebastien Bassong. 

Known for his presence and competitive style of play in the central defensive areas, he was prone to a number of dismissals ove the course of his carrer but Taylor was a popular figure on Tyneside winner numerous Player of the Season awards. However, his career has been littered with a number of injuries which some critics say may have hampered his progress to the top of the game. 

Despite the fact he was a seasoned international with England's Under 21's side, he never made an appearance for the senior team. 

Following his release from Newcastle in 2016, Taylor went on to play in the MLS with Portland Timbers before a move back to England with Ipswich Town the following season. 

Having made just a handful of appearances for the Sussex side, he moved to Peterborough United where he'd play over 50 games for Posh. 

Taylor would then go on to finish his career in India and Australia with his final club being Wellington Pheonix where he featured 12 times.