JOE Taylor says he has received supportive messages from Luton Town boss Rob Edwards following his prolific start to the season at Colchester United.
The 20-year-old striker has been in fine goalscoring form on loan at the U’s from the Hatters and is currently the League Two side’s leading scorer, with eight goals.
Taylor has this week linked up with the Wales under-21 squad, ahead of the young Dragons’ Uefa Euro U21 Group I qualifiers against Iceland tomorrow night (6pm) and top seeds Denmark next Monday, which both take place at Newport County’s Rodney Parade ground.
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As a result, Taylor will miss Colchester’s trip to play League Two leaders Stockport County, on Saturday.
Taylor, who turns 21 on Saturday, is looking to add to his Wales under-21 appearances having made his debut for them in September, 2022.
And he says he is being boosted by regular messages and feedback from Luton, whom he joined from Peterborough United, in January, 2023, including from former U’s assistant manager, Mick Harford.
Taylor said: “Luton communicate regularly with me but there’s also an element of them leaving me to it to allow me to concentrate on my football.
“If I’m playing well and stuff like that, they drop me a couple of messages and the gaffer (Rob Edwards) and some of the sports scientists have done that, Mick Harford as well.
“They’re supportive and they keep in touch but they also leave me to it to concentrate fully on Colchester.
“It was a tough start but the manager has turned it round there hopefully.
“Hopefully they can continue that run for the rest of the season.
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“It was a quick turnaround for me in the off season, from playing in the play-offs and then going away with Wales, I didn’t really have much time to reflect on it.
“It was special and a bit of a whirlwind couple of months but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Taylor has proved a successful signing for Colchester so far, having joined them on loan in the summer.
He has struck up a good alliance with in-form midfielder Arthur Read, who has provided several assist for the U’s already, this season.
Taylor added: “On the pitch we have a good relationship and also off it.
“Sometimes he doesn’t have to look up, it’s more telepathic – he knows that I’m going to be making the runs.”
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