Former England soccer star Peter Taylor is coming home to Canvey Island.

The man who started his playing career with the Islanders before moving on to the full-time professional game with Southend United is currently manager of Nationwide League Division Three Hull City.

And Taylor is bringing the Tigers down to play a pre-season friendly at Park Lane.

The big match opens the Islanders' pre-season campaign on Friday, July 18.

"It's great that Peter is coming down for a match with his club," said Gulls' manager Jeff King.

"And it's nice to see someone who has earned such a big reputation in the pro game remembering their roots.

"He'll certainly see some big changes at the place since he played here, but we'll definitely be out to make it a memorable return for him."

After leaving the Shrimpers Taylor went on to earn fame and fortune on the playing side with Spurs and Crystal Palace, before later managing Southend, Leicester City in the Premiership, and Gillingham.

The game with Hull will be followed by Gulls' first ever friendly visit to Division One North Great Wakering Rovers on the following Tuesday (July 22) and the next Saturday (July 26), King's men will take up a special invitation to meet Southend United at Roots Hall.

Published Tuesday, May 20, 2003

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