Former Leicester, Hull, and Crystal Palace manager Peter Taylor has been appointed as the new boss of Canvey Island, a non-league football club. This marks a significant return to his roots, as Taylor began his career as a youth player at the club before moving on to play for Southend United, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, and Leyton Orient. He also earned four caps for the England national team.

Taylor, aged 72, replaces Brad Wellmen, who resigned after Canvey Island finished 17th in the Isthmian League Premier Division. Wellmen had been in charge for four years. Taylor's extensive managerial career includes stints in India and New Zealand, and he famously served as England's caretaker manager for a game against Italy in 2000, where he gave David Beckham the captain's armband for the first time.

His most recent role was as manager of Maldon & Tiptree in 2023, which ended abruptly when he was sacked just three games into the new season. Taylor's appointment at Canvey Island is seen as a strategic move to leverage his vast experience and leadership skills to improve the club's performance in the upcoming seasons.

Taylor's return to Canvey Island is not just a professional move but also a sentimental one, as it brings him back to where his football journey began. Fans and players alike are hopeful that his experience and tactical acumen will bring a new era of success to the club.