ISL 2017: "Iain Hume convinced me to join ISL," says ATK star Ryan Taylor

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Ryan Taylor was signed by ATK earlier this month

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Kolkata, Dec 21 (PTI) Having impressed in his debut match, midfielder Ryan Taylor today said it was former ATK player Iain Hume who convinced him to join the Indian Super League.

The two-time ISL champions ATK had replaced injured midfielder Carl Baker with defender Taylor, raising a few eyebrows but the former Newcastle United player's inclusion in the starting lineup saw them secure their first win in five matches.

The 33-year-old not only played the entire duration of the game against Mumbai City FC but created a chance, had one shot on target and even picked a yellow.

"Iain is a good friend. We have known each other for 14 years. He had only good words to say about ISL and he convinced me join the League. He has his family but he comes this far away to play and still loves it," Taylor said.

"He (Hume) speaks very highly of everyone in ATK. He said about how the fans fill up the stadium for every game. That's what drew me here."

ATK now face Delhi Dynamos FC in a home game on Saturday and the fullback, who switched to the midfield and played on the flanks with equal ease too, said that a weight has been lifted off their shoulder after their win in Mumbai.

"Hopefully, we will push on and get some more wins in the next few games. Everybody in the team are fit and raring to go and wants to show what the team is all about and what we are made off," said Taylor during a media interaction here.

"We need to start converting the chances. We started playing a little cagey after the goal in the last game. We should be more precise in front of goal," Taylor said.

ATK are eighth on the points table with just five points from five matches.

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