Southend United are keen to take Taylor Moore back to Roots Hall next season but will have to wait until Lee Johnson has made a decision on whether he’s of use to Bristol City this season, as reported by the Bristol Post.
The former England Under 19 captain spent a portion of last season on loan with Kevin Bond’s side, playing 34 times as they narrowly avoided the drop into League Two.
Chris Powell paid the price of the struggle by being fired, but Bond has now taken over and is keen to see the young defender back at Roots Hall.
The Shrimpers will be forced to wait though, with Lee Johnson wanting to take a look at the 22-year-old before deciding if he has an immediate future at Ashton Gate,
“Taylor would potentially be an option and he did well for us but his club at this moment in time appear to be keen on him to go back there,” he told the Southend Echo.
“I think what happens with clubs who are above us is that they like to have all their players back with them for pre-season.
“They want the managers to have a look at them and they want to see if they’ve developed while out on loan, if they have improved and see if they can help them.”
Moore spent much of his youth career with West Ham, but made a breakthrough in France with Lens before switching to Bristol City. He’s been capped by England from Under 17 to Under 20 level, winning the Under 17 European Championship in 2014.
Our View
Such is the life of a League One side these days; not only is their squad made up of full-time professionals but also young players they bring in on loan. That means a waiting game, although promises might be made of ‘first refusal’ if a relationship exists.
Moore did well last season, it will be interesting to see if that impressed Lee Johnson, or if he’s going to need yet another year of senior football under his belt.
