Lyle Taylor has confirmed he is still without a club as the new League Two season approaches, but the former Charlton Athletic and Nottingham Forest striker remains hopeful of extending his time at Colchester United.
Taylor, who scored 10 times in 27 League Two starts last season, topped the U’s scoring charts in 2024/25 despite suffering a season-ending calf injury in April.
Veteran Striker Keen to Play On After Impressive 2024/25 Campaign
The Montserrat international, who also found the net three times in cup competitions, has been working throughout the summer to regain fitness in the hope of sealing a new deal.
Speaking on the BBC’s 72+ podcast, Taylor said:
“Currently I am jobless – as it stands I am working on getting better. I am working on not being jobless in the very near future.”
The experienced forward admitted that, just a year ago, he was on the verge of calling time on a career that has yielded over 150 goals. Having spent the first half of the 2023/24 season on short-term deals with Wycombe Wanderers and Cambridge United, his arrival at the JobServe Community Stadium reignited his passion for the game.
Taylor credited Danny and Nicky Cowley with restoring his love of football during a campaign that saw Colchester finish 10th, only three points off the play-offs. However, despite his strong contribution, a new contract has yet to be agreed.
Uncertainty as New Season Looms
Taylor’s calf injury, sustained in a 2-0 win over Newport County, halted his campaign in April, just as Colchester were making a late push for the top seven. Since then, he has been training alone and hoping to remain in Essex.
“I’ve been trying since December to stay at Colchester but as it stands it’s still not done and I don’t know where I’m at,” he said.
His future remains unclear, with no deal in place and Colchester set to kick off the season at home to Tranmere Rovers on Saturday. Despite the limbo, Taylor remains motivated to play on, stating, “Fast forward a year to where we are now and I want to carry on playing.”
Having previously impressed during prolific spells at AFC Wimbledon and Charlton, Taylor joined Nottingham Forest in 2020. He spent time on loan at Birmingham City before a series of short stints culminated in last season’s revival under the Cowleys.
Writer’s View
It would be a surprise if Colchester United opted not to retain Lyle Taylor, particularly given his leadership, goalscoring ability, and influence under the Cowleys. Injuries aside, his output in limited starts was more than respectable and his attitude toward recovery shows clear intent to continue.
At 35, he may not offer long-term value, but with Colchester pushing for promotion, short-term experience could make all the difference. If the club delays much longer, another League Two side may take advantage of the uncertainty and make their move.
