Grimsby Town forward Ryan Taylor expressed how much he enjoys playing with forward partner John McAtee ahead of Grimsby Town’s National League play-off final showdown with Solihull Moors on Sunday.
Both arrived at the club at the start of the season and formed a crucial partnership at the top of the pitch for The Mariners this campaign. The pair linked up for Taylor’s goal in Grimsby’s dramatic 5-4 play-off semi-final win over Wrexham, and the 34-year-old said he rates McAtee very highly.
“He has obviously got so much ability,” said Taylor. “Everyone has seen that he can do a bit of everything, so it has been brilliant to link up with him.
READ MORE: A chance at redemption: What promotion means for Grimsby Town ahead of National League play-off final
“He is a top-quality player, and I am sure they’ll be a lot of interest in him come the summer, but he has got another year left on his contract, so I don’t think he is going anywhere! I love playing with him, and it’ll be no different on Sunday. We’ll be looking to link up, hopefully, drive the team forward and get that victory.”
Speaking about the group as a whole, as one of the more experienced players in the dressing room, Taylor expressed his delight at how the team has performed in high-pressure situations in the last two games.
“It has been top drawer; I think to keep our cool in the two previous games going through extra time, as we have done, is a testament to the group. It’s a good and mature group, and I think you’ve seen that, so we need to take that confidence into this game. Everyone is calm, relaxed and ready to go, and we are ready for Sunday.
“It’s a nice balance everyone is chomping at the bit and raring to go. We’ve got one more day of training so after that, it’s just about relaxing and getting the mind ready. Everyone wants the same thing, and that is a victory and that is what we’ll be looking to get.”
Despite playing as the furthest man forward for most of the season for Town, Taylor has only managed eight goals this season. When highlighted, it was something the forward said he could’ve done better with, but he also believes he provides more to the team than just goals.
“I think I could’ve done more in patches, but ultimately if we get promotion as a team, this season will be viewed as a huge success. My general play is quite good, and that is probably why I have managed to stay in the team because I probably could’ve scored more goals. They’ve not always come so I have to add something else and the manager has seen that and I am raring to go on Sunday.”