Former England manager Peter Taylor has made a shock return to the dugout by joining seventh-tier minnows Canvey Island.
Taylor, 72, took charge of the Three Lions for one match as caretaker manager back in November 2000, stepping in for fellow interim Howard Wilkinson following Kevin Keegan’s departure.
Although the game saw England lose 1-0 to Italy, it marked an important moment in David Beckham’s career – who captained the Three Lions for the first time that day.
The former Manchester United midfielder went on to captain England in 59 international matches, chalking up 115 caps in total before his retirement.
Taylor, who himself played four times for England in 1976 and represented both Crystal Palace and Tottenham at club level, has been out of work for almost two years following his exit from Maldon & Tiptree in August 2023.
But he has now made a stunning return to the game after being appointed by non-league outfit Canvey Island, who finished 17th in the Isthmian Premier League this campaign under former head coach Brad Wellmen.
Ex-England manager Peter Taylor has made a shock return to the dugout after two years away
Taylor (left) was in charge of England for one game ahead of Sven Goran Eriksson’s arrival
During his time as caretaker manager, Taylor handed David Beckham his first cap as captain
Taylor’s appointment comes less than a month after Wellmen retired from his post following his four-year stint at the helm.
The 72-year-old began his managerial career at Dartford before moving to Southend in 1993. He later took charge of Gillingham and Leicester before his first spell with England’s U21s in 1996.
During his time with the Three Lions’ youth ranks, the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Gareth Barry, Emile Heskey and Jamie Carragher were promoted to the senior squad, ahead of his very short tenure in charge of the nation.
In early 2001, Sven Goran Eriksson was appointed as England’s first ever foreign manager, calling an end to Taylor’s caretaker spell.
The new Canvey Island boss went on to coach Brighton and Hull before returning as England’s U21s manager for a second spell.
Crystal Palace, Wycombe Wanderers, Bradford City, Gillingham and Dagenham & Redbridge are among the long list of clubs Taylor has coached during his four decades in management.
