Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Stuart Taylor joins Southampton on one-year deal

Stuart Taylor of Manchester City looks on during the 2009 Vodacom Challenge match between Orlando Pirates and Manchester City from Peter Mokaba Stadium on July 18, 2009
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Former Arsenal and Manchester City goalkeeper Stuart Taylor joins Southampton on a one-year contract.

Former Arsenal and Manchester City goalkeeper Stuart Taylor has joined Southampton on a one-year contract.

The 35-year-old came through the Gunners' academy before having spells at Aston Villa, Manchester City, Reading and Leeds United.

Taylor, who earned four caps at England Under-21 level in the early stages of his career, will act as back-up for Fraser Forster and Alex McCarthy.

"It's fantastic to be here," Taylor told Southampton's official website. "I was in contact with Dave Watson and he's a fantastic goalkeeping coach. When I got a call from him asking to come down, I was over the moon.

"I know a couple of the lads who are already here, so it helps to settle in and I'm looking forward to getting on with it and enjoying it."

Executive director of football Les Reed added: "We're pleased to welcome Stuart to Southampton Football Club. Harry Lewis has now joined the first-team training group to continue his development, while Paulo [Gazzaniga] is gaining valuable first-team game time out on loan in Spain.

"With Kelvin [Davis] retiring earlier this summer, and with so many games this season, Stuart's arrival will provide us with added depth.

"With Stuart joining and Kelvin continuing to contribute to the squad and young player development through his experience in his new role means our goalkeeping department is in extremely good shape."

Taylor was part of squads that won the Premier League at both Arsenal and Manchester City.

Alex McCarthy of Crystal Palace during the 2015 Cape Town Cup Final match between Crystal Palace FC and Sporting Lisbon at Cape Town Stadium on July 26, 2015
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City33009369
2Chelsea33007259
3Manchester UnitedMan Utd33006159
4Everton32104227
5Hull City32014226
6Middlesbrough31203215
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs31203215
8Arsenal31116514
9Leicester CityLeicester31113304
10West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom31112204
11Liverpool311156-14
12West Ham UnitedWest Ham310235-23
13Burnley310224-23
14Swansea CitySwansea310224-23
15Southampton302124-22
16Sunderland301235-21
17Crystal Palace301213-21
18Watford301236-31
19Bournemouth301225-31
20Stoke CityStoke301226-41