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Maik Taylor praises Tigana

last updated Friday 11th August 2000, 7:34 AM

Maik Taylor has praised new Fulham manager Jean Tigana for giving the club's spoilt stars the discipline they lacked last season.

Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Taylor believes too many of his team-mates have been softened by the silver spoon treatment they have enjoyed since Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed took over the club.

The 28-year-old, who came into professional football late, has had no difficulty adapting to Tigana's hardline training regime.

He said: "Sometimes I have seen people not pulling their weight and they don't appreciate what they have.

"I have seen life from the other side of the fence because I was in the military services until I broke into football. Players have got to accept responsibility for themselves now.

"It is a waste if they are not making the most of their chance, but if they don't it's on their own shoulders."

Taylor, who was described as the best holder of crosses in Britain by England boss Kevin Keegan, is relishing the the pasta and chicken diet imposed by Tigana.

He added: "Now we all eat properly and although they can't follow us home you don't cheat. We are not even allowed to eat red meat at night.

"Everyone here has improved and we are training for longer and better periods. The game is much quicker now and everyone has got to be fitter."

Source skyfootball
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