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."