Mowbray lifted Boro mood - Taylor

Last updated : 09 February 2011 By BBC Sport

Middlesbrough defender Andrew Taylor believes the arrival of manager Tony Mowbray has lifted the mood within the squad at the Riverside.Taylor was loaned to Watford in August by former boss Gordon Strachan, but was told he has a future at the club by Mowbray on his return in January.

"I probably felt I needed to leave Middlesbrough," Taylor told BBC Tees.

"But with the new manager, the new set-up, I'm really enjoying it, and it's a good place to be again."

Taylor added: "I think when I first came back I didn't know whether I was coming or going.

"My initial thoughts were that I was going back to Watford and signing permanent terms there.

"But I've come back and sat with the manager and the coach and I've enjoyed the atmosphere."

The 24-year-old made 19 appearances, scoring once during his loan stay at Watford, operating as a left-back in Malky Mackay's squad.

However following his return to Teesside, the Hartlepool-born player has been pushed forward into a midfield role.

"I'm enjoying it, I think I've done OK in there, it's taken time to get used to it because I'm not a left winger like Stewart Downing or Andy Johnson," Taylor said.

"When I got back from Watford I had played the whole season at left-back, I had done really well and enjoyed my time there, but the manager had a view of me more in a midfield role.

"My reaction was a little bit negative, but the gaffer has been good with me and helped me on every level."

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport