Taylor joins Rams

Former Aston Villa midfielder Ian Taylor has joined First Division Derby.

The 35-year-old, who was released by Villa at the end of last season, passed a medical this afternoon and completed his move to Pride Park shortly afterwards.

Rams boss George Burley sees Taylor’s Barclaycard Premiership experience as vital as he looks to steer the club back into the top flight.

Taylor told the club’s official website, www.dcfc.co.uk: “I wouldn’t say it was my choice to leave Villa, but I am looking forward now and my Villa days are history.

“I will bring some experience to the team. There are a lot of good young players here, but perhaps they need some guidance and hopefully I can help take the club forward.

“This club belongs in the Premiership. I live in the area and know a lot of Derby fans who have been egging me to sign, so now I hope I can repay their faith in me.”

Taylor spent more than eight years at Villa after joining the club from Sheffield Wednesday in 1994.