Ex-Birmingham City, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest star let go after three months

Former Birmingham City striker Lyle Taylor is on the hunt for his third club of the year after being released.

Taylor joined Cambridge United on a free transfer on January 12 but former Blues boss Garry Monk has opted not to keep him. Former Wolves defender Ryan Bennett is also departing the club.

The 34-year-old joined Cambridge just two months after joining Wycombe Wanderers. Taylor penned a short-term deal at Adams Park but swapped them for Cambridge in the winter.

During his time at the Abbey Stadium, he saw a managerial change with Neil Harris departing and Monk replacing him. He played a total of 14 games for Cambridge, getting three goals and two assists. 

Taylor was not named in their squad for their final fixture of the league season. Cambridge avoided being relegated to League Two after drawing 0-0 with Port Vale. 

In a parting statement to Taylor and the six others departing, Cambridge in their press release said: “The Club would like to place on record its appreciation to all departing players for their hard work and professionalism whilst with Cambridge United, and wish them the very best for the future.”

Taylor was at Birmingham City in the 2021/22 season and scored five goals in 14 games after joining on loan from Nottingham Forest. 

His association with Birmingham City did not stop there though. He continued to play for the Montserrat national football team under former Blues boss Lee Bowyer despite being a free agent until November. 

Bizarrely, a banner was put outside St Andrew’s in September calling for Taylor to return to the club. A photo of him was made into a graphic with the words ‘Craig (Gardner) listen to the fans. Bring him home.” He was on trial at relegation rivals Sheffield Wednesday for a couple of weeks but did not earn a deal as Xisco Munoz was sacked and subsequently replaced by Danny Rohl.