Lower league football is made up of a lot of journeyman footballers who go from one team to another. Charlton Athletic’s Lyle Taylor is one of those types of journeyman footballers.

Taylor doesn’t move from team to team seeking a contract and hanging onto a career by his fingernails. The striker is a highly sought-after player who has created a reputation for scoring goals in the lower leagues.

Who is Lyle Taylor?

Taylor’s story is similar to many other footballers. He started his career in a professional club’s academy and was then sent out on loan to gain experience. Taylor came through Millwall’s youth team before joining Eastbourne on loan.

Once his loan ended, Taylor was let go by Millwall. A move to Concord Rangers was followed by signing for Bournemouth. This was not the Bournemouth of the Premier League, but further down the league pyramid around a decade go.

Unable to keep a first-team place, Taylor was loaned out in search of football. Falkirk, Sheffield United, Patrick Thistle, and Scunthorpe all ended up on Taylor’s playing CV. He moved around to a variety of clubs and despite scoring goals, nailing down a consistent place alluded Taylor.

Lyle Taylor finds success

In 2015, Taylor joined League Two team AFC Wimbledon. The move clicked with Taylor and goals began flying into the back of the net. His goals ensured promotion to League One in his first season at the club, and a season later, his 15 tallies helped Wimbledon finish safely in mid-table.

Taylor continued scoring goals for the Dons, and in 2017-18 finished the season with 18 strikes. His goals once again ensured Wimbledon of League One football.

The striker was a hot property in the offseason and Charlton Athletic snapped him up. He is now having one of his best seasons ever having scored 25 goals in 43 games in all competitions.

Taylor’s story shows that hard work pays off. He has 15 clubs on his CV and it has only been in recent seasons that the striker has truly hit his potential with the English football world watching.

Success doesn’t come overnight and Taylor’s path to Charlton Athletic’s Player of the Year shows just how bumpy it is in football.

Taylor may be playing Championship football this time next year. If his history is anything to go by, Taylor will score goals regularly.