Finally free of the protective boot he had to wear for the first couple of months, the central defender is targeting a return for pre-season “fitter, stronger and better”.
Steven Taylor: “The good thing for me is I’ve got a manager and a coaching staff who always get me into the dressing room and amongst the lads.
“I still feel part of it, which is a massive thing for me.
"When you get injured you can get forgotten about but fair play to the rest of the lads, they have been spot on and worked with me every single day.
“I’m out of the boot now, back walking and back in the gym, and back to hard work.
“It’s going to be a long, hard recovery. I know some people say it’s the worst injury you can get as a footballer, but I’m taking it in my stride. I’m relishing the chance to come back and I can’t wait to come back fitter, stronger and better than I was before.
"I’m hoping to be involved in the start of the next pre-season.
“The manager’s very good at making me feel involved and put me in amongst everybody.
“When the players went abroad to Spain they took me with them to be amongst everybody.
“They’ve just been very good for me.
“It was hard in Tenerife, very hot weather, training all day was difficult.
“I’m feeling really optimistic and I’m just ready to start working hard again. It’s hell spending everyday with your leg up and three pillars watching daytime TV.
“I love meeting the fans, that’s part and parcel of me.
“I’ve always been that way since I got into the first team.
“I relate to the fans very well and they’ve been magnificent to me.”