Alan Taylor (footballer, born 1953)

Alan Taylor (born 5 October 1953 in Hylton Castle, Sunderland) is an English former professional footballer. He played as a striker.

Taylor began his career with Sunderland, making his debut in 1971. He quickly established himself as a key player for the club, known for his goalscoring ability and strong physical presence. He was part of the Sunderland team that famously won the 1973 FA Cup, defeating Leeds United 1-0 in the final. Taylor played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring the winning goal.

In 1974, Taylor transferred to West Ham United for a reported fee of £400,000, a significant amount at the time. He enjoyed a successful spell at West Ham, continuing to score goals and contribute to the team's success.

Taylor later played for Blackburn Rovers, making a number of appearances before moving to Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada. He returned to England and played for several lower league clubs, including Cambridge United.

After retiring from professional football, Taylor remained involved in the sport, working as a coach and in various other roles. He is remembered as a Sunderland legend and a key figure in the club's FA Cup triumph.