Striker reveals why he turned down Sunderland to sign for League One rivals

The 28-year-old was wanted by the Black Cats after a fine season in front of goal for AFC Wimbledon last season.

Jack Ross was a keen admirer, and even met with the striker to discuss a move to Wearside after his contract at Kingsmeadow had expired.

But Taylor decided that his future lay at League One rivals Charlton Athletic, and the frontman has now revealed the reasons behind his Sunderland snub.

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While impressed with the facilities and Ross himself, the ex-Sheffield United striker felt that it 'wasn't the right time' to make the move to the Stadium of Light.

Taylor also alluded to 'certain things' which were 'done and said' by the club which put him off a switch.

Speaking to News Shopper London, Taylor said: “I met the manager, I went up and saw the club, the club is amazing, the facilities are amazing, the manager is brilliant.

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"It wasn’t the right time for me, it’s that simple.

“Certain things happened. I’m not at liberty to go into the finer details, but certain things were done and said and at the end of the day, that told me enough.

“Other things were done at Charlton and other things were said and that told me enough about the club and the manager.

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"That’s that. I’m here now.”

The Addicks visit Sunderland on the opening day of the League One season and - with his refusal of the Black Cats now well-documented - Taylor is prepared for a hostile reception.

But that won't deter the striker, who is keen to focus on the action on the pitch rather than in the stands.

“If they boo me, they boo me," he added.

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"At the end of the day, I’m not playing against 40,000 fans, I’m playing against a couple of centre-halves and a goalie.

“They can do what they want. I’m still going to run around like a fly trying to put the ball in the back of the net. That’s my job.

“It’s one of those things, it’s not like I’ve been at the club and left on bad terms, it’s just a case of it wasn’t right."