Regan’s a Taylor-made defender for Selangor

PETALING JAYA: Selangor’s search for a reliable centreback is over. Better still, the Red Giants have found someone tailor-made for their backline – and his name is Taylor Regan.

Together with Vietnamese-Czech defender Michal Nguyen, Australian Regan – signed from Adelaide United – is expected to lead the backline with his strength and organisational skills.

Selangor head coach B. Sathianathan has given Regan the thumbs-up.

“I’m glad to have finally completed my import line-up. Taylor is an excellent defensive addition to the team,” said Sathianathan.

“He’s a strong character and will surely add an extra dimension to the side.”

Sathianathan added that Regan’s qualities should elevate the team’s standard and help their quest for silverware.

The 30-year-old centreback, who stands 1.85m (6’1”), has played in Malaysia before when he featured for Negri Sembilan in the 2016 Premier League scoring four goals in all competitions.

Before joining Negri, he played for Newcastle Jets in the A-League.

“He has played many matches in the A-League. Taylor comes in with great credentials and that bodes well for our ambition in the league.”

Regan’s signing will also bolster the 33-time Malaysia Cup champions, who have the fourth worst defensive record after conceding 39 goals in the Super League last season.

The other imports in the team are Spaniard Rufino Segovia, Nguyen, Grenadian Antonio German and Brazilian Endrick Dos Santos.

The Red Giants finished eighth in the 12-team Super League last season and failed to get past the Malaysia Cup group stage but showed their pedigree by finishing runners-up in the FA Cup.

Sathianathan has been set a target of finishing in the top two in the Super League next season.