Ryan not Taylor-made for second Latics stint

The 31-year-old – who spent four-and-a-half seasons with Latics in the top flight before leaving for Newcastle in January 2009 – had been on trial with Latics for the past few weeks after being released by Hull earlier this summer.

Taylor played at right-back in the friendlies against Chester, Manchester United and Macclesfield, although he was conspicuous by his absence for the last two outings against Rochdale on Saturday and Oldham in midweek.

And Latics chief Gary Caldwell has confirmed an amicable parting of the ways, leaving the player free to get fixed up elsewhere and the club scouring the transfer market for a replacement.

“I spoke to Ryan, and just felt it was best that he have a look elsewhere,” Caldwell told the Evening Post.

“He was a great character around the place, really fit, but I just felt we could do with something else on that side.

“I think he’s gone on trial somewhere else.”

Caldwell also confirmed he has yet to field an enquiry for vice-captain Jason Pearce, whose future has been the subject of a great deal of speculation in the last few days.

This week’s arrival of Derby’s Jake Buxton – in addition to the capture of Dan Burn from Fulham last month – has left Latics well-off for centre-backs, with captain Craig Morgan, Jack Hendry, Donervon Daniels and Pearce also on the books.

Sources in the capital had claimed League One outfit Charlton were close to completing a deal to take the 28-year-old ex-Leeds captain.

Caldwell, however, insists that’s not the case – at least not yet.

When asked if there had been an offer from Charlton, he replied: “Nothing as yet, no.

“The arrival of Jake has given me options that I need going forwards. If anything changes, we’ll let you know.”