BOB Taylor has earned himself a new deal at West Brom ... if he wants it.

Baggies boss Denis Smith, who was prepared to let the 31-year-old striker go, has been so impressed by his Premiership performances with Wanderers he now wants him to stay.

Taylor spoke to Smith on Sunday when he returned to the Hawthorns to watch Albion's final Division One game.

He had previously spoken publicly of the possibility of being on the dole this summer but his form during his two loan spells at the Reebok has sparked a flood of interest.

Three important goals in 11 hard-working Premiership appearances have fully justified Colin Todd's decision to pluck him out of West Brom's reserves and to take him back for a second loan spell.

"Bob's career has been resurrected here," the Wanderers boss said.

Taylor, who is doubtful for Sunday's survival showdown at Chelsea after limping out of the Crystal Palace game with a hamstring injury, could have a future at the Reebok, although Todd has so far made no move on that score.

Smith said: "I spoke to Bob at the game on Sunday and told him what my feelings were.

"It's really up to him now. If he wants to stay he's quite welcome to do so.

"I've had him watched while he's been at Bolton and had some favourable reports."

Dean Holdsworth, who missed three games with hamstring trouble before returning at the weekend as substitute for Taylor, is also under treatment.

Sky TV will show the two crucial Premiership fixtures - Chelsea v Wanderers and Everton v Coventry - live on Sunday afternoon.

NATHAN Blake attended last night's testimonial game at Ninian Park in aid of Bluebirds' physio Jimmy Goodfellow but didn't run the risk of playing with Sunday in mind. Gavin Ward accompanied his Bolton team-mate and played much of the game in which a Goodfellow Xl drew 1-1 with a Manchester United Xl.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.