Taylor to continue as coach of England Under-21s

Peter Taylor is to remain as the England Under-21 coach until next summer at the very least after signing a 12-month extension to his contract. Taylor will continue to combine the duties with those of being the manager of League One title-chasers Hull City, with whom he recently signed a new two-year deal.

The former England winger returned to coach the Under-21s last summer after the departure of David Platt. Taylor had enjoyed a highly successful time during his first stint in the role - then in a full-time capacity - before controversially making way for Howard Wilkinson in 2000.

Taylor has continued in the same vein this season with England and Germany in pole position to qualify for the 2006 Uefa Under-21 Championship finals.

"I wanted to do both jobs because I enjoy doing club management and I enjoy this role," said Taylor. "It has worked out well and I'm pleased. I missed one club game [due to international commitments] and that wasn't right for Hull and that was difficult but I think we've got away with it for this season.

"If Hull are fortunate to get promoted into the next division then, of course, there won't be a clash because of the international breaks."

Taylor is midway through a stint of four games in five days - two for the Under-21s and two with Hull. Today he will oversee Hull's League One game at Oldham before linking up with the Under-21s for tomorrow's qualifier with Azerbaijan at the Riverside Stadium.