Taylor: Smells like team spirit

Published Oct. 7, 2011 9:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Magpies have confounded the critics who tipped them to struggle this term by remaining unbeaten so far this season and currently sit in fourth spot in the Premier League. Pardew's side also boast the best defensive record in the whole country after conceding just four goals to date and Taylor has praised Pardew for building a winning mentality in the team. Asked what was the reason for Newcastle's fine start to the campaign, Taylor told Sky Sports News: "It is just team spirit and determination. "The gaffer has built up a winning mentality with the lads. "In pre-season in America we all sat down and knew what our targets were, but for the time being we are taking it a game at a time and it is working for us." Taylor also had special words of praise for new captain Fabricio Coloccini and goalkeeper Tim Krul for helping the Magpies become so strong at the back. "It is fantastic playing with Coloccini. He leads by example and I think his performances have been fantastic this season. "Also Tim Krul some of the saves he has made - that's why he is in the Holland squad. "His confidence has gone straight through the roof and that has gone all the way to the strikers. Leon [Best], Demba [Ba] Shola [Ameobi] and Peter [Lovenkrands] are scoring goals and it gives the gaffer a headache and I think that's what you need."