Charlton Athletic release was a double whammy for Welling’s Taylor Maloney – as Covid hampered his playing prospects

Being released by Charlton Athletic was a tough enough setback for Taylor Maloney, but the fact it happened during the Covid-19 lockdown made it a double whammy.

The 23-year-old midfielder ended up dropping into the Isthmian League Premier Division in what he calls a “reset” and is now impressing at Welling United.

Gravesend-born Maloney signed for the National League South side in the summer and Friday night’s 25-yard strike in the 1-1 draw at Bath City was his sixth goal of the campaign. He has also contributed nine assists.

Maloney, who captained Charlton at U18 and U23 level, still has aspirations to break back into the professional game.

“I know I can play at that level but I didn’t really have the opportunity for long enough,” said Maloney, who featured 10 times at senior level for the Addicks. “If Covid and other stuff didn’t happen, I’d easily be playing at that level. There were other boys that got released that year and five or six of them don’t even play football any more, just because of that [the pandemic].

“Short term I just want to help Welling do well. If the team is doing well then you’re more likely to get recognition. Hopefully we can get in the play-offs and then you never know what could come of it.

“I had a couple of difficult years after leaving Charlton. I came back from being on loan at Newport in the January [2020] and found out I wasn’t going to get a new deal.

“Covid struck and everyone was on furlough – no-one knew what was going on and no clubs were taking players on.”

Maloney penned a deal with Bromley in October of that year.

“At that time I had to take what I could,” said Maloney. “Bromley are a great club. I was unfortunate because I wasn’t there at the start of the season, I got in the team and played 20-odd games – but when the new gaffer [Andy Woodman] came in I ended up tearing my hamstring in his second game in charge.

“That ended my season at the end of February. I went back in pre-season but they had signed other players and I wasn’t in their plans. I had to drop down two divisions to Lewes and there was a realism – I was working at the time as well. It was a massive life change to what I had been used to.

“I was in construction, on the tools. It was my old man’s business, so I was quite lucky in a way. It was brickwork and carpentry. I’ve grown up around it, so I had an idea how to do it.

“I’m back in football full-time now. When lockdown started I began my own clothing brand, NAYR, which has taken off a bit lately. That was just to keep my mind off it, it was a stressful time and I wanted to channel my energy elsewhere.”

Maloney had around eight months out with the injury he suffered at Bromley before signing for Lewes, racking up the assists and goals.

Adam Drew, who had been head of recruitment when Maloney had been on loan at Concord Rangers, had taken on the same role at the East Sussex club.

“He knew I wanted something higher but said if nothing popped up then come down,” said Maloney. “I was debating if for two or three weeks. The environment was great. I decided just to go there and enjoy my football for a season, which I did.

“It made me realise how fortunate I am to play. We had a great team down there and should’ve got to the play-offs. We just fell short at the end.”

Maloney had trialled with Crystal Palace before signing for Charlton at U14 level.

“Karl Robinson gave me my debut and was a massive fan of me – he gave me my debut,” said Maloney.

“He ended up leaving and Bow [Lee Bowyer] came in. I did play a few games but for one reason or another he didn’t fancy me as a player.”

Maloney has had his fair share of adversity to combat. He’s due a break or two.