After being released as a youth trainee by Wigan Athletic, Taylor moved to Shrewsbury Town in 2008, having been recommended to the club by former Shrewsbury midfielder, Tony Kelly.[3] Whilst still a youth player, he featured for Shrewsbury's first team sporadically in the 2009–10 season under manager Paul Simpson, making his début as a substitute in a League Two 1–0 away win against Chesterfield on 2 January 2010.[4]
Taylor signed his first professional contract at Shrewsbury prior to the 2010–11 season, and made his first home start against Burton Albion on 1 February 2011, scoring twice in a 3–0 home win[5] under new manager Graham Turner. He went on to make 22 appearances that season, scoring six goals, and earning the plaudits of his manager and then Shrewsbury captain Ian Sharps,[5][6] as well as winning the Football League Young Player of the Month award for February 2011.[7]
Having been linked with a move to Scottish clubs Motherwell or Aberdeen, Taylor signed a new two-year deal at Shrewsbury Town on 23 June 2011, following emergency talks with Graham Turner,[8] and made 36 appearances in all competitions in the 2011–12 season where they secured promotion up to League One.[9]
Not having scored a first team goal since March 2011, Taylor rediscovered his goal scoring touch in a 2–1 away defeat at Leyton Orient on 10 November 2012,[10] and scored five more times in the 2012–13 season to help steer Shrewsbury clear of relegation during their first season in League One.
Taylor signed another two-year contract extension at Shrewsbury Town on 21 June 2013,[11] making his 100th appearance in all competitions against MK Dons on 3 August 2013. He ended the 2013–14 season as Shrewsbury's top scorer, with nine goals in League One, although this was ultimately not enough to prevent the club's relegation.[12]
Peterborough United
Following Shrewsbury Town's relegation to League Two, Taylor signed for Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee on 4 June 2014.[13]
Rotherham United
On 3 August 2016, Taylor signed for Rotherham United for an undisclosed fee, understood to be a "club record deal". He agreed a three-year contract.[14] On 30 May 2019 the club announced that Taylor would be leaving at the end of the season, as his contract expired.[15]
Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers signed Taylor on 9 August 2019 on a two-year deal with an option on a third.[16] On 15 May 2024, the club announced he would be released in the summer when his contract expired.[17]
Salford City
On 20 July 2024, following a successful trial period, Taylor joined League Two side Salford City on a one-year deal.[18]
Career statistics
As of end of 2023–24 season
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
A. ^ Soccerbase incorrectly states that Jon Taylor played for Shrewsbury Town in a match against Burton Albion on 16 January 2010.[34] It was actually Danny Taylor who played in this match, whilst Jon Taylor was an unused substitute.[35] Therefore, unless corrected, Jon Taylor always has one less football league appearance than what is stated on Soccerbase.