Matt Taylor (footballer, born 1982)

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Matt Taylor
Taylor warming up for Charlton Athletic in 2013
Personal information
Full name Matthew James Taylor[1]
Date of birth (1982-01-30) 30 January 1982 (age 42)[2]
Place of birth Chorley, England[3]
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Position(s) Centre back[2]
Team information
Current team
 Bristol Rovers (manager)
Youth career
1999–2000 Everton
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2000–2003 Burscough
2003 Rossendale United
2003–2004 Matlock Town
2004–2005 Hucknall Town
2005 Halifax Town 0 (0)
2005–2006 Guiseley
2006–2007 Team Bath
2007–2011 Exeter City 160 (17)
2011–2013 Charlton Athletic 53 (0)
2013–2014 Bradford City 2 (0)
2013 → Colchester United (loan) 5 (1)
2014–2015 Cheltenham Town 33 (1)
2015–2016 Newport County 4 (0)
2016 Bath City 3 (0)
Total 260 (19)
Managerial career
2018–2022 Exeter City
2022–2023 Rotherham United
2023– Bristol Rovers
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Matthew James Taylor (born 30 January 1982) is an English professional football manager and former player who played as a centre back. He is currently the manager of EFL League One club Bristol Rovers.

Playing career[edit]

Early career as a goalkeeper[edit]

1999–2003[edit]

Taylor began his career as a goalkeeper playing for Preston North End Boys before being a member of the Everton U17 Academy.[4] He joined Burscough and, alongside brother Joe,[5] played in the club's finest hour – their 2003 FA Trophy final win 2–1 over Tamworth. The game was played at Aston Villa's Villa Park in front of more than 14,000 spectators and was televised live on Sky; the club had started their FA Trophy campaign that year rated at 400–1 to win the silverware. However, it would be his final game for the club as he and a number of other senior players left the club following the departure of the manager Shaun Teale.[4]

2003–2005[edit]

After an unsuccessful trial with Lincoln City in July 2003,[6] he joined Rossendale United before moving to Matlock Town, a club his uncle Neil Fairclough had previously played for, at the end of September.[7] He debuted for the club in the 4–0 victory at Ossett Town on 27 September 2003.[8] and his signing coincided with the club going on a run that took them to the top of the Northern Premier League Premier Division table before eventually finishing as runners-up to Hucknall Town;[9] Taylor was named the club's player of the season.[10]

In June 2004, Matlock Town's manager Ernie Moss moved to Hucknall Town[9] and he swiftly returned to his former club to sign Taylor and also his brother Joe who had been with Worksop Town.[5][10]

On 31 March 2005, he joined Halifax Town until the end of the season[11] but did not make an appearance for the club.

In August 2005 he joined Guiseley on trial,[12] eventually joining the club permanently for the season.

Conversion to a centre back[edit]

Taylor combined his playing career with life as a student at Sheffield Hallam University where he played as a centre back, representing the university in the British Universities Sports Association (BUSA) championship games, catching the eye of the Team Bath manager Ged Roddy, who picked him to play as a defender in the England Universities team at the 2006 British Universities Games.[13] He joined Team Bath in the summer of 2006 to play as a centre back whilst studying for a Diploma in Fitness Excellence at the University of Bath. Taylor enjoyed a successful season at the heart of the team's defence being named Players' Player of the Year as the team finished runners-up in the Southern League Premier Division, missing out on promotion to the Conference South after losing 1–0 to Maidenhead United in the play-off final.[14]

Exeter City[edit]

In June 2007 he completed a move to Exeter City.[15][16] He signed a new contract with the club in December, which would expire in 2010.[17] He featured in the Conference play-off final for Exeter, which was won 1–0 and finished the season with 46 appearances and scored nine goals.[18][19] He played in the club's first game on their return to the Football League, which finished as a 1–1 draw with Darlington.[20]

Charlton Athletic[edit]

Taylor signed a two-year contract for Charlton Athletic on 1 July 2011, moving on a free transfer from Exeter City.[21] In August 2011 he was appointed vice-captain by manager Chris Powell. He quickly established himself in the centre of defence alongside Michael Morrison, and scored his first goal for the club in an FA Cup 4–0 away win at FC Halifax, in November 2011.[22] He was released by Charlton at the end of the 2012–13 season.[23]

Bradford City[edit]

On 1 August 2013, Taylor signed for Bradford City on a two-year deal. He was substituted at half-time on his debut, and later suffered a foot injury.[24]

[25] After three appearances for the Bantams and just one league game under his belt, Taylor joined fellow League One club Colchester United on a one-month loan deal on 20 September,[26] scoring once against Bristol City.[27]

Cheltenham Town[edit]

On 25 July 2014, Taylor joined League Two side Cheltenham Town on a two-year deal,[28] and was made club captain.[29] He scored his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw with AFC Wimbledon.[30]

Newport County[edit]

On 6 July 2015, Taylor joined League Two Newport County. He made his debut for Newport on 26 September 2015 as a second-half substitute in the 1–0 win over Carlisle United. He was released by Newport on 1 February 2016.

Bath City[edit]

On 8 February 2016, Taylor signed for National League South side Bath City as a player-coach.

Managerial career[edit]

Exeter City[edit]

Taylor was appointed manager of League Two club Exeter City, who he had previously captained, on 1 June 2018 replacing Paul Tisdale.[31] A bright start led to Taylor being nominated for the August 2018 EFL League Two Manager of the Month award.[32] Taylor voiced his disappointment at missing out on the EFL League Two promotion play-offs, the side missing out on a third successive top 7 finish by a single point.[33][34]

Taylor won the August 2019 EFL League Two Manager of the Month award following a strong start to Exeter's 2019–20 season, with the side winning four and drawing two of their opening six matches.[35] A strong set of results over the festive period meant Exeter finished 2019 in second place,[36] with Taylor himself being named EFL League Two Manager of the Month for December 2019.[37]

With his side ending the month in fourth position after achieving thirteen points from an unbeaten five matches, Taylor was again awarded the League Two Manager of the Month award for February 2022.[38]

Under Taylor, Exeter City won promotion to League One for the 2022–23 season after finishing second in the 2021–22 League Two table.[39]

On 1 October 2022, following a 2–2 draw with Bristol Rovers, Exeter confirmed that they had given Taylor permission to speak to Rotherham United regarding the vacant managerial position.[40]

Rotherham United[edit]

On 3 October 2022, Taylor was confirmed as the new Rotherham United manager, pending talks.[41] The appointment was made official the following day, Taylor signing a contract with the EFL Championship club until 2026[42] and was joined by his assistant, Wayne Carlisle, on the same contract terms.

On 13 November 2023, Taylor was sacked with the club sitting in 22nd position.[43]

Bristol Rovers[edit]

On 1 December 2023, Taylor was appointed manager of League One club Bristol Rovers on a three-and-a-half year contract.[44] A successful first month in charge, including wins over high-flying Bolton Wanderers and Portsmouth, saw him nominated for the League One Manager of the Month for December 2023. [45]

Managerial statistics[edit]

As of match played 27 April 2024[46]
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record
P W D L Win %
Exeter City 1 June 2018 4 October 2022 227 99 68 60 043.61
Rotherham United 4 October 2022 13 November 2023 55 10 18 27 018.18
Bristol Rovers 1 December 2023 Present 32 11 4 17 034.38
Total 314 120 90 104 038.22

Honours[edit]

Exeter City

Individual

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Club list of registered players: As at 16th May 2015" (PDF). The Football League. p. 70. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Matt Taylor". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 28 May 2019.
  3. ^ Rollin, Glenda; Rollin, Jack, eds. (2012). Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2012–2013 (43rd ed.). London: Headline. p. 451. ISBN 978-0-7553-6356-8.
  4. ^ a b "Gladiators in transfer coup". Matlock Mercury. 26 September 2003. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  5. ^ a b "New boss Moss makes first signings". Hucknall Dispatch. 15 July 2004. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  6. ^ "Boston Town v Lincoln City – Match Review". Lincoln City F.C. Official Website. 9 July 2003. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  7. ^ "Moss bags Taylor". Non League Daily. 26 September 2003. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  8. ^ "Gladiators rediscover their form". Matlock Mercury. 28 September 2003. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  9. ^ a b "Moss heads to Hucknall". Matlock Mercury. 11 June 2004. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  10. ^ a b "Holland completes Hucknall switch". Matlock Mercury. 15 August 2004. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  11. ^ "Transfer News". Halifax Town A.F.C. Official Website. 31 March 2005. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  12. ^ "Guiseley taking shape". Non League Daily. 18 August 2005. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  13. ^ "Trophy winner hopes to kick-start Team Bath's season". Non League Daily. 19 October 2006. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  14. ^ "Awards for Taylor, Saunders and Marc Canham". TeamBath.com. 17 May 2007. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  15. ^ "Centre back snapped up by Exeter City". TeamBath.com. 13 June 2007. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  16. ^ "Exeter bring in Marriott & Taylor". BBC Sport. 12 June 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2008.
  17. ^ "Taylor extends contract at Exeter". BBC Sport. 21 December 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2008.
  18. ^ Whyatt, Chris (18 May 2008). "Exeter 1–0 Cambridge Utd". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 August 2008.
  19. ^ "Exeter 2007/2008 player appearances". Soccerbase. Retrieved 10 August 2008.
  20. ^ "Darlington 1–1 Exeter". BBC Sport. 9 August 2008. Retrieved 10 August 2008.
  21. ^ "I'm Taylor-made for Addicks". Charlton Athletic F.C. Official Website. 1 July 2011. Retrieved 8 December 2011.
  22. ^ "Halifax 0–4 Charlton". BBC Sport. 13 November 2011. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
  23. ^ "Wagstaff heads released list". Charlton Athletic. 8 May 2013. Archived from the original on 13 May 2013. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
  24. ^ "He scored twice but never played again: More Bradford City players you may have forgotten". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  25. ^ "Taylor joins as Nelson departs - News - Bradford City". www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk.
  26. ^ "Colchester United: Jamie Sendles-White and Matt Taylor join on loan". BBC Sport. 20 September 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
  27. ^ "Bristol City 1–1 Colchester". BBC Sport. 28 September 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
  28. ^ "Cheltenham Town sign Matt Taylor and Koby Arthur". BBC Sport. 25 July 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
  29. ^ "Matt Taylor: Cheltenham Town captain ruled out for a month". BBC Sport. 20 October 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
  30. ^ "Cheltenham 1–1 AFC Wimbledon". BBC Sport. 4 October 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
  31. ^ "Club statement: Matt Taylor". Exeter City F.C. 1 June 2018. Retrieved 1 June 2018.
  32. ^ "Manager of the Month: August nominees". EFL. 4 September 2018. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
  33. ^ James, Stuart (4 May 2019). "'Tears in the dressing room' Matt Taylor gutted as Exeter City miss out on League Two play-off place". Devon Live. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
  34. ^ Strange, Ben (9 May 2019). "Matt Taylor: "We want to keep improving."". Exeter City F.C. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
  35. ^ a b "Matt Taylor: Exeter City boss wins August's League Two Manager of the Month award". BBC Sport. 13 September 2019. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
  36. ^ Clark, Daniel (29 December 2019). "Matt Taylor content with point but disappointed with City's last 10 minutes against Colchester's 10 men". Devon Live. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
  37. ^ James, Stuart (10 January 2020). "Exeter City's Matt Taylor lands SECOND Manager of the month award in 2019/20". Devon Live. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
  38. ^ a b "🏆 Matt Taylor named Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month". www.exetercityfc.co.uk. 11 March 2022.
  39. ^ a b "Exeter City 0-1 Port Vale". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  40. ^ "Club Statement: Matt Taylor". www.exetercityfc.co.uk. 1 October 2022. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  41. ^ "Matt Taylor: Rotherham United set to appoint Exeter City boss as new manager". BBC Sport. 3 October 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  42. ^ "READ : Matt Taylor-made for Millers appointment". www.themillers.co.uk. 4 October 2022. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  43. ^ "READ | CLUB STATEMENT - MATT TAYLOR". www.themillers.co.uk. 13 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  44. ^ "Matt Taylor Announced as Bristol Rovers Manager". www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 1 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  45. ^ "Sky Bet League One Manager and Player of the Month: December nominees". www.efl.com. 10 January 2024. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  46. ^ "Managers: Matt Taylor". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
  47. ^ James, Stuart (10 January 2020). "Exeter City's Matt Taylor lands SECOND Manager of the Month award in 2019/20". Devon Live. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  48. ^ "Sky Bet EFL Manager and Player of the Month April winners!". www.efl.com. 13 May 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2022.

External links[edit]

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