Matt Taylor is a Shrewd Appointment at the Shrews
- Taylor, a UEFA Pro Licence holder, takes on his second managerial role at EFL League One side Shrewsbury Town
- The former midfielder starred for the likes of Portsmouth, Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United and Burnley
Matt Taylor has taken the next step in his managerial journey after being appointed Head Coach of EFL League One outfit Shrewsbury Town.
Football Careers client Taylor has been named Steve Cotterill’s managerial successor at the Shrews following an extensive recruitment process.
The 41-year-old enjoyed an illustrious playing career, starring for Portsmouth, Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United, and Burnley in the Premier League, as well as for Luton Town, Northampton Town, and Swindon Town in the EFL.
UEFA Pro Licence holder Taylor initially made inroads into coaching while playing for West Ham United. He coached Luton Town’s under-16s before moving on to a player-coach role with Swindon Town.
After retiring from playing in 2019, Taylor was appointed Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur’s under-18s and played a key role in developing players within the club’s academy.
He then joined Walsall as Head Coach in 2021, where he overhauled the playing squad before his departure in February 2022. Taylor is now in his second managerial role at Shrewsbury Town. Speaking to the club’s website, he said:
“I’m delighted. I think when you come to the stadium, when you look at the infrastructure behind the football club – there is nothing [I feel] other than a burning desire and excitement.
“I’m very aware the football club has a successful playing style – something that has worked when you look at the finish last season. I think it was the second-highest finish in 34 years.
“So there is a lot that is going right at the football club. So, what do I want to bring?
“I hope to allow the players to really express themselves. There are some exceptional footballers here and part of my role is to give them a platform and a structure so they can go and express themselves and entertain our loyal supporters.
“If I look back at my career and what made me successful – it was hard work and energy.
“The things that are non-negotiable for me will be that the players have to give everything whenever they put the shirt on. That’s the least the fans deserve.
“I think you accept mistakes as a football fan, I do when I watch it. But what is imperative is that every time a player goes onto the pitch wearing a Shrewsbury Town shirt, they have to go and give everything they have got. That is a minimum requirement and I’m sure the players will do that.
“I think what’s important now is that everyone understands just how hungry I am for this opportunity. I am also very grateful to be given this opportunity at such a wonderful football club.”
Shrewsbury Town Director of Football, Micky Moore, insists Taylor was the outstanding candidate for the head coach role. Moore said:
“We went through a thorough process. I said right at the beginning that I needed time. I met quite a few candidates for a coffee, had a lot of telephone conversations with people, and obviously then brought the number down to be interviewed.
“We interviewed five and then we got down to the last two and Matt fit the criteria we set out right at the very beginning. I think from the moment I walked in, from what I’ve said our head coach will look like, Matty fit that script — and I’m very excited to have him on board.”
