Exeter City announce Matt Taylor as permanent First Team Manager

Exeter City Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Taylor as permanent first team manager. 

Matt, who managed the Club to promotion from League Two in 2022, has a long history with Exeter City as both player and manager, having first played for the team in 2006. 

The appointment follows the assessment of numerous candidates from multiple sources, including applicants from the position being advertised through the League Managers Association(LMA). A select number of potential candidates then progressed to informal discussions towards the end of the season, with Matt selected from this group. 

He will be working alongside assistant manager Dan Green, who has also agreed a new contract with the Club. Both men have deep experience of Exeter City Football Club and proven expertise in working with the Academy to bring through young players. 

 Wilf Walsh, Chair of the Club, said: “A number of criteria were set for the position, particularly around our supporter ownership model and the importance of the need to bring young players through our Academy. After a thorough analysis of the skillsets of a shortlisted number of candidates and several informal discussions, it was very clear that Matt was the most suitable and qualified person for the job. 

“He understands every aspect of the Club. He knows how to get promoted out of League Two and he is absolutely committed to the Academy and the model of developing young players which has been so successful for us in recent years”. 

 Wilf added: “Matt will be a big part of a complete reset across the Club, which will see us very much returning to our ethos, prioritising financial sustainability and supporter ownership powered by our Academy talent.” 

Matt joined Exeter City as a player in 2006 and made 160 appearances for the Club between then and 2011. He was appointed manager of Exeter City in 2018 and led the Club to promotion to League One in 2022.  

Matt said: “Coming back to Exeter reminded me just how special this Club is. There’s work to do, on and off the pitch, as the whole Club goes through something of a reset and I’m excited to be part of this. We know we will need to rely on the young players, ideally through the academy system and this is one area where I have a great deal of experience. 

“I’m grateful to the supporters for their backing. I joined the Club as a player 20 years ago and the relationship that I have with the fans has stood the test of time. The supporters are a massive reason for my return, and together we can work through the reset with the understanding that there are challenges ahead and bring back the ECFC identity that has served the club so well for so many years.” 

He added: “We’ll be working to bring the younger players through, supported by more senior members of the squad. We want to have more local players, players who have grown up in the area and truly reflect the fact they are ‘one of our own’. We know our supporters appreciate this aspect of the Club and perhaps are prepared to be more understanding and give them a little more time.” 

Matt and Dan will continue to work with the same backroom staff, including fellow assistant manager Kevin Nicholson. 

Trust Chair Pete Ferlie said, "On behalf of the Supporters' Trust Board, we are pleased that the managerial appointment has been completed successfully. I'd like to wish Matt, Dan, and Kev all the best for this upcoming season."