Matt Taylor makes Exeter City return as first team manager

Exeter City Football Club has announced the return of Matt Taylor to St James Park as First Team Manager until the end of the season.

The appointment follows the departure of Gary Caldwell on February 16, after which Dan Green stepped in as interim manager.

The decision to bring Matt back was made by the Club Board in consultation with the football management team.

Laurence Overend, interim Club Board Chair, said the Board was “delighted” to secure Matt’s return.

“We are delighted to welcome Matt back to the Club. He is someone who knows Exeter City exceptionally well and understands the Club’s culture, values and ambitions, as well as the realities of the league and our model,” he said.

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Matt previously worked closely with Dan Green and Kevin Nicholson during his earlier spell in charge. Overend explained that the Board felt his experience and familiarity would minimise disruption at a crucial stage of the campaign.

“It was felt by the Club board that as well as bringing experience and expertise, his appointment will minimise the amount of upheaval and change for the squad, giving the players the confidence to finish the season positively,” he added.

The Club and Trust boards also placed on record their thanks to both Dan Green and Kevin Nicholson for their “continued commitment and support”.

Taylor’s connection with Exeter City stretches back two decades. He joined the Club as a player in 2006 and made 160 appearances between then and 2011.

In 2018, he was appointed manager and went on to guide the Grecians to promotion to EFL League One in 2022, a landmark achievement that cemented his place in the Club’s modern history.

His return is seen by many supporters as a move designed to restore stability and momentum as the season enters its decisive final weeks.

Taylor will take charge of Tuesday night’s fixture against Burton Albion F.C. at St James Park, supported by assistant coaches Dan Green and Kevin Nicholson.

Speaking ahead of the match, Matt said he was “extremely pleased” to be back.

“This Club and its supporters have always held a special place in my heart, and it is somewhere where I spent 10 amazing years, first as a player and then as manager,” he said.

“The supporters are like no other, and I’m looking forward to getting to know our players and staff and leading the team as we step out onto the pitch at St James Park tonight for the match against Burton Albion.”

As Exeter City prepare for a crucial run-in, the return of a familiar figure offers renewed optimism around St James Park, and a sense that, in challenging moments, the Club continues to look to its own for leadership.