TAYLOR’S CONTENT TO HOLD THE FORT
MATT Taylor has carved out a reputation for the spectacular during a career spanning nearly 700 games and he plans to continue to express himself in his new role as Swindon’s interim boss.
The 36-year-old leftsider has stepped into the breach to take up his first role in management after David Flitcroft jumped ship to succeed Steve Evans at Mansfield, with Taylor, who will be assisted by goalkeeping coach Dean Thornton, due to continue playing.
The former Portsmouth, Bolton, West Ham and Burnley man has sought counsel from a number of wise heads that helped shape his career over the years and the new County Ground chief plans to heed their words.
“I spoke to quite a few people who I respect very highly within football, and who are current managers, to ask their advice because I think it is always good to get some input from outside the workplace,” said Taylor, who has scored five goals in 31 Robins appearances so far this season.
“A manager I am very close to, who is honest and extremely successful, just said, ‘go and be you with the manner in which you address people and just be 100 per cent honest with everybody you speak to’.
“I will be up front with everybody and deal in facts and nothing else.”
Taylor had begun working towards his coaching badges before he was required to succeed Flitcroft but he wants his players to be the ones in the spotlight.
“It is an opportunity for me to gain some experience but it is not about me,” he added. “It is not about Matt Taylor and what he can do. It is about, ‘can we galvanise this team into pushing for promotion for as long as we are asked to do so?’. I believe we can do.”