Matt Taylor made 163 appearances as a player for Exeter from 2007-2011
Published March 3, 2026 • Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c78xvx2z36vo
Exeter City have reappointed Matt Taylor as manager on an interim deal until the end of the season.
The 44-year-old former Grecians captain takes over from Dan Green who had been in temporary charge following the departure of Gary Caldwell, who left to join Wigan Athletic in February.
Taylor spent more than four years in charge of Exeter from 2018, leading them out of League Two as runners-up in 2022 before joining then Championship club Rotherham United later that year.
He was sacked by the Millers after 13 months before being hired by Bristol Rovers where he spent a year.
This is Taylor's first management job since being sacked by Rovers in late 2024.
"I'm extremely pleased to return to Exeter City," Taylor told the club., external (https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/WelcomeBackMT)
"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.
"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 on to the pitch at St James Park tonight for the match against Burton Albion."
Exeter are 15th in League One, five points off the bottom four relegation places.
"We are delighted to welcome Matt back to the club," interim club board chair Laurence Overend said.
"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.
"Matt worked closely with Dan and [assistant manager] Kevin Nicholson during his previous stint as manager and it was felt by the 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."
Grecians opt for safe choice - analysis
By Brent Pilnick BBC Sport, Exeter
Matt Taylor returns to the club where he made his name both as a player and a manager.
In many ways he is a safe choice - he knows how the fan-owned club works and the financial limitations that come with it.
It will be a popular appointment among many fans, who were sad to see him leave for Rotherham United three-and-a-half years ago after guiding City to promotion.
Whether he gets the job on a full-time basis will depend on a number of factors - clearly on-pitch performance will be key, and keeping the club in League One this season.
But whether he would want the job long-term will also depend on what the club's finances look like - earlier this year former chairman Richard Pym warned of a possible budget cut of up to £1.5m.
That would mean Exeter's already small playing budget this season most likely becoming the lowest in League One in 2026-27, and give whoever takes on the permanent role one of the division's toughest jobs.