After being confirmed as the club's new permanent Manager for the second time, Matt Taylor has given his first interview.
City's former captain returns to the St James Park dugout after being in interim charge of the club during the second half of the last campaign, and he's now been announced as the club's new permanent manager ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Supported by Dan Green, who has signed a new contract, and Kevin Nicholson in coaching roles at the club, Matt is delighted to have got the deal confirmed and over the line ahead of a busy off-season for the club.
"Delighted," Matt said, reacting to the announcement, "Delighted to be back, I’ve not been away for long, certainly post the end of the season. Discussions have been ongoing for a period of time now, it’s important we try to get the football side of it sorted out before any decisions were made.
"I think we're all aligned in terms of what is next for this football club, I think it's been well publicised, well documented that there's a need for a reset, my part to play in that is obviously on the pitch first and foremost and at the training ground, and that's a challenge I'm looking forward to."
Matt first joined City in June 2007, becoming part of Paul Tisdale's squad as a centre-back and then captain for four seasons, before he returned as a coach and then manager in 2018.
"This club gave me the opportunity, and the opportunity to grow as a player, to develop as a player and become successful. We had four fantastic years, during my time as a player and some fantastic memories,” Matt reflected.
“And then to leave and come back in a coaching capacity and another opportunity when I came back in the manager's job. I would've liked my return during the first half of this year to go a lot better than it did, we have to acknowledge that and accept responsibility for that, but it's all about looking forward to what's next.
“One of the big reasons I came back to this football club was the people, supporters first and foremost but then some people behind the scenes who go a little bit unnoticed, there are some fantastic people who I am looking forward to working with.”
Watch Matt’s full interview on Grecian+ below: