Matt Taylor Appointed as Head Coach of Shrewsbury Town FC

Shrewsbury Town Football Club has officially announced the appointment of Matt Taylor as their new head coach.

The 41-year-old, who had a remarkable playing career with over 300 Premier League appearances for clubs like Portsmouth, Bolton, West Ham, and Burnley, joins the team after an extensive recruitment process led by Director of Football, Micky Moore.

Taylor, a UEFA Pro License coach, began his foray into coaching while still an active player, working with Luton’s under-16s during his time at West Ham.

After retiring, he spent two years in Tottenham’s coaching setup before taking on the role of head coach at Walsall in 2021.

‘Burning desire and excitement

Expressing his delight about his new position, Taylor emphasized his burning desire and excitement upon seeing the club’s infrastructure and successful playing style.

He aims to provide a platform and structure for the players to express themselves and entertain loyal supporters. Taylor believes in hard work, energy, and giving everything on the field, ensuring that players wearing the Shrewsbury Town shirt come with a minimum requirement of giving everything they have got.

In a statement from the club, Matt Taylor said:

“I think when you come to the stadium when you look at the infrastructure behind the football club – there is nothing (I feel) other than a burning desire and excitement.

He added: “If I look back at my career and what made me successful – it was hard work and energy.

“The things that are non-negotiable for me will be that the players have to give everything whenever they put the shirt on. That’s the least the fans deserve.

“I think you accept mistakes as a football fan, I do when I watch it.

“But what is imperative is that every time a player goes onto the pitch wearing a Shrewsbury Town shirt – they have to go and give everything they have got. That is a minimum requirement and I’m sure the players will do that.

“I think what’s important now is that everyone understands just how hungry I am for this opportunity.

“I am also very grateful to be given this opportunity at such a wonderful football club.

“Micky and I want an environment where we create players who can receive the ball under pressure, who are able to twist and turn, but also understand that it’s all under-pinned by what you do out of possession.”

Micky Moore eagerly welcomed Taylor

Micky Moore, the director of football, expressed satisfaction with the thorough recruitment process and highlighted Taylor’s alignment with the criteria set from the beginning. He eagerly welcomed Taylor, confident that he embodies the qualities desired in a head coach.

Five people were interviewed for the position but Micky Moore believed Taylor fitted the bill perfectly

He said: “I met quite a few candidates for a coffee, had a lot of telephone conversations with people, and obviously then brought the number down to be interviewed.

“I think from the moment I walked in, from what I’ve said I said our head coach will look like, Matty fitted that script and I’m very excited to have him on board.”