Taylor named permanent Exeter boss for second time

• Exeter set for 'drastic' squad cuts after relegation
• Exeter City relegated as Bradford City make play-offs

A former Exeter City captain, Taylor helped them win back-to-back promotions on the field from what is now the National League to League One between 2008 and 2009 - scoring 20 goals in 162 appearances between 2007 and 2011.

He left to join Charlton Athletic in 2011 before going on to play for clubs including Bradford and Cheltenham.

Taylor returned to Exeter as an academy coach and was under-23s boss when he succeeded Tisdale.

He went on to lead the Grecians to a fifth-placed finish in his second season but they were beaten in the 2020 League Two play-off final by Northampton Town.

Two years later, he led Exeter to promotion after finishing second in League Two as they missed out on the title on goal difference to Forest Green Rovers.

He takes over an Exeter City side facing financial cuts this summer after losses last season.

A number of experienced players, such as Ilmari Niskanen and Josh Magennis, have left at the end of their contracts this month as Taylor warned of "drastic" squad cuts.

"I'm grateful to the supporters for their backing," added Taylor.

"Over the 20 years I have been involved with the club they have time and again proved their loyalty and commitment.

"We'll be working to bring the younger players through, supported by more senior members of the squad.

"We want to have more local players, players who have grown up in the area and truly reflect the fact they are 'one of our own'.

"We know our supporters appreciate this aspect of the club and perhaps are prepared to be more understanding and give them a little more time."

'Taylor knows the club inside out'

Analysis - Brent Pilnick, BBC Sport, Exeter

It is back to the future for the Grecians as Matt Taylor gets the job full time.

It represents a safe move for the fan-owned club, which is having to make big budget cuts this summer after relegation and financial issues.

Taylor knows the club inside out, both from his time as a player and as a coach and then manager.

In his first spell he helped bring through academy players like Joel Randall, Josh Key and Archie Collins while signings including Sam Nombe and Ryan Bowman both went on to leave for good fees.

Taylor will need to rebuild a side which will have to again lean on the club's much-respected academy as they hope to return to League One as soon as possible.