Exeter City appoint ex-Rotherham United boss Matt Taylor with trip to Barnsley FC on horizon

The Grecians were recently dealt a hammer blow when their League One rivals Wigan Athletic came calling for manager Gary Caldwell.

Exeter have not left the vacancy open for long, moving to tie Taylor to a deal running until the end of the season.

He previously managed the club between 2018 and 2022, overseeing promotion from League Two before joining Rotherham. After being sacked by the Millers, Taylor had a spell at the Bristol Rovers helm.

Exeter City confirm appointment

Taylor will be in charge for Exeter’s clash with Burton Albion tonight (March 3) before taking the Grecians to Oakwell for a battle with Barnsley on Saturday (March 7).

After putting pen to paper, he said: “I’m extremely pleased to return to Exeter City. 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 onto the pitch at St James Park tonight for the match against Burton Albion.”

‘Understands the culture’

Exeter’s interim club board chair Laurence Overend added: “We are delighted to welcome Matt back to the club.

“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 Kevin Nicholson during his previous stint as manager and it was felt by the club 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.”

Exeter sit 15th in the League One table, three points behind 13th-placed Barnsley having played two more games.

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