Matthew James Taylor (born 30 January 1982) is an English professional football manager and former player who played as a centre back.

Taylor began his career as a goalkeeper playing for Preston North End Boys before being a member of the Everton U17 Academy.

[4] After an unsuccessful trial with Lincoln City in July 2003,[6] he joined Rossendale United before moving to Matlock Town, a club his uncle Neil Fairclough had previously played for, at the end of September.

He quickly established himself in the centre of defence alongside Michael Morrison, and scored his first goal for the club in an FA Cup 4–0 away win at FC Halifax, in November 2011.

[citation needed]} On 8 February 2016, Taylor signed for National League South side Bath City as a player-coach.

[citation needed] Taylor was appointed manager of League Two club Exeter City, who he had previously captained, on 1 June 2018 replacing Paul Tisdale.

[33][34] Taylor won the August 2019 EFL League Two Manager of the Month award following a strong start to Exeter's 2019–20 season, with the side winning four and drawing two of their opening six matches.

[35] A strong set of results over the festive period meant Exeter finished 2019 in second place,[36] with Taylor himself being named EFL League Two Manager of the Month for December 2019.

[39] On 1 October 2022, following a 2–2 draw with Bristol Rovers, Exeter confirmed that they had given Taylor permission to speak to Rotherham United regarding the vacant managerial position.