INFLUENTIAL winger Matt Taylor has signed a one-year deal to remain at Swindon Town next season where he will take on a player-coach role under manager Phil Brown, the Advertiser can confirm.

Taylor, 36, became a firm favourite at the County Ground last season after making 38 appearances for the club, during which he scored six goals.

His versatile nature allowed Phil Brown, and his predecessor David Flitcroft, to play Taylor in a variety of positions on both sides of the pitch.

The former West Ham, Bolton and Portsmouth midfielder also briefly took charge of the club after Flitcroft and his assistant Ben Futcher decided to leave the County Ground in favour of joining Mansfield Town in early March.

While his run as Town interim boss came to an end after the club appointed Phil Brown as manager in mid-March, Taylor started a coaching role within the club and was frequently called upon by Brown to offer his advice on the training field.

He also holds a UEFA Pro-Licence, meaning Swindon Town now has three pro-licence holders within the club after Brown hired Neil McDonald as his assistant last week.

Taylor told the club’s official website: “I had some really good conversations with Phil Brown and I’m really looking forward to getting going.

“It will be a similar role to the one I held for the last ten weeks of the season.

“Neil (McDonald) is coming in as well. I worked with Neil for three years at West Ham, so I know we are getting a very good coach in Neil as assistant manager and I also have a relationship with him from previously, so I’m really excited to work with both the manager and Neil next season.

“If I can take some part of sessions then I will do and I’ll also be available for selection on a Saturday.

“It is a great opportunity for me to learn and there is a lot to learn off both the manager and Neil. They both have vast experience in the game and most people know that this is an avenue I would like to take a foray down in the future.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity and I’m thrilled to be here.”

Taylor also revealed to have turned down offers from more than one club, adding remaining at Swindon remains the ideal scenario for family life.

He said: “I really loved my time here at Swindon last season and I had a couple of other offers but they were not right for me or for the family.

“It was an easy decision.

“I’ve had such a good time over the last 12 months and been made to feel welcome by everybody at the football club and, more importantly, all of the fans.

“Hopefully next season will be another successful one for me personally and, hopefully, a more successful one for us as a team.”