SWINDON Town assistant manager Neil McDonald is looking forward to linking up with Matt Taylor for a second time after the winger agreed to a fresh one-year contract at the County Ground for the 2018-19 season.

McDonald formed part of the management that worked with Taylor during his time at West Ham from 2011 until 2014.

And Brown’s number two described Town’s first confirmed re-signing of the off season as hard-working and capable, with Taylor taking on a player-coach role in addition to his playing duties.

McDonald said: “Matt is a fantastic player and a fantastic person that wants to move into coaching which we can help with.

“But he can still contribute on the pitch as well so we’re getting two for the price of one.

“I’ve already spoke to him on the phone on numerous occasions over the past few weeks.

“He has lots of ideas and lots of enthusiasm, but at the same time we still need him to be involved on the pitch to get the results that we want.

“Finding that balance between the two is key.”

Speculation grew among supporters following the conclusion of the 2017-18 season regarding Taylor’s future on the pitch after he made no secret of his intentions to drop into football coaching following his retirement.

The UEFA Pro-Licence holder quashed any thoughts of possible retirement from the field on Wednesday though when the club confirmed he had agreed to a fresh one-year deal as player-coach.

“It’s extra sessions that we can help put him on and coaching individual stuff as well as unit stuff,” said McDonald, referring to Taylor’s new role.

“We can help him with that. He still needs to work hard and still needs to get his rest, so he can’t be coaching when he needs to be resting.

“He’ll certainly have a voice though, that’s for sure. He’s very experienced and knows the club and the players that played last year.

“He leads by example, he can show everybody what needs to be done. He’s a naturally fit lad too, his quality is good – whether that be in open play or set pieces.

“And he can score the odd goal every now and then which will help.”