Norwich City have bolstered their youth coaching team with the appointment of Matty Taylor, the former manager of Shrewsbury Town and Walsall. The 44-year-old has signed a short-term contract that will run until the end of the current season, where he will work within the U18 setup alongside Greg Crane and Adem Atey.
Taylor’s return to Colney is particularly significant as it reunites him with Dean Rastrick, Norwich's head of football development. The two previously collaborated during Taylor's tenure as U18 manager at Tottenham Hotspur, prior to his move into senior management. Since retiring as a player in 2019, Taylor has also contributed to the academies at Luton Town and West Ham United. Read more about Tavares Set for Barcelona Move After Medical Success.
This new role adds to Taylor’s extensive managerial experience, which includes stints at Shrewsbury and non-league clubs Wealdstone and Solihull Moors. His deep understanding of lower league football is expected to greatly benefit Norwich's young players as they aim to carve out successful careers in the sport. Read more about McLean Addresses Sargent's Departure as Canaries Move On.
In addition to his managerial credentials, Taylor has an impressive playing history, having made over 320 appearances in the Premier League for clubs such as Portsmouth, Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United, and Burnley. This combination of high-level playing experience and recent coaching roles positions him well to mentor the next generation of talent at Norwich.
Reflecting on his time at Tottenham, Taylor recalled the dynamic environment shaped by various managerial changes. "My first year at Spurs was an eventful one for the first team. Mauricio Pochettino was sacked early on, so I didn’t get to spend too much time with him, but Jose Mourinho came in. He was fantastic to all the academy coaches," Taylor shared with The Coaches Voice in 2022.
He expressed gratitude for Mourinho's commitment to fostering a strong connection between the academy and the first team, stating, "He would always give us lots of detailed feedback on the players who went over to train with the first team, and he was more than happy for any of us to go over and watch him and his staff taking sessions."
Taylor also highlighted the impact of working alongside Ryan Mason, noting, "I worked closely with Ryan Mason, which was great for my development. He understood what it took to be a Tottenham player because he’d been there and done it."
As Norwich City aims to enhance their approach to youth development, Matty Taylor's addition brings not only a wealth of experience but also a fresh perspective on nurturing young talent. His insights into player development will be vital as the club strives to bridge the gap between academy prospects and first-team football.