Matty Taylor Shrewsbury

Matt Taylor: Shrewsbury Town appoint ex-Bolton midfielder as head coach

Taylor takes on first managerial role in English football

Taylor, 41, takes charge of the League One strugglers after leaving Walsall in May

Shrewsbury Town have appointed former Portsmouth and Bolton midfielder Matthew Taylor as their new head coach on a two-year contract.

The 41-year-old takes charge of the League One strugglers after leaving Walsall in May, where he spent three years in charge.

Taylor, who made over 500 appearances during his playing career, will be tasked with turning around Shrewsbury's fortunes after a poor start to the season.

The Shrews have won just one of their opening seven games and sit 23rd in the table, only above Morecambe on goal difference.

Taylor said: "I'm delighted to be here. Shrewsbury Town is a club with a great history and tradition, and I'm excited to be part of it."

"I know the club has had a tough start to the season, but I'm confident that we can turn things around and start moving up the table."

Shrewsbury chairman Roland Wycherley said: "We are delighted to welcome Matt to the club. He is a young, ambitious coach with a proven track record of success."

"We believe that he is the right person to lead Shrewsbury Town back to success and we are looking forward to working with him."

Taylor will take charge of his first game as Shrewsbury boss when they host Exeter City at Montgomery Waters Meadow on Saturday.