Exeter City Manager Comparison: Matt Taylor vs Paul Tisdale

Former captain Matt Taylor took over from outgoing boss Paul Tisdale in the summer of 2018, and the 38-year old has managed to get the fans back on side during his 18-month tenure at St.James' Park. Taylor has spoken countless times about the club's complete commitment to youth, and has regularly praised his predecessor for laying the foundations by helping to establish a core group of players, the majority of whom have graduated from the club's hugely successful academy. We take a look at how Taylor's time in charge compares to Tisdale's lengthy stint in the dugout.

Style and Philosophy

Paul Tisdale

Speaking to the official EFL podcast, Tisdale went into candid detail about his philosophy of being able to 'develop' both players and coaches, as well as understanding the business of the club. He also stressed the importance of winning the next game. He acknowledged that some Exeter fans were disappointed with his lack of activity on the touchline, although he conceded that his penchant for keeping calm doesn't equate to a lack of passion.

The former Bath City coach likes to have a 'connection' with every single player in the dressing room and believes that working as a team is the most important aspect of any football club. He also said that he enjoys the control element of football management, and much prefers to be on the touchline than on the pitch. Tisdale used various formations throughout his tenure, with the 4-4-2 and 4-4-1-1 used most frequently. A section of fans turned against the long-serving coach after he noticeably changed his style and approach following the departures of both David Wheeler and Ollie Watkins in the January transfer window.

Matt Taylor

The former defender has significantly altered the club's style of play this season, admitting that he deliberately targeted players who would help give his side a little more physicality. The signing of Ryan Bowman from Motherwell has given Exeter a focal point this campaign, with Randell Williams' arrival offering some much-needed dynamism in the final third; another key aspect that Taylor had previously identified as a problem area.

He is viewed as a little more pragmatic than his predecessor, although he did switch to a more attack-minded 3-4-1-2 formation earlier this season in order to increase his side's productivity. Exeter average 12.62 shots per game, with the majority of those efforts coming from inside the box. The number of long balls has increased since Taylor arrived, with the majority of these diagonals being aimed towards the aforementioned Williams on the right-hand side. In terms of his philosophy, the current boss has remained fairly coy on his beliefs; however, upon arriving at the club, he spoke of his desire to 'be his own man' and 'implement his own ideas' as well as bringing a freshness back to the club.

Results

Paul Tisdale

The 47-year old left the club at the end of the 2017-18 campaign with a very respectable 38.5% win percentage. He was victorious in 241 of his games in charge, although he won just two of his last six matches in Devon. He also won just three of his first eight games back in 2006, although he subsequently oversaw a seven-match unbeaten streak in late-September. His record in cup competitions was less complimentary, however, with the Grecians winning just five times in 17 Emirates FA Cup outings during his spell, although he did manage to guide them to the third round, where they were drawn against Liverpool. Exeter also lost 10 of their 13 EFL Cup ties during his time at the club.

Matt Taylor

By comparison, Taylor has barely managed to get his feet under the table at St. James' Park, yet the 38-year old currently possesses a 44.1% win record. As of April 3rd, Exeter are still very much in play-off contention, and look like they are on course to justify their lofty pre-season position in Betway's ante-post League Two odds. The new boss managed to hit the ground running, winning four of his first five games in charge, although the Devon outfit are currently on their joint-longest winless run of five matches, and Taylor must find a way to get his team back on track when the season recommences.

Popularity

Paul Tisdale

The Malta-born boss was extremely popular during his first six or seven years at the club, although the relationship between the management and the fans slowly began to sour back in 2016. Although nobody could dispute his achievements at the club, the supporters were becoming a little disenfranchised with Tisdale's constant chopping and changing, although a plethora of injuries certainly didn't help his cause.

With the club being owned by the trust, the fans opted to serve notice on his contract and the pair parted ways on slightly fractious terms. At times, he didn't help himself with his untimely retaliation to a section of supporters who had been calling for his head mid-way through their 3-1 defeat to Stevenage.

Matt Taylor

Despite feeling the need to ask fans to 'stick with us' back in October, the supporters have remained relatively united in their backing of Matt Taylor. His transparency has helped cement the relationship between himself and the St. James' Park faithful and although he isn't afraid to criticise his players in public, he has yet to point the finger towards the fans. It is still relatively early days for the former defender, yet he is on good terms with those who pay his wages, and that relationship doesn't look like souring anytime soon.

Exeter City have the knack of appointing managers who truly understand the club's modus operandi. Paul Tisdale boasts an excellent record in the south-west, however, things became a little stale towards the end of his stint. Matt Taylor has helped freshen things up, and the current boss remains extremely popular with the fanbase. With a win percentage of 44.1%, the former defender just about shades it, however, he's only been in charge for 18 months and he must now deliver on that early season promise.