Neil Taylor believes friend Vitor Matos can bring success to Swansea City
Neil Taylor believes head coach Vitor Matos is capable of taking Swansea City back to the Premier League after the defender returned to SA1 15 years on from his own top-flight promotion.
Former Swans and Wales full-back Taylor played in a Team Wales v Team Europe contest at the Swansea.com Stadium – presented by Joseph’s Smile – which sought to raise funds and awareness for a number of charities and organisations committed to helping children with cancer.
The game was played on the 15th anniversary of the 2011 Championship play-off final, when the Swans defeated Reading 4-2 at Wembley to secure a place in the Premier League.
Taylor sat out that final through suspension, but it remained a life-changing day for him, the team and the city.
The 37-year-old has moved into coaching since hanging up his boots, and is good friends with Swans boss Matos after the pair completed their ‘Pro Licence’ together.
And with a good base to build from after a strong second half to the season, Taylor believes the Portuguese has what it takes to bring the glory days back to SA1.
“That experience 15 years ago changed the lives of so many people, including us as players,” said Taylor.
“Many of us had never played in the Premier League before, but it was also about what it did for the club over those next five or six years.
“It put Swansea on the map, and the city and the businesses within it thrived as a result.
“It just did so much for Swansea, and I am hoping the Swans can get back there.
“Vitor Matos is a good friend of mine, we did our ‘Pro’ Licence course together with the Football Association of Wales.
“I wish him nothing but good luck, he has done an excellent job since he came in and hopefully the club can kick on and make that step.
“With the way the play-off rules are changing next season (teams down to eighth will now qualify), I think it’s a great opportunity.
“We want this club to get back there, I am sure with a couple of additions and by getting the stadium full and rocking we can get the club where it wants to go.
“I wish Swansea the very best, and believe me I’d love to be able to wind the clock back 15 years and be part of it again.”