MATT Taylor has thanked the Swindon Town supporters for the backing they gave him following his brief spell as interim manager and says they have a big role to play in the team’s end-of-season push.

Taylor was unable to guide Town to victory on Saturday after taking over responsibility for first-team affairs, slipping to a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to Cheltenham Town in League Two.

Despite the disappointment, Taylor circled the pitch at the Energy Check County Ground following the full-time whistle to applaud the Swindon supporters.

That action was promptly reciprocated from the stands as the Town fans showed their appreciation for the efforts put in by the experienced defender in the wake of David Flitcroft’s shock departure earlier this month.

Phil Brown's arrival as manager on Monday evening means Taylor's stint in charge lasted no more than 10 days, although the 36 year old will join Brown's coaching team as they plot Town's route to promotion in the final 10 games of the campaign

The defeat to Cheltenham saw Town fall out of the League Two play-off places down to ninth in the table and Taylor says strong backing from the club’s supporters can help to get their promotion prospects back on track over the final 10 games of the season.

“In adversity I will always front it up and I must say, from a personal point of view, a big thank you to the fans at the end,” said Taylor.

“It is easy for them to walk off and it is easy to boo, so I went over to them and thanked them for their support because that is going to be vitally important if we are going to get to where we want to get to this season.

“I made a point of going around and clapping the fans for their support because that that is the way I am, that’s the type of person I am.

“The support is massively important and I genuinely mean that for me personally, but also for the team. We need them and I can’t thank them enough.”

Taylor admits he was learning on the job while attempting to balance the dual responsibilities as both a player and now manager.

However, he says sticking solely to the touchline was not an option given the selection issues faced by Town at present.

“Of course it is on your mind because I spent all week digesting more information than I have done recently and spent a lot of time in the office watching games and what have you,” said Taylor.

“I don’t feel there was a chance to maybe not play – we had conversations with the players about myself playing or not playing.

“You always look in hindsight and could someone else have done a better job? But that is something I don’t have the answer to.

“All I know is that I gave everything I had. I have done that for 20 years and I will continue to do that for as long as I am asked.”