A FUTURE coaching role at Swindon Town for Matt Taylor would be welcomed by manager Richie Wellens, who believes only finances can restrict the club from securing his off-field services next season.

Taylor, 37, earlier this week confirmed that he will retire at the end of the season following a glittering 20-year career that has him represent Portsmouth, Bolton and West Ham among others.

The versatile left-back completed his UEFA Pro Licence badge after seven years of study last summer, and has held a player-coach role at the club for more than a year.

While Wellens admits Taylor’s coaching responsibilities hasn’t been at a level that is likely to benefit him, he did reveal at a press conference this afternoon that he would welcome his presence in Town’s coaching setup next season.

He said: “Would I be open to him (Matt Taylor) staying here, absolutely. I like his character.

“It’s difficult for him because he’s been playing, you can’t play and coach at the same time.

“He hasn’t been doing much coaching, but I do see him being one in the future.

“If that’s at Swindon, that depends on Matt and what he chooses to do.

“But again that is up to him. If he chooses to stay, finances will play a part.

“But if he wants to progress his coaching elsewhere then I will support him.”

Wellens added that Taylor’s input in November helped him quickly establish players’ characters – something that proved vital with regards to the club’s upturn in form since the turn of the new year.

Regardless if Taylor’s future sits with Swindon Town or elsewhere, the Town boss has backed last sea-son’s Swindon Advertiser Town Player of the Year to succeed in his future endeavours.

“Matt played a vital part in myself working out how to interact with each player,” said Wellens. “I would imagine, given the type of person he is, that he will be a success at whatever he chooses to go into next.

“He’s made the most out of his career as a player, and I’m sure he will do the same in his next role.”