The former U's loanee who is now plotting their downfall in the League Two play-offs

MATT Taylor will make his way to the visitors' dressing room at the JobServe Community Stadium on Thursday teatime, hoping to steer his Exeter City side to success in their League Two play-off semi-final.

But nearly seven years ago, the Grecians boss was part of Colchester United's set-up - albeit temporarily.

Taylor enjoyed a productive short spell at the U's during the 2013-14 League One season, spending a month on loan there from Bradford City.

The lofty centre-back was signed by then Colchester boss Joe Dunne - along with Jamie Sendles-White on loan from QPR - in an attempt to shore up his central defensive options, with Josh Thompson and Tom Eastman sidelined through injury and Daniel Pappoe suspended.

Taylor's move played dividends, with Taylor impressing in the five matches he played for the U's in September and October, 2013.

After making his debut for Colchester in their 1-1 home draw with Crawley Town, he scored for the U's in another 1-1 draw at Bristol City.

Taylor was glad to be out on the pitch again, having been starved of first-team opportunities at Bradford.

Speaking to the Gazette after the game at Ashton Gate, he said: “It’s game to game at the moment and we’ll see what happens in the next few weeks.

“I’m enjoying playing and I want to play in as many games as I can.

“I didn’t feel that I played enough last season and this season I haven’t played much, so it’s been good to get out there again.

“It’s what every footballer wants to do; no footballer wants to just sit there and get paid for nothing.

“Colchester has got some good young players and a good young manager, too.

“This club is going in the right direction, so it’s a good place to be at the moment.”

Taylor also featured in their 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Wolves and the 1-1 draw with Walsall, before signing off on in their 3-1 loss at Brentford, with boss Dunne saying it would be a “no-brainer” to try ad retain the centre-back's services.

But Bradford boss - and former U's manager - Phil Parkinson decided against the former Charlton player staying with the U's.

Taylor, who made more than 150 league and cup appearances for Exeter in the early part of his playing career, went on to Cheltenham Town, Newport County and Bath City, before hanging up his boots and going into management.

He has been manager of Exeter since 2018 and will be looking to lead them to promotion, having suffered the disappointment of just missing out on the play-offs last season.