SEEMINGLY able to pass a ball where he wanted, place a free-kick where he wanted, and run as far as he wanted, there was one other aspect of his game that former Swindon Town player Matt Taylor was desperate to have total control over – his retirement.

Following a mammoth 647 appearances in the professional game, the then-37-year-old decided – following two seasons at Swindon – that he needed to call time on his career in order to live his remaining days in reasonable health and comfort.

Speaking on the most recent On The Sofa With show – run by the Swindon Town Official Supporters Club – Taylor shared the thought process behind hanging up his boots when he was potentially still able to play.

He said: “For me, it was more mental than physical. So, what else was I striving to achieve from a personal point of view?

“I felt a little bit that, if I took another contract, was I taking a young player’s opportunity away from them? And would that be fair? And what is the reason I’m doing it for?

“But also, it was really important for me that I could finish my career on my terms. That was one of the biggest things I had to do because then mentally I was prepared.

“I wanted to be able to enjoy my life after football. What I mean by that is, I wanted to remain physical.

“I wanted to be able to continue to run, and I felt that if I’d have carried it on, I would have run the risk of not finishing my career in the way that I wanted.”

The hour-long interview with Vic Morgan featured several fascinating talking points from Taylor’s career, including his time as Town boss, being universally adored, and life as a full-time coach.

During the segment which discussed his time at Swindon, the former goal-scoring left-back suggested the club’s outstanding support on the road did not always reach the same level on their own patch.

Taylor said: “The away support, fantastic – really vocal. If I was being brutally honest, I think the home fans at times could be louder. I’m just talking from a personal point of view, when I was playing there.

“The only reason I say that is because the fans away from home were unbelievable. Not only were they loud, but on many occasions, there were 1,500-2,000 there. That’s pretty much unheard of in League Two.

“At home, the ground is really nice for the level. Marcus (Cassidy) has always got the pitch in perfect condition, and other teams enjoyed playing there because they know it’s a good ground.”

Credit: Swindon Town Official Supporters Club/YouTube