Football Season Review

The start of a new era ended in disappointment after Exeter City missed out on a play-off place on the final day of the season. Former defender Matt Taylor was handed the unenviable task of succeeding Paul Tisdale after 12 years in the St James Park hot-seat. Supporters had played their part in Tisdale’s departure and the appointment of Taylor was a popular one. He soon got to grips with the job despite losing the likes of defenders Jordan Moore-Taylor and Jordan Storey. Keeping hold of leading goalscorer Jayden Stockley was key and they remained in the promotion hunt until January. Sadly for the Grecians they were unable to hold on to Stockley, who left to join Preston North End. They had already lost midfield playmaker Hiram Boateng to a hip injury which would keep him out for months. Striker Ryan Bowman was signed as Stockley’s replacement but it wasn’t until the last month than he started to make an impression. They spent just six weeks out of the top seven but were caught on the rails by Newport County and missed out on the play-offs by just a single point. Nicky Law was the mainstay in the middle of the park whilst Christy Pym had a fine season between the sticks. If Taylor can keep hold of Boateng, they should go one better next time around.

Player of the Season: Nicky Law