Football Season Guide

After so many years of stability, Exeter City find themselves in the midst of a summer of change. That change began last Autumn when Head Coach Matt Taylor left to fill a vacancy at Rotherham United and Gary Caldwell was appointed as his replacement. Taylor had continued the momentum following Paul Tisdale’s departure but this heralded a significant change. Taylor had guided the Grecians to promotion last summer and Caldwell will be satisfied with their eventual 14th-placed finish, the highest of the four promoted sides. Several key players opted to reject new contract offers however and have moved on to pastures new. Archie Collins established himself as one of the most promising midfielders in the division and he has signed for Peterborough United. Wing-back Josh Key has stepped up a league in joining Championship side Swansea City whilst Kevin MacDonald opted to drop down to League Two with Bradford City. Caldwell’s knowledge of the Scottish market saw him bring in Gary Woods as his first-choice goalkeeper in January and he has returned to sign attacking midfielder Jack Aitchison from Motherwell this summer. Recruitment is always tricky due to the Grecians location but he does have some promising youngsters at his disposal. He does have some issues in attack however. Jay Stansfield has returned to parent club Fulham whilst Jevani Brown has joined Bristol Rovers after avoiding a jail sentence after pleading guilty to assault. Sam Nombe is also being linked with a move away from the club and it would leave them seriously short of firepower.