Exeter City sleep walk to safety: What next?

Joseph Terry examines a season of ups and downs at St James Park

EXETER City have survived in their first season back in League One for ten years, a conclusion which gives Grecians hope for the future. However, it would be naïve to forget that the end of the season hasn’t presented the challenges that make this successful debut season even more surprising.

Exeter City end the season in 14th position, 11 points clear of the drop and 21 points away from the playoffs in a middling season that Grecians would have gladly taken this time last year, after the euphoria of SJP exploding after that win against Barrow. The finishing position however masks a bruising end to the season in the month of April into May — picking up four points out of a possible 24. It would have been a difficult task to get results against six of the top seven finishers in the league — however, results over the period did expose weak points in the squad, that prove the squad has to evolve to remain in the third division. A devastating 1-0 loss by an own goal in the Devon Derby to Plymouth Argyle presented a forward line unable to penetrate a prepared defensive block. A snatched point against Fleetwood Town emphasised how important home form has been this year, Exeter City 19th of 24 teams away from home this season. Perhaps most embarrassingly, a 6-0 loss to Ipswich Town as the Tractor Boys partied into the Championship, proved that defensively there are still major worries.

An emotional final day at St James Park crowned an end of an era for many players at the club: Jack Sparkes leaving City after 14 years at the club, in the academy as an eightyear-old; and Jay Stansfield finishing a loan spell in Devon with a hattrick, as the Big Bank unveiled the shirt of his father Adam, created in tribute after his passing 14 years ago. A 3-2 win that relegated Morecambe saved Exeter from a winless run of eight games. Changes are on their way. Jack Sparkes to be sold, Jay Stansfield and Joe White both likely to return to their parent clubs or get loaned out at different clubs, Josh Key and Sam

Nombe potentially under consideration by other clubs. Furthermore, Jamal Blackman is out of contract. Therefore the way forward for the Grecians is a mixture of getting rid of dead wood and bringing in new young talent despite an exodus of players.

Position by position Gary Cald- and with a contract ending this summer, is it time to let go of number 18? Gary Woods has signed a contract extension, the parachute signing in January in competition with young prospect Harry Lee for what could be a second choice position if a transfer comes in the summer (which arguably should come). You could send Harry Lee on loan, but the emergency signing of Jökull Andrésson after an injury crisis this season looms large. dynamic is that of Pierce Sweeney’s future at SJP — no Grecian will want to see him exit stage right; however, will the Irishman want to remain in a project that has stripped him of the captaincy and of a leadership role within the backline? Jake Caprice is also under pressure at this point. well’s recruitment team will have work to do. Firstly, in between the sticks, the performances of Jamal Blackman this year have been patchy; near-post shots have been his kryptonite this year — as likely the largest wage bill of the squad

The defensive line has cost City more results this year than a blunt forward line as I view it, and therefore I think this will get the most attention this summer. Newly appointed skipper Will Aimson has proven himself as a safe pair of hands as other players have struggled for form such as Alex Hartridge. Another

The midfield is more stable going into the new season as long as key players remain — Demetri Mitchell, Archie Collins, Harry Kite and Josh Key to be exact. The threat of Matt Taylor swooping in from Rotherham for his former squad members is noticeable. However, the midfield has got a stable base that I am confident in: Kevin McDonald in the CDM pivot, Demetri Mitchell on set pieces and lethal on the edge of the penalty area. Similarly, attacking players will be under watch — Sam Nombe should get attention by clubs in the top half of League One. If Nombe is poached, then young Sonny Cox will have to step in unless moves are made — Jay Stansfield has bigger fish to fry, this season proving his raw talent that can take him all the way.

In conclusion, a squad that grew over the season will be changing through pre-season. However, there is significant hope for the Grecians to stay in the third division.