Exeter City Football Club manager Matt Taylor has admitted the club’s budget is likely to block any further incomings unless players depart or cheap loans become available before the transfer window closes.
What’s the current Exeter City transfer situation?
Taylor wants to add more players to his young squad but says circumstances dictate it will be tough unless there are departures or the club secures low-cost loans. So far this summer, midfielder Taylor Perry, winger Gwion Edwards and striker Josh Gordon have arrived at St James Park, while Danny Andrew, Ilmari Niskanen, Jack McMillan, Josh Magennis, Jack Aitchison and Pierce Sweeney have left after their contracts expired. Exeter City currently sit 21st in League One after last season’s final table showed 49 points from 46 games, with recent form reading LDDDW.
Taylor told reporters: “I’d like to [bring in more players], circumstances would dictate that we’ll struggle to bring any more in until there’s movement elsewhere. There’s the loan market and sometimes you can get some cheap or even free loans.”
Why are further signings unlikely soon?
The Grecians’ transfer activity is now at a sticking point because of budget constraints. Taylor stressed the club’s financial situation means the current group may well be the one that kicks off the new season unless unforeseen loan opportunities arise. Exeter scored 52 goals last term but conceded 61, leaving them with a −9 goal difference and 54 points behind league leaders Lincoln.
A trialist believed to be ex-Mansfield Town defender Mal Benning featured in Saturday’s 1–0 pre-season loss to Truro City. Taylor has been hunting for more names to bolster a squad that remains short in defensive and wide attacking areas.
How are the new signings settling in?
Gordon and Edwards made their Grecians debuts in the Truro defeat, while Perry did not play after arriving in Devon only on Friday. The squad then spent Sunday surfing on a Cornish beach as part of team-building activities. Taylor called the session “really beneficial” and noted it gave staff a chance to see players in a different light outside the regimented training environment.
“Some of the younger lads had to go home after the game on Saturday, but the rest of them you get to see them in a different light,” he said. “Let’s be honest, when you get a beer down your neck it’s a different environment, different social setting, and you see some people come out of themselves.”
Taylor arrived back at the club late last week and is still learning names while the new arrivals bed in. Game time will be crucial for them to feel part of the group.
League standing (final 2025 table - new season not yet under way): 21st in League One, 49 pts, 12W-13D-21L from 46 games, recent form LDDDW.
