Exeter City manager Matt Taylor on transfer targets and squad depth
Exeter City manager Matt Taylor has stated that his side needs six more players to bolster their ranks, but it is unlikely they will be able to get them all. The Grecians have made three signings this summer, with midfielder Taylor Perry, winger Gwion Edwards, and striker Josh Gordon arriving at St James Park.
However, with six out of contract players, six loanees, and Johnly Yfeko departing to join Kilmarnock, the squad is a lot thinner than at the end of the previous season. The departure of Yfeko has at least freed up a little bit of budget that should allow the Grecians to add one or two players to the group, but it will likely take more departures from Exeter to be in a position to add the greater depth City are looking forward.
At present, City only have three fit natural centre backs, so it is likely another addition or two in the back line will be needed, as well as wide players with wing-back being an area that probably one on either side is needed. Another midfielder could be useful, as could an attacker, especially if there are departures at that end of the pitch.
"We feel we're close to a couple of players," Taylor said. "I know we need six, but we won't get anywhere near that, and players need to move out before we can bring players in. But even Johnly going weakens the group. It was a decision we made, and we wish him all the best in terms of his future back up in Scotland.
"I'm just constantly thinking about how we can generate enough funds to strengthen the group as a whole. We were limited in terms of our options off the bench today with players who played last night (at Torquay), but they need to go to a level that will help them grow as footballers, while our first team directly on the pitch grows as a unit.
"They need to go up against each other in a more competitive fashion than probably what we've had in pre-season," Taylor added. "We feel we're close to a couple of players, and whether they include the two trialists who featured in the 1-1 draw with Bristol City on Saturday remains to be seen, but they played in positions where the Reds do need someone to join.
While the names of the duo were not confirmed, it is understood that they were Ali Koiki and Finn Tonks. Koiki, 26, is a former Bristol Rovers and Northampton Town left-sided player, but has spent a year out of the game having not had a contract since his release by the Cobblers at the end of the 2024/25 season. Tonks, 21, is a right-sided player who came through the Bournemouth youth academy but has never played for the Cherries.
His loan spells included a period at Torquay United where he made 14 appearances in 2024.
