Exeter City Football Club have welcomed back former academy product Archie Collins for training as he prepares for his next career move. The 26-year-old midfielder, who made 221 appearances for the Grecians before joining Peterborough United in 2023, has been training with his boyhood club while he explores new opportunities.
What happened?
Archie Collins, who left Exeter City for an undisclosed fee in June 2023, spent three seasons at Peterborough United, making 159 appearances. After being released at the end of his contract, the midfielder has attracted interest from several clubs, including Millwall, Portsmouth, Watford, Huddersfield Town, Oxford United, Reading, and Sheffield Wednesday. However, he has yet to secure a new deal and is currently training with Exeter City to maintain his fitness.
Why it matters for Exeter City Football Club
While a return to Exeter City seems unlikely, manager Matt Taylor emphasized the value of having Collins back at the club. "He will always be welcome back," Taylor said. "Anyone who's played for Exeter City and served the club in the right way and come through our academy will always be welcome back here." Taylor also highlighted how Collins' presence helps raise training standards and provides a benchmark for current players.
What comes next?
Collins' time with Exeter City could extend beyond a couple of days, but his focus remains on securing a new contract elsewhere. Taylor expressed confidence in Collins' future, stating, "He's going to go on to bigger and better things and he certainly deserves that." As the midfielder continues to train with his former club, fans will be watching closely to see where his next chapter unfolds.
