Exeter City captain Jack Fitzwater is convinced his side's fortunes will turn around despite a difficult start to the League Two season. The Grecians sit 20th in the table with just six points from their opening seven matches, having won only once.
Fitzwater, who took the armband in the summer, pointed to the team's youth and significant player turnover as reasons for the slow adaptation. "We're a very, very young team, a very new team as well, we've had a lot of turnover of players," the 28-year-old defender said. He is one of the few experienced figures remaining after a major squad overhaul following relegation from League One last year.
Defensive foundation
The captain's optimism is partly built on a solid defensive record. Exeter have conceded just five goals this season, the second-best defensive record in the division. Their home form has been particularly strong, with the team unbeaten at St James Park and conceding only one goal in their last three games there. Fitzwater has made it a personal mission to make the ground a fortress.
That defensive resilience was on show in their last outing, a 0-0 draw at home to Tranmere Rovers on September 19. The result continued a pattern of tight games, with the team scoring just four times in six league fixtures.
Looking ahead
Fitzwater's belief in the project at Exeter is unwavering. "I'm confident and very, very behind everything we're trying to do," he stated. The defender, now in his fourth season in Devon after joining from Livingston in 2023, sees the hard work in training translating into results soon.
The immediate focus shifts to an away trip to face Bristol Rovers on September 26. Rovers currently occupy a play-off spot in sixth place, presenting a tough test. The full standings show Exeter are nine points behind early leaders Barnet. Fitzwater and his young squad will be aiming to start climbing the table at the Memorial Stadium this weekend.
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