Luca Woodhouse is back in the Exeter City Football Club squad after a period of transfer speculation kept him out of the last two matches. Manager Matt Taylor confirmed the 22-year-old centre-back's return to training and potential availability for Saturday's home game against Walsall, while also detailing the club's frantic end to the summer transfer window.
Taylor spoke to Grecian Roar Radio on Deadline Day, describing a chaotic period of activity. "We've welcomed him back into the building this morning. The lads have been fantastic with him," Taylor said of Woodhouse. The manager explained that a potential move for the defender, with Wigan Athletic thought to be leading the race, did not materialise through no fault of the player or Exeter. Taylor stated the fault lay elsewhere and that there is now "no problem whatsoever," with Woodhouse remaining the club's player for the rest of the season.
The transfer window's 11pm deadline on Tuesday capped a busy final week for the Grecians. Taylor described it as "chaotic before and after the game waiting for things to happen," with the club still working at 11pm. Exeter had to be reactive and move quickly in the final days, resulting in four new arrivals. Jack Taylor joined on loan from Stevenage, while Ajay Matthews arrived on a temporary deal from Millwall. The club secured a permanent signing in Danny Rose from Barrow, who signed a two-year contract. Rose described his move as a "mad 24 to 48 hours" in comments to Devon Live, adding, "I'm over the moon."
The final piece of business was a loan deal for Swansea City midfielder Dan Watts. However, Watts is currently injured and will not link up with the squad immediately; he is expected to join in four to six weeks after rehabilitation. Taylor described Watts as a player of certain qualities and pedigree, calling his signing a "no-brainer" that will add competition. The departure of Kieran Wilson, who left permanently for Hull City's U21 squad, was also confirmed.
Exeter City's business leaves them with six loan players in the squad: Ethan Sutherland, Jack Taylor, Vincent Harper, Lakyle Samuel, Ajay Matthews, and Dan Watts. League rules permit only five loan players in a matchday squad, a situation Taylor says the club will address on a game-by-game basis when all are fit. The manager stated the new arrivals are intended to support, supplement, and strengthen the current group as they look to improve on their early-season form.
Woodhouse's return comes as Exeter City prepare for a key League Two fixture. The Grecians currently sit 15th in the table with four points from four games, having scored and conceded four goals. Their recent form reads DLWL, and they are five points behind early leaders Bristol Rovers. The immediate focus is Saturday's home match against third-placed Walsall, a game where Woodhouse could feature. Taylor said he will support the defender over the coming days and assess his training and physical condition before making a selection decision. The full run of upcoming games is available on our fixtures page.
The manager emphasised moving on from the transfer situation, focusing on integrating new signings and preparing for the Walsall clash. Exeter will hope the bolstered squad can start climbing the standings from their mid-table position. Danny Rose's two-year contract provides a longer-term foundation for the defensive unit as the season progresses.
