Exeter City Football Club captain Pierce Sweeney has departed the club, bringing an end to his ten-year association with the Grecians.

What happened?

Sweeney's departure comes after his contract expired at the end of the 2025/26 season. He made 435 appearances for the club, scoring 24 goals and registering 21 assists. His name is etched into the club's history, sitting in fourth place for City's all-time appearance makers.

Why it matters for Exeter City Football Club

Sweeney played a key role in helping City secure promotion to League One in 2022. He was named City's captain for the second half of the 2023/24 season after the departure of Matt Jay. As the team currently stands 21st in League One with 49 points, 12 wins, 13 draws, and 21 losses from 46 games, Sweeney's leadership will be missed.

What comes next?

Exeter City manager Matt Taylor said: "Pierce has been a fantastic servant for over ten years." Taylor wishes Sweeney all the best in his new venture. With the team 54 points behind leaders Lincoln, Exeter City Football Club will look to rebuild and strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.

Pierce Sweeney joined Exeter City as a youngster looking to make a mark in football, and he now leaves the club as a man. He has been a true fan favourite, wearing his heart on his sleeve for the last decade. His first goal arrived in a 3-1 victory away at Forest Green Rovers in September 2017. Over the following nine years, he would score another 23 goals, many of them memorable strikes.

The club's current league standing, with 52 goals scored and 61 conceded, resulting in a -9 goal difference, will be a challenge for the new squad to overcome. As the team looks to the future, they will remember Pierce Sweeney's dedication and commitment to Exeter City Football Club.