Exeter City have announced via club media that they have recalled striker Sonny Cox from his loan spell at Yeovil Town.
Cox would appear nine times for the National League South leaders, scoring twice in the process, and his performances impressed manager Gary Caldwell enough to recall him from that loan spell.
It is well documented just how dire Exeter’s current form is, with the club currently winless in their last 11 league matches, their longest winless streak for 28 years.
During that spell, the Grecians have failed to score in nine outings and have been incredibly wasteful in front of goal. Having scored the second lowest amount of goals in League One this season, it is an area which obviously needs to be addressed in January, however the club still has four more matches before the January transfer window.
Hence, to try something different, Caldwell has recalled 19-year-old Cox from his loan spell with Yeovil, and we could see him in the starting line-up for the Grecians League One clash with Stevenage on Saturday.
His spell at Yeovil was not the first time that he had been sent out on loan, having joined fellow National League South side Bath City last season. During that time, Cox would prove his goalscoring credentials, scoring five times for the Romans and would be recalled be Exeter to play in their final seven games last season.
The game against Stevenage is surely a must-win for manager Gary Caldwell who could well be sacked with a defeat. Implementing Cox into the squad could be the last roll of the dice as he looks to save his job.
Speaking to club media about the return of Cox, Caldwell said:
“We have recalled Sonny to add some quality and competition in the attacking area. Hopefully after a really successful loan he is going to come back with a real energy and enthusiasm and confidence that can help us.
“It’s a big step up for Sonny and we won’t put too much pressure on him but we do believe in him and believe he can score goals at this level and hopefully even higher.
Writer’s View
At just 19-years-old, Cox no doubt has a long career ahead of him and could be one to watch in years to come. However he may not be the answer to Exeter’s problems at the minute and it very much seems like a desperation move by Caldwell.
As an academy product, you’d expect Cox to give his all on Saturday to try and repay the faith that Caldwell has put in him. He can’t do this on his own though, and Exeter will need to drastically improve if they are to beat a Stevenage side who are firing on all cylinders currently.
