It is highly likely that Exeter City bring at least one striker in prior to the window shutting next Thursday, a statement which has been echoed by manager Gary Caldwell.
Somewhat thin, would be the best possible way to describe Exeter’s attacking ranks due to various injuries within the cohort. That has in turn had severe implications on their form in front of goal this season.
Exeter have the joint second least amount of goals in the third tier, with just 19 in 28 games. Yet recent matches have seen stark improvements within the squad, and the Grecians are now four points ahead of the relegation places.
19-year-old Sonny Cox has been the man leading the line in recent weeks following his recall from his loan with National League South leaders Yeovil Town. Since that said recall, Cox has three goals in nine games and has continued to impress.
That being said, he may still not be ready quite yet to be the club’s talisman and it is certainly a position that Caldwell needs to address this January if they are to avoid relegation.
With a rather tough game on Saturday against Barnsley, any sort of points would be a huge success for the Grecians, yet they may struggle to outscore the promotion-chasers.
Speaking to Devon Live, Caldwell emphasised that Exeter were in the market for another striker this January.
“We are speaking to clubs, speaking to players, speaking to agents – we could get one done (Thursday) tonight, but it could take until Monday. But we have spoken to loads of number nines.
“I work for the football club, so I have to make sure that, financially, it is right for the football club and I think, if you are honest, that can happen and if you are not, then it can take loads of time.
“People say so many different things – an agent can say something, the players can say something – and it is really difficult to get honest answers to say what it takes. But if we can do it, we will do it because the football club is ready to do it, but to get honest answers from clubs, players, agents, it can be difficult at times. So it could happen tonight, it could happen on Monday.
“That is not in our hands, that is not Exeter City’s fault, it’s not my fault or Marcus (Flitcrroft’s) fault. We are dealing with other clubs, other agents and if we can get it done, then we are ready to do it.”
Writer’s View
If Exeter want to retain their League One status this season, then it is paramount that a proven goalscorer is brought in this January. It is something that Caldwell knows, and it seems as if a move will get over the line within the next six days.
Having at one point been treading on very thin ice, Caldwell’s job look safe for the foreseeable future given improved results recently. That being said, he has to bring in the right players or else they may fall into the relegation places.
Senior Editor
