Exeter City have admitted that they are planning for next season, using the remaining four games as a sort of mini-pre-season. The Grecians all but confirmed their League One status on Saturday as they beat Stevenage 1-0.
Caldwell’s side are now on 54 points and are in 12th position in the third tier, 14 points off Burton Albion who currently occupy the final relegation spot with just four games remaining. The only possible way Exeter could go down is if Port Vale were to win all of their remaining five matches and the Grecians were to lose their four, which is highly unlikely.
Several high-profile departures are expected for the Devon club and on Saturday, Alex Hartridge was named as the captain on what will likely be his final appearance with his contract expiring in the summer. The defender has turned down the offer of a contract extension.
Caldwell confirmed that other selection decisions were made with an eye on next season as well with loanee Mo Eisa not in the 18, nor was Yanic Wildschut, Harry Kite or Kyle Taylor, all of whom are also out of contract in the summer and seemingly departing the club.
Speaking to Devon Live, Caldwell said:
“First thing we want to do is win the game, the second thing is to involve players who will be here or who we want to be here next season, Every game we will look to win the game, but to pick players who we feel will be with us next season.
“The worst part is telling people they are not in the squad. Yanic was disappointed, but he has helped in a lot of ways on and off the pitch and the experience he has. He will be involved in other games and we want to keep him next season, but that is his option.
“Mo is someone who potentially won’t be here. Mo has been a great help, he has done great for us, and has pushed Sonny to different levels, which is what competition in the squad does and drives performances and standards. But he has things for next season he wants to look to and we do. Every squad will have different facets but we will build towards winning and next season.”
“The worst part is telling people they are not in the squad. Yanic was disappointed, but he has helped in a lot of ways on and off the pitch and the experience he has. He will be involved in other games and we want to keep him next season, but that is his option.”
Exeter travel to Leyton Orient tomorrow night before another away day on Saturday against relegation-threatened Port Vale.
Writer’s View
Caldwell is being very upfront regarding players leaving so he can’t be knocked for that and with safety all but confirmed, it can’t be a surprise that they are already planning for next season. With players like Jack Fitzwater, the experienced Pierce Sweeney and youngsters like Sonny Cox all under contract, the Grecians do have a base to go off.
Nevertheless, this is only the Devon club’s second full season in League One so finishing mid-table cannot be sniffed at, they will want to build on that in the next campaign and push up the table.
