Exeter City’s defeat to Barnsley last Saturday was the club’s fifth defeat in seven matches and led to players and staff alike saying ‘some pretty harsh things’, as reported by Devon Live.
The Grecians had been 1-0 up at halftime but allowed Barnsley back into the game and eventually went down 2-1 to their playoff-hunting opponents.
Harsh Words Between Players & Staff
Exeter boss Gary Caldwell and skipper Pierce Sweeney both alluded to the honest conversation that we held at halftime of the game against the Tykes.
Those conversations continued at the training ground this week after the players and staff returned from separate Christmas parties. Now, the club insist a line has been drawn in the sand and the focus is fully on today’s contest with Burton Albion.
Great Chance To Reset
Manager Caldwell is pleased with what he has seen and heard this week and believes it is a chance to move on from the poor run.
“It’s been really good and an opportunity to reset. We had good honest conversations, players and staff, and got things together again, now we want to start winning games again and look forward to the New Year with real positivity.”
“It’s been a good week to have that and the players are refreshed physically.”
Emotions Run High, Honesty Is Important
Caldwell continued, admitting that it was a two-way conversation with both players and staff having a voice.
“Football is an emotional game and if the fans see me on the side, they see someone who wants to win football matches. I think our players want to win football matches and at times, you have to be honest with each other – and that’s two-way, that’s players and staff giving opinions.”
“That will always be the case here. The environment we have here is excellent and the connection we have between players and staff is excellent, but sometimes, you have to say things that are pretty uncomfortable and people don’t want to hear and you have to do something about that.”
“You have to take it on board and do something about that, so I think it has been really positive this week in that regard.”
Writer’s View
Exeter City fans will be hopeful of a positive reaction to the honest discussions amongst the squad and for their side to kickstart their season against relegation-threatened Burton Albion.
A primary school teacher turned writer, Tom has been part of The Real EFL for two years. He focuses on predictions, deep dives, and insightful content.
