Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell offered a frank assessment of his side’s poor performance in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Stockport County, conceding that his team selection was a mistake and urging his players to show more fight.
The Grecians, currently 16th in League One, were unable to carry the momentum from their midweek win at Barnsley into the home fixture. With Caldwell serving a touchline ban and watching from the stands, the team lacked urgency and creativity throughout, failing to register a single shot on target after the break.
“Nowhere Near Good Enough”
Speaking after the game, Caldwell did not shy away from criticism—both of himself and his players.
“The team we were debating and I think I got that wrong, so I accept my part in that. But too many players have to do more… even with the ball we had no threat, no runs, no desire to play forward.”
Exeter conceded early and never truly looked like mounting a comeback, despite the introduction of Pat Jones at half-time. The winger was forced off injured just ten minutes later, while centre-back Ed Turns exited with a facial injury, adding to Caldwell’s frustrations.
“It was a warm day and the schedule has been tough, but that’s no excuse,” Caldwell added. “We just didn’t turn up. We let Stockport control the game, and against a side in the promotion hunt, that’s always going to cost you.”
While the manager acknowledged the disruption caused by enforced substitutions, he emphasised that the basics—running, competing, and showing intent—were missing from his side’s display.
“We’ve shown before that we’re better than that,” he said. “Now it’s about recovering and showing a response, just like we did after the Wrexham defeat last week.”
With five games remaining and a nine-point cushion above the relegation zone, Exeter’s fate is still in their own hands. However, continued inconsistency is raising questions about their ability to secure safety comfortably.
The upcoming fixture on Tuesday offers a quick chance to bounce back, but Caldwell will be desperate for both improved intensity and decision-making from his squad—qualities that were lacking against Stockport.
Site opinion
Gary Caldwell’s honesty post-match was refreshing, but it also underlined the seriousness of Exeter’s current situation. While not in immediate danger, performances like this one will do little to ease concerns.
With the manager acknowledging tactical errors and the players looking short on ideas, the Grecians must rally fast. Tuesday’s game now feels like a litmus test for their resolve. Fail to respond, and what looked like a relatively safe position in League One could begin to feel precarious.
