Exeter City have announced that academy graduate Tom Dean has been recalled from his loan at Plymouth Parkway and rewarded with a new one-year contract — with the option of a further year.
The 19-year-old has been a standout performer this season in the Southern League, making 43 appearances for Parkway while scoring five goals and supplying 16 assists. His impressive form has caught the attention of first-team boss Gary Caldwell, who has brought him back into the fold for the final stages of the 2024/25 campaign.
Impact On Loan And At Home
Dean has not only impressed in senior football but also shone in City’s Under-21 Premier League Cup campaign, netting five goals as the side topped their group unbeaten. Having already made his senior debut in last season’s EFL Trophy clash against Arsenal U21s, the teenager now hopes to earn more minutes with the first team.
“I’m really pleased, having worked so hard on and off the pitch away from Exeter this season, on loan, so to see all the hard work recognised, I’m really pleased.
“And having spoken to the manager here he said he was really impressed with how I applied myself this year, in training and in under-21 games and he has said he wants me to work closely with the first team for the final few weeks of the season.
His development has been aided by the dual experience of non-league football with Parkway and academy-level competition with Exeter, something Dean believes has rounded out his game. With his contract extended and a chance to train with the senior side in the final weeks of the season, he’s hoping for another breakthrough moment soon.
Manager Caldwell praised Dean’s efforts across all competitions, calling him one of the academy’s top performers this season.
“Tom has been one of our best academy players this year in terms of output – not just on-loan at Plymouth Parkway where he has provided a fantastic amount of goals and assists and in the U21 Premier League Cup he was one of our best players every game. He has shown great potential for the future.”
His goal contributions and work rate have earned him a real shot at becoming a fixture in next season’s squad.
Writer’s View
This is a smart piece of business by Exeter City. Dean’s performances at Parkway have been too consistent to ignore, and his stats — particularly the 16 assists — show his potential in creating opportunities from midfield. With his confidence high and first-team exposure on the horizon, this could be the start of something exciting for both the player and the club.
