Gary Caldwell Issues Rallying Cry: ‘Exeter City Can Compete at Any Level!

Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell believes his side can ‘compete at any level’ after recording back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

The Grecians endured a dreadful September, losing all 4 of their League One outings as well as an EFL Trophy clash against Cardiff City. However, October has been much kinder, and they started the month with a gritty 1-0 victory over Lincoln City.

The performance at the LNER Stadium was seen as a traditional smash-and-grab. Despite being on the back foot for the majority of the game, they bagged a 94th minute winner to pick up their first 3 points since a win over Peterborough United at the end of August.

The Devon-based side followed that with a 1-1 draw at home to Reading, whilst a 1-0 defeat away at league leaders Stockport County wasn’t the worst result.

Derby Day Delight Brings Renewed Optimism

Exeter welcomed Devon rivals Plymouth Argyle to St James Park last Thursday hoping to pile more pressure on head coach Tom Cleverley. It promised to be a night to remember when Reece Cole opened the scoring after 18 minutes, sending the home support into raptures.

Caldwell’s side doubled their advantage shortly before the hour mark through Akeel Higgins and held on to record a famous victory.

 

Devon Derby delight for those in red and white 🔴⚪️

Start your day with an extended look at last night’s action as we secured bragging rights ⬇️#ECFC #SemperFidelis pic.twitter.com/iYRB9pVHOx

— Exeter City FC (@OfficialECFC) October 24, 2025

It was a much-needed win for the Grecians, who would have found themselves out the relegation zone on goal difference only had they lost. However, the victory moved them up to 18th in League One.

Caldwell Lauds Exeter Heroes

Exeter followed their win over Plymouth with a stunning comeback victory over Arsenal under-21s in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night. They found themselves behind on 3 occasions before an 87th minute winner from Jayden Wareham handed them a 4-3 triumph.

 

💬 “Brilliant result. There was plenty of action, goals, mistakes and good stuff. We would have preferred more control!”

Kevin Nicholson reacts to City’s 4️⃣-3️⃣ win over Arsenal U21s at SJP ⬇️#ECFC #SemperFidelis pic.twitter.com/jjH79k81Ti

— Exeter City FC (@OfficialECFC) October 28, 2025

A trip to National League outfit FC Halifax Town awaits in the first round of the FA Cup on Saturday, which represents an opportunity to secure a trio of wins. Caldwell is keen to carry that new found momentum into the world’s oldest cup competition, claiming his side are capable of competing at any level. Speaking to BBC Radio Devon, he said:

“We’ve not managed to find that consistency in results this season. 

“We’ve had some standout performances that show when we’re at our very best we can compete at any level.

“The big thing for us is to get that consistency, build momentum from the derby win, which was obviously a big game in terms of emotion and for the supporter.

“But the important thing now is we get back to hard work on the training pitch and try and back that up with wins in the Vertu Trophy and then on Saturday in the FA Cup.”

Despite the gulf in divisions, Halifax will provide a stern test. The West Yorkshire-based team are challenging for promotion in the National League and currently sit eighth in the table.