Football Season Guide

Fan owned Exeter came close to landing a Play-Off spot last season, but their good performances resulted in other clubs showing a big interest in their players. The Grecians were not able to offer their players as much money as their suitors did, therefore losing top scorer Jamie Cureton and defender Matt Taylor on free transfers. Moreover, the club also had to part ways with Ryan Harley, who is now at Swansea, meaning that they lost an inspirational defensive leader and their best two attacking players during the previous transfer window. Trialist Callum McNish isn't really expected to set the League One on fire, while Lenny Pidgeley has been brought in as a replacement for the departed back up keeper Paul Jones, meaning that the only two summer signings that are potential starters are former Bristol Rovers defender Danny Coles and former Northampton attacking midfielder Guillem Bauza. Bauza will be under the watchful eyes of all Exeter fans as he was brought in as a direct replacement for Ryan Harley, the departed playmaker. Harley's passing play in the middle of the park was what made Exeter tick last season, and the Grecians struggled whenever he had dips in form - the weight on Bauza's shoulders will therefore be enormous, while Daniel Nardiello, who had an underwhelming first season with the club, will be expected to improve and make Jamie Cureton's departure easier. Unless these two players step up, Exeter will have to find a new identity, as their flowing football cannot be played without a playmaker and an in form striker with good link up play.