Season Summary
Statement From Exeter City Football Club published on the 2nd May 2026 at 8:00 pm
We are disappointed that Exeter City Football Club has been relegated to League Two.
Thank you to our supporters for your unwavering loyalty, patience and understanding during a challenging period for the Club. Your backing has truly made the difference to the team this season.
Despite a spirited fight to the end, a difficult run over the last couple of months ultimately proved costly. Injuries to players and the disruption following the departure of Gary Caldwell and a number of key backroom staff have contributed to a 21st-place finish, just inside the relegation zone and a couple of points short of safety.
We know this is not where we want to be. We accept this falls short of many supporters’ expectations and we feel as disappointed as you.
Going forward we continue to improve the governance of the Club, with both boards of the Supporters’ Trust and Club working closely together to ensure long term stability in an increasingly challenging football environment. We continue to explore all of the options available to us to increase our playing budget for the coming season.
We are progressing the appointment of a permanent first team manager and once negotiations are complete, we will announce this in the coming weeks.
Thank you to Matt Taylor, Dan Green and Kevin Nicholson for their commitment to the Club. We are grateful to them and to every player who has pulled on a City shirt this season. We look forward to seeing those who are staying with us next season and wish the best of luck to those who are departing the Club.
Our focus is now an immediate reset. Working together we will learn from this season. As a Club we continue to be committed to our vital Academy, and it has been fantastic to see our younger players signing new or extending contracts in recent weeks. This summer will be a time of rebuilding as we strengthen the squad for the future.
There are also positives to recognise across the Club. Exeter City Women have had an excellent second season in the FA National Women’s League South finishing seventh following their victory in the game against Gwalia at SJP last Sunday. Congratulations to Abbie, the squad and the staff and volunteers who support this team. We are very grateful to them for their commitment.
In addition, we are grateful to the incredible work carried out across the county by our partner charity, Exeter City Community Trust, who are delivering vital health, wellbeing and education activities every single day.
Thank you to all of our committed staff across St James Park and the Cliff Hill Training Ground, all of our wonderful volunteers and our generous sponsors.
Finally. To our fans. As a supporter-owned club, we recognise the responsibility we hold to you. You are everything to this Club – thank you. We now reset and move forward together.
Which was followed by the following on the 3rd May 2026
"The season didn’t pan out like we hoped and we have let you down, and for that we are sorry, Grecians.
It’s been a difficult year that we have to learn from and grow stronger from and get back on track, with your support.
From everyone associated with Exeter City Football Club we thank you for your unwavering support - something that isn’t taken for granted"
A view from a Volunteer
Relegation is never easy, and this season has tested everyone connected with Exeter City Football Club both on and off the pitch. There’s no hiding the disappointment, it hurts, and it will take time to process.
But even in a difficult season, there are so many positives that deserve to be recognised.
One of the standout highlights for me has been the incredible support from our fanbase. It’s been a privilege to meet and speak with so many of you across both the men’s and women’s games. Your passion, loyalty, and belief in the club never waver, and that means everything.
Our women’s team Exeter City Women FC has had a really strong second season, continuing to grow and inspire. Off the pitch, we’ve seen more and more young supporters getting involved, from mascots to half-time penalty shootouts, and it’s been amazing to watch those numbers rise year on year. Creating those moments, seeing the excitement on their faces, and helping make memories that last a lifetime is something truly special.
We’ve also had the privilege of making so many children’s dreams come true by connecting them with their player idols across both teams. Those experiences go far beyond football.
A huge thank you must go to our volunteers, who give their time and energy week in, week out. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, you go above and beyond every single matchday.
The Junior Grecians events have also been a real success, bringing people together and raising valuable funds through raffles and activities. It’s another example of what makes this club so special, the sense of community.
Royal Mail staff continue to recycle cans for donation and again this has grown and grown and proud to facilitate this supporting Cans4City
Now, we look ahead.
Next season is about resetting, regrouping, and going again. Yes, relegation is disappointing, but this club is built on strong foundations. We are a community club through and through, and history shows that we respond, rebuild, and come back stronger.
Let’s take the positives, stick together, and move forward as one.
Up the Grecians
Darren Rowbotham 03/05/2026
Academy Update 03/05/2026
The club can confirm its Academy retained and released list following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, with seven scholars set to depart having not been offered professional contracts.
Third-year scholar Jacca Cavendish, alongside second-year scholars Jack Anthony, Aidan Bown, Harry Crees, Luke Hodgetts, Jude Horn and Callum Graham, will leave the Academy this summer.
This particular group has faced significant challenges across their two-year scholarship programme, with injuries playing a major role in limiting opportunities on the pitch. Despite this, their resilience and commitment to their development have been widely praised by staff across the Academy.
Off the pitch, the group has excelled. All seven players have achieved outstanding results in their BTEC qualifications, delivered in partnership with Exeter College, reflecting their dedication and professionalism away from football.
Academy Director Arran Pugh paid tribute to the group, highlighting both their character and their achievements during their time at the Club.
“This is a group that has had to deal with more adversity than most, particularly with the level of injuries they’ve experienced over the past two seasons. It’s been incredibly tough for them, but their attitude and application have never wavered.”
“While they may be disappointed not to have been offered professional contracts, they should be extremely proud of what they’ve achieved, especially academically. Their results through the BTEC programme with Exeter College have been outstanding and are a real testament to their work ethic.”
“What has stood out most is their togetherness. They’ve supported each other through difficult moments and created a really strong culture within the group. Their off-pitch development, in terms of maturity, professionalism and character, has been excellent.”
“They leave here as better players, but more importantly as better people, and we’re confident they’ll go on to have success in whatever path they choose next.”
The club would like to thank Jacca, Jack, Aidan, Harry, Luke, Jude and Callum for their efforts and commitment, and wishes them every success in the next stage of their careers.
2025/26 Review
The 2025-26 season is the 124th season in the history of Exeter City Football Club and their fourth consecutive season in League One. In addition to the domestic league, the club also participated in the FA Cup, the EFL Cup, and the EFL Trophy.
Owner :
Exeter City Supporters' Trust
Chairman:
Nick Hawker then Clive Harrison then Richard Pym then Laurence Overend
Manager(s):
Gary Caldwell - until 16/02/2026
Dan Green - until 03/03/2026
Matt Taylor from 03/03/2026
League: Exeter finished 21st
FA Cup :- Third round
EFL Cup :- First round
EFL Trophy:- Round of 32
Top goalscorer
League: Jayden Wareham
Cup:
Highest home attendance:-
8,262 vs. Plymouth Argyle 23/10/2925 October 2025)
Lowest home attendance
2,152 - Cardiff City 16/09/2025
Average home league attendance
6,739
Biggest wins
League:
4-1 v Blackpool -9th August
3-0 v Peterborough -30th August
3-0 v Barnsley -20th December
3-0 v Stevenage - 17th January
3-0 v Doncaster - 6th April
Cup:
4-0 vs. Wycombe W - 6th December
Biggest defeat
League
4-0 v Rotherham (h) - 31st January
5-1 v Bolton (h) - 26th February
4-0 v Cardiff (h) - 14th March
Cup
10-1 vs. Manchester City - 10th January
*A record win for Manchester City and a record defeat for Exeter City
An AI produced review
Exeter City endured a challenging 2025/26 season, finishing 21st in League One and facing relegation, which resulted in a disappointing campaign. The season was marred by a severe "difficult run" of form and a management change, with Dan Green in temporary charge and with Matt Taylor returning after Gary Caldwell's departure in February.
Key Aspects of the 2025/26 Season
- League Performance: The club finished in 21st in the league and were relegated after losing the last game of the season at home to Bradford City - a win would have secured their league status.
- Managerial Changes: Gary Caldwell left in February 2026 after 180 matches, with Dan Green in temporary charge for 3 games and then with Matt Taylor returning to the helm.
- Relegation Worries: The squad struggled to secure points, with players citing "unacceptable" results in the latter part of the season.
- Financial Landscape: The club faced financial constraints, requiring loans from the Supporters' Trust, yet projected stability to start the 2026-27 season
Full list of winners:
- ECCT PFA in the Community Champions: Jack Fitzwater and Abbi Bond
- East Devon Grecians Player of the Season: Jayden Wareham
- East Devon Grecians Young Player of the Season: Liam Cartwright
- Grecian Travel Away Travel Player of the Season:Jayden Wareham
- Supporters' Club Supporters of the Season: Nigel and Toby Hawker
- Exeter City Women's Supporters' Club Fans Supporter of the Year: Andy Beer
- Exeter City Women's Supporters' Club Player of the Year: Jaydee Seaman
- Exeter City Disabled Supporters Association Breakthrough Players: Charlie Cummins and Georgia Vaccaro
- Norwegian Grecians Dom Sanders Memorial Tankard: Jayden Wareham
- North Devon Grecians Player of the Season: Jayden Wareham
- Junior Grecians Player of the Season: Jayden Wareham
- Supporters' Trust Women's Young Player of the Season: Fearne Slocombe
- Exeter City Women's Mangers' Player of the Season: Ishbel Zuurmond
- Exeter City Women's Players' Player of the Season:Ishbel Zuurmond
- Supporters' Trust Young Player of the Season: Liam Cartwright
- Exeter City Players' Player of the Season: Jayden Wareham
- Women's Goal of the Season (Sponsored by Guildhall Shopping Centre): Phoebe Baker vs Chatham Town
- Men's Goal of the Season (Sponsored by Guildhall Shopping Centre): Jack Bycroft vs Stockport County
- Fans' Exeter City Women's Player of the Year: Sophie Gillies
- Fans' Exeter City Player of the Year: Jayden Wareham
2025/26 Men
First Team Results
|
|
Date |
Opps |
Venue |
Result |
Score |
Att |
Post |
Scorers |
Scorers |
Scorers |
Scorers |
|
|
Gary Caldwell |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
02/08/2025 |
Doncaster R |
Away |
L |
0-1 |
8688 |
20 |
: |
|
|
|
|
2 |
09/08/2025 |
Blackpool |
Home |
W |
4-1 |
6852 |
9 |
Cole |
Fitzwater |
Wareham |
Cox |
|
3 |
16/08/2025 |
Mansfield Town |
Home |
L |
1-2 |
6166 |
15 |
Magennis (p) |
|
|
|
|
4 |
19/08/2025 |
Wycombe W |
Away |
W |
1-0 |
4661 |
11 |
Grimmer (og) |
|
|
|
|
5 |
23/08/2025 |
Northampton |
Away |
L |
0-2 |
5839 |
14 |
: |
|
|
|
|
6 |
30/08/2025 |
Peterborough U |
Home |
W |
3-0 |
6239 |
11 |
Wareham |
Magennis 2 |
|
|
|
7 |
06/09/2025 |
Rotherham U |
Away |
L |
0-1 |
7699 |
12 |
: |
|
|
|
|
8 |
13/09/2025 |
Port Vale |
Home |
L |
0-2 |
6221 |
16 |
: |
|
|
|
|
9 |
20/09/2025 |
Stevenage |
Away |
L |
1-2 |
4192 |
16 |
Magennis |
|
|
|
|
10 |
27/09/2025 |
Huddersfield |
Home |
L |
0-1 |
6477 |
18 |
: |
|
|
|
|
11 |
04/10/2025 |
Lincoln City |
Away |
W |
1-0 |
9053 |
17 |
McDonald |
|
|
|
|
12 |
11/10/2025 |
Reading |
Home |
D |
1-1 |
7361 |
16 |
Wareham |
|
|
|
|
13 |
18/10/2025 |
Stockport County |
Away |
L |
0-1 |
9190 |
19 |
: |
|
|
|
|
14 |
23/10/2025 |
Plymouth Argyle |
Home |
W |
2-0 |
8262 |
13 |
Cole |
Higgins |
|
|
|
15 |
08/11/2025 |
Wigan Athletic |
Home |
D |
1-1 |
6855 |
19 |
Wareham |
|
|
|
|
16 |
15/11/2025 |
Leyton Orient |
Away |
L |
1-2 |
8519 |
20 |
Wareham (p) |
|
|
|
|
P-P |
22/11/2025 |
Burton Albion |
Home |
P-P |
P-P |
P-P |
20 |
P-P |
|
|
|
|
17 |
29/11/2025 |
Bradford City |
Away |
L |
0-1 |
19713 |
20 |
: |
|
|
|
|
18 |
09/12/2025 |
Wimbledon |
Home |
W |
1-0 |
5579 |
20 |
McMillan |
|
|
|
|
29 |
13/12/2025 |
Bolton W |
Away |
L |
1-2 |
20622 |
22 |
Aitchison |
|
|
|
|
20 |
20/12/2025 |
Barnsley |
Home |
W |
3-0 |
6471 |
20 |
Niskanen |
Wareham |
Cole |
|
|
21 |
26/12/2025 |
Cardiff City |
Away |
L |
0-1 |
22291 |
22 |
: |
|
|
|
|
22 |
29/12/2025 |
Wimbledon |
Away |
W |
1-0 |
8621 |
20 |
Wareham |
|
|
|
|
23 |
01/01/2026 |
Luton |
Home |
W |
1-0 |
7921 |
15 |
Sweeney |
|
|
|
|
24 |
04/01/2026 |
Huddersfield |
Away |
D |
2-2 |
16071 |
15 |
Cole |
Wareham |
|
|
|
25 |
17/01/2026 |
Stevenage |
Home |
W |
3-0 |
6302 |
13 |
Wareham (p) |
Brierley |
Tutierov |
|
|
26 |
24/01/2026 |
Port Vale |
Away |
W |
3-1 |
8432 |
10 |
Gomez-Mendez |
Wareham |
Tutierov |
|
|
27 |
27/01/2026 |
Reading |
Away |
D |
2-2 |
8404 |
11 |
Sweeney |
Woodhouse |
|
|
|
28 |
31/01/2026 |
Rotherham |
Home |
L |
0-4 |
7171 |
13 |
: |
|
|
|
|
28 |
07/02/2026 |
Mansfield |
Away |
D |
0-0 |
7579 |
13 |
: |
|
|
|
|
30 |
14/02/2026 |
Northampton |
Home |
D |
0-0 |
6310 |
13 |
: |
|
|
|
|
|
Dan Green |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 |
17/02/2026 |
Wycombe |
Home |
D |
1-1 |
6188 |
14 |
Wareham |
|
|
|
|
32 |
21/02/2026 |
Peterborough |
Away |
D |
3-3 |
7341 |
14 |
Wareham 3 |
|
|
|
|
33 |
28/02/2026 |
Bolton |
Home |
L |
1-5 |
7341 |
15 |
Wareham |
|
|
|
|
|
Matt Taylor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34 |
03/03/2026 |
Burton Albion |
Home |
D |
1-1 |
5221 |
15 |
Magennis |
|
|
|
|
35 |
07/03/2026 |
Barnsley |
Away |
L |
1-2 |
9706 |
15 |
Wareham |
|
|
|
|
36 |
10/03/2026 |
Lincoln City |
Home |
L |
0-1 |
5042 |
16 |
: |
|
|
|
|
37 |
14/03/2026 |
Cardiff City |
Home |
L |
0-4 |
7180 |
18 |
: |
|
|
|
|
38 |
17/03/2026 |
Luton Town |
Away |
L |
2-3 |
9216 |
19 |
Cole |
Niskanen |
|
|
|
39 |
21/03/2026 |
Wigan Athletic |
Away |
L |
0-2 |
9506 |
20 |
: |
|
|
|
|
40 |
28/03/2026 |
Leyton Orient |
Home |
D |
0-0 |
6772 |
21 |
: |
|
|
|
|
41 |
03/04/2026 |
Blackpool |
Away |
L |
0-1 |
10950 |
21 |
: |
|
|
|
|
42 |
06/04/2026 |
Doncaster Rovers |
Home |
W |
3-0 |
6738 |
21 |
Wareham 2 |
Magennis |
|
|
|
43 |
11/04/2026 |
Plymouth Argyle |
Away |
D |
2-2 |
17016 |
21 |
Cole |
Wareham |
|
|
|
44 |
18/04/2026 |
Stockport County |
Home |
D |
3-3 |
6653 |
21 |
Cole |
Tuteriov |
Bycroft |
|
|
45 |
25/04/2026 |
Burton Albion |
Away |
D |
1-1 |
5729 |
21 |
Niskanen |
|
|
|
|
46 |
02/05/2026 |
Bradford City |
Home |
L |
1-2 |
8015 |
21 |
Magennis |
|
|
|
*Exeter were relegated
FA Cup 2025/26
|
Date |
Opps |
Venue |
Result |
Score |
Att |
Scorers |
|
|
01/11/2025 |
FC Halifax |
Away |
W |
2-0 |
1994 |
Andrews, Wareham, |
R1 |
|
06/12/2025 |
Wycombe W |
Home |
W |
4-0 |
5161 |
Aitchison 2, Higgins, Wareham |
R2 |
|
10/01/2025 |
Manchester City |
Away |
L |
1-10 |
50705 |
Birch |
R3 |
League Cup
|
Date |
Opps |
Venue |
Result |
Score |
Att |
Round |
Scorers |
|
13/08/2025 |
Cheltenham |
Away |
L |
0-2 |
2109 |
1 |
: |
EFL Trophy
|
Date |
Opps |
Venue |
Result |
Score |
Att |
Round |
Scorers |
|
|
|
16/09/2025 |
Cardiff City |
Home |
L |
0-1 |
2152 |
Group |
: |
|
|
|
28/10/2025 |
Arsenal |
Home |
W |
4-3 |
3606 |
Group |
Magennis 2 |
Aitchison |
Wareham |
|
11/11/2025 |
Newport County |
Away |
W |
1-0 |
838 |
Group |
Turns |
|
|
|
02/12/2025 |
Luton Town |
Away |
L |
0-4 |
? |
2nd Round |
: |
|
|
Premier League Cup
|
Date |
Opps |
Venue |
Result |
Score |
Att |
Round |
Scorers |
|
|
26/08/2025 |
Luton |
Home |
W |
1-0 |
335 |
Group |
Wilson |
|
|
30/09/2025 |
Brentford U-21’s |
Home |
W |
1-0 |
247 |
Group |
Woodhouse |
|
|
15/10/2025 |
WBA U-21’s |
Away |
D |
0-0 |
? |
Group |
: |
|
|
24/11/2025 |
Brentford U-21’s |
Away |
L |
0-3 |
? |
Group |
: |
|
|
03/12/2025 |
Luton |
Away |
L |
1-2 |
? |
Group |
Wilson |
|
|
16/12/2025 |
WBA U-21’s |
Home |
L |
1-2 |
|
Group |
Williams |
|
Devon Bowl
|
Date |
Opps |
Venue |
Result |
Score |
Att |
Round |
Scorers |
|
23/09/2025 |
Okehampton A |
Away |
L |
1-1* |
N/K |
R1 |
Harry Crees |
Lost 4-1 on penalties*
FA Youth Cup
|
Date |
Opps |
Venue |
Result |
Score |
Att |
Round |
Scorers |
|
|
28/10/2025 |
Forest Green R. |
H* |
L |
2-3 |
? |
1st Round |
Appleton |
Baker |
H* At Taunton
Friendlies
|
Date |
Opps |
Venue |
Result |
Score |
Att |
Scorers |
|
|
|
12/07/2025 |
Weston S-M |
Away |
W |
6-0 |
1214 |
Wareham, Crees, Cox, Cole,Wilson 2 |
|
|
|
18/07/2025 |
Aston Villa |
Away |
W |
2-0 |
0 |
McMillan, Oakes |
|
|
|
19/07/2025 |
FC United |
Away |
W |
4-1 |
904 |
Cole, Brierley, Jones, Cox |
|
|
|
25/07/2025 |
Torquay United |
Away |
D |
1-1 |
3121 |
Wareham |
|
|
|
26/07/2025 |
Swansea City* |
Home |
W |
1-0 |
3948 |
Cox |
|
|
*Pierce Sweeney Testimonial
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