The Game
Argyle v Exeter. Home Park. Monday, 10 August. 8pm. Carabao Cup Round One.
The Opposition
Exeter City are preparing for life in League Two, having been relegated into the fourth tier last season.
The Grecians enjoyed four years in League One before facing the drop. However, they are now requiring a reset with many of last year's squad moving on.
City will be looking to their academy graduates to breath fresh life into the squad; Charlie Cummins, Ed James and Sonny Cox are all tipped to have good seasons.
Exeter's supporters will be hoping to see their side competitive in League Two this term and mount a promotion charge. This is not a right of passage, however, as many teams that have been relegated into the fourth tier in the past few years have struggled to bounce back.
Matt Taylor will know it wont be easy, therefore a Devon Derby victory at Home Park, could prove to be the catalyst that kick-starts a successful season.
The Gaffer
44-year-old Matt Taylor is currently in his second stint in charge at St. James Park. During his playing days, the former central-defender forged his career in non-league before joining Exeter City, where he spent four years as captain.
After retiring, it did not take long for Taylor to receive his first job in management, being brought in by Exeter in 2018. In his over four years in charge, Taylor guided the Grecians into League One after winning automatic promotion.
Midway through Exeter’s first campaign back in the third tier, Taylor opted to join then Championship side Rotherham United. Having ensured Rotherham’s safety, Taylor was unable to propel the Millers any further and was sacked after just a year.
Within a month, Bristol Rovers brought Taylor in as manager; he presided over a tough year before facing the sack again. The former defender then had a year-and-a-half out of the game before again taking charge at Exeter in March.
He was unable to keep them in League One, but was selected to be the man tasked with returning them to the third tier in 2026/27.
The Squad
Jayden Wareham is still the main man at Exeter City, and should he remain at St. James’ Park, will be one of the best players in the fourth tier. The 23-year-old netted 19 goals in League One last term, a remarkable feat in a side that was relegated. The striker began his career with academy spells at Reading and Queens Park Rangers, before being released in 2019. He then forged his career in non-league with Woking, earning a move to Premier League giants Chelsea. After a loan at Leyton Orient, Wareham was allowed to re-join Reading permanently. Two years later, he arrived in Devon, signing for Exeter, where he has since remained.
The Grecians have a new captain; Jack Fitzwater has been handed the armband following the departure of Pierce Sweeney this summer. The new skipper was a former Academy Player of the Year at West Brom in 2015. Loans followed away from The Hawthorns with Chesterfield, Hednesford Town, Forest Green Rovers, and Walsall. Eventually, the centre-back was released, he then opted to sign for Livingston. Three campaigns followed in Scotland, before he returned to England to join Exeter City in 2023.
Summer signing Taylor Perry has been brought in to add much-needed knowhow to the Grecians midfield. The 25-year-old has spent much of his career playing in League One, so seems a shrewd pickup. The midfielder made his senior debut at Wolves, before heading to Cheltenham Town on loan. That temporary spell was extended into the following season. In 2023, Perry signed for Shrewsbury Town; he spent three years there, making over 100 league appearances. Upon the expiration of his contract, Perry arrived at Exeter City this summer.
Previous Meeting
Back in April, the sides met in the league action at Home Park, the game finished 2-2.
A Strip for the Trip
Argyle will be wearing their new green home kit for this game.
Supporters are asked to wear their own, or any other green clothing to help turn Home Park green.
Argyle TV
Argyle TV’s coverage will be limited to just live match commentary, due to competition regulations. Charlie Price will be joined by Katie Middleton to take you through the evening's action.
Audio passes to watch this game on Argyle TV are available worldwide. CLICK HERE for more information.
