Latest news with #ExeterCity
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kieran Wilson hoping to make pre-season impression with Exeter City
TEENAGE prospect Kieran Wilson is hoping to make an impression in pre-season after signing his first professional contract with Exeter City. The 18-year-old arrived at Exeter from Scottish side Airdrieonians on the recommendation of former City striker Alan Gow, who was in charge of the Diamonds' youth set-up. Advertisement Wilson spent some time on loan at Plymouth Parkway last season, managed by Grecians Academy coach Chris McPhee, scoring in their 3-1 Southern League Premier Division win over eventual champions Merthyr Town. READ MORE: Finley Craske and Lirak Hasani turn down Torquay United deals READ MORE: Noisiest protest in Torquay town centre for years unfolds Now, after spending the summer back home in Scotland, the quick, powerful, 6ft 4in frontman is due to return to pre-season training with the rest of the Grecians squad today and is keen to hit the ground running and catch the eye of manager Gary Caldwell. Advertisement 'Gary pulled me in one day and said that, over the next six months, it is not about whether I become a good striker or not, it's about behaviours on and off the pitch,' Wilson said. 'Obviously, I'll be focusing on that and I'll also be focusing on becoming a good striker and try and get some first team minutes this season. 'I am buzzing and I am just going to hit the ground running and try and get a chance in pre-season to prove myself and show what I can do. I just want to play as much minutes as I can. That's totally up to the Gaffer, but that's my goal for pre-season – get my opportunities and play as many minutes as I can.' Kieran Wilson of Exeter City during the Bristol Street Motors Trophy match between Exeter City and Tottenham Hotspur u21s at St James Park, Devon on 24 September 2024. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK Wilson was one of the youngsters that caught the eye in pre-season last summer and he marked it by scoring the third and final goal in a 3-1 win at national League aside Yeovil Town. Wilson then went on to make his senior debut for City in September 2024, coming off the bench against Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s in the EFL Trophy. Advertisement Although he arrived in Devon at the age of 16 as a winger, moving down from Scotland and being placed in digs by the Grecians, Wilson has been transformed into a central striker, which is where he played most of his football for the Under-18s, before that loan spell with Parkway. 'He's massive, he's around 6 foot 4!'2 Academy director Arran Pugh said of Wilson. 'He's really quick, one of the quickest we've had come through the academy in his testing. 'He's developed before coming to the academy and during his time here as a winger, we see his potential more as a central forward, as a number nine. For the last couple of months he's been really trying to hone his understanding and skills as a central forward. 'He's scored some really good goals and been a real threat during that time.' Goal celebrations for Kieran Wilson of Exeter City during the Pre Season Friendly match between Yeovil Town and Exeter City at Huish Park on 19 July, 2024 in Yeovil, England (Photo by Tom Sandberg/PPAUK) After leaving home at 16 and working hard in the Academy to earn his first professional contract, Wilson is under no illusions as to what comes next at St James Park. 'The hard work starts now,' he said. Advertisement 'It's a very proud moment for me and my family as well. Obviously I moved down here and that's what I've been working towards for these last couple of years so I'm very proud to finally become a professional football player. 'The hard work starts now and I want to achieve a lot more in my time here. 'It was nice to go home and chill, see my mates and my family because I don't get to see them often, but the hard work starts now.' On his background and how he ended up at Exeter, Wilson said: 'I played for a few clubs in Scotland – Rangers, Hearts, St Johnstone, Livingston – and I then signed with an agent, Alan Gow, who got me down here and said it was a really good environment down here. Advertisement 'Alan used to play for the club and he said he loved it when he was here and he reassured me that the club was brilliant, there were good people here, good staff and made it clear to me how much he enjoyed his time here. 'It's good to have someone that used to be in my position so if ever I have any questions or anything, I can just go and ask him and he can give me advice and talk me through it.' A SPECIAL memorial football tournament will take place this month in honour of 13-year-old Delvin Musakwa, a talented young footballer whose tragic death in the Exeter canal has deeply impacted the local football community. The Delvin Memorial Cup 2025 will be held on Wednesday, June 25 at Exeter City Football Club's Cliff Hill Training Ground, featuring a three-way tournament between Exeter Regional Talent Centre, Exeter City FC Academy, and Delvin's own club, Heavitree Youth FC.
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
Hawker steps down as Exeter City board chairman
Exeter City club board chairman Nick Hawker is to step down from his who is chair of Exeter City Supporters' Trust - which owns the club - had been on the board for eight leaving the club is chief executive Joe Gorman, who first joined City as chief financial officer in 2023 before being promoted in September last year. Clive Harrison will chair the club's board of directors on a interim basis."It has been an honour to guide the club over the last eight years," Hawker said."During this time, we have seen the club promoted to League One, built a £3m training facility, and purchased the training ground and properties surrounding St James Park. "These milestones have been achieved through extraordinary teamwork and the backing of our fantastic supporters. I am truly grateful to everyone who has contributed to the success of this remarkable club."
BBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Exeter City sign defender Woodhouse
Exeter City have signed former Wycombe Wanderers defender Luca Woodhouse on a two-year 20-year-old was a free agent after leaving the Chairboys this summer and Exeter have an option to extend Woodhouse's deal by a further 12 months. Woodhouse can play as a left-sided central defender or in the middle of the back three, but is also able to play at left-back and central spent last season on loan at National League sides Aldershot Town and Dagenham and Redbridge and played twice in the EFL Trophy for Wycombe."He is a young player with a bright future," Exeter boss Gary Caldwell told the club website."Left-footed centre-backs are hard to find and Luca comes with League One experience, having come from Wycombe, and experience of playing games at National League level."We believe he can make the step up and contribute. It's a big step and we've had it with Millenic Alli and Vincent Harper in recent years – he is somebody we believe that over time will become a big player for the club."
BBC News
3 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Truro City defender Dean extends contract
Truro City defender Will Dean has signed a new contract with the newly-promoted National League 24-year-old, who moved to the Tinners in 2021 after being released by Exeter City, has agreed a full-time deal with the has been part of two promotion-winning sides, having also helping the club go up via the Southern Premier South play-offs in was a key member of the side that won the National League South title last season, making 41 appearances and scoring four goals, including the opener in a vital 2-1 win over Worthing. "I love my football here and I play my best football here," Dean told the club website."You couldn't write it because at the start of the season everyone had us down and out. But somehow, we produced magical things on the pitch because we are a tight group that works hard for each other."At the end of the day, that's what has given us success and we pride ourselves on hard work."We run hard, compete and do the basics of football quite well. If you have those fundamentals, along with quality throughout the ranks, it is a good match."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Keeper Hamon signs new Torquay deal
James Hamon began his professional career at Exeter City after impressing while playing for Guernsey [Rex Features] Torquay United goalkeeper James Hamon has signed a new one-year deal with the National League South club. The 29-year-old from Guernsey joined the Gulls last summer after leaving Truro City. The former Exeter City player was an ever-present in the side that finished second in the league before being knocked out of the play-offs at the semi-final stage, keeping 17 clean sheets. Advertisement "I'm obviously very pleased to get the deal done." manager Paul Wotton told the club website. "It's his seventh season with me now, so I know him inside out and trust him. "I thought he finished the season really, really strongly. Hopefully he carries that into the new season." Related internet links
