Looking Ahead to Exeter's 22/23 Season
It’s been ten years since the Grecians were in League One, and after Matt Jay’s heroic 78th goal versus Barrow on the final day of the last season, they’ve made it back once again. So for this season, running from 2022 to 2023, things are looking up for Exeter. Still one of the only fan-run clubs in the English Football League - and high up on the chain at that, following AFC Wimbledon’s relegation into League Two - Exeter have made a great start to the new season.
Place Your Bets
With such a solid position as number two on the league table, there is a good chance of them doing very well by the end of the league. If you’re looking to make predictions or place bets, the Grecians have proven themselves well so far to be in with a good chance of taking the number one spot, with four points from two matches played, up against Peterborough United’s six points. If you want to back your prediction, bettingsites.info have a great guide to get you started.
New Signings
While there has been a notable lack of signings so far for transfers, some skilled players have been added to the roster. This includes Jamal Blackman, a goalkeeper with a wealth of experience in the football leagues at 28, and Southampton loan Kgaogelo Chauke, playing midfield for the team at only 19 years old. Blackman, coming in as a free transfer from championship team Huddersfield Town, has also had experience with Rotherham United in the championship and a number of other teams in the EFL. He’s even had experience abroad with Vitesse and Los Angeles FC. Kgaogelo Chauke, too, looks to be a good signing for the Grecians, albeit a differing choice from Blackman. Before signing a contract with Southampton, this young prospect had attracted interest from European clubs, including Premier League giants Manchester City, the German team Borussia Monchengladbach, and Belgium team Anderlecht. He was a starring member of the Saints’ second team in the Premier League Two and appeared on the bench for the senior squad ten times, making an appearance against Shrewsbury in the FA Cup. He’s a bright talent who will be keen to make waves with the Grecians on loan this year.
Key Players to Watch
Other than Blackman and Chauke, there are some promising team members, alongside members who have proven reliable on the pitch. Sam Nombe and Jevani Brown were the top goal scorers last season and will hopefully continue to help the team win this season.
How the Season’s Going
The Grecians have had a solid start to the season; they sit second in the league table, albeit after two matches. On the opening day of the season, Lincoln City and Exeter battled to come to a 1-1 draw at Sincil Bank. However, this was followed by an emphatic 4-0 thrashing of another team promoted from League Two, Port Vale. Manager Matt Taylor led his men to victory with this powerful performance, with Taylor claiming after the game that they aim to try to continue their strong form at home. Perhaps most encouragingly, however, is the recent Carabao Cup defeat of fellow League One club Cheltenham Town, with Taylor’s men knocking seven goals past their opponents at Cheltenham’s Whaddon Road Stadium. It is a monument to the great work that Matt Taylor has put into the club since taking over the position of manager in 2018.
What’s to Come
In August, the club faces five more matches in what is a hectic start to the campaign, first travelling to relegation candidates Cambridge United. However, this is followed just three days later with a visit from promotion playoff finalists Wycombe Wanderers for what may be one of the Grecians’ biggest challenges so far in their journey back in League One. Gareth Ainsworth’s men have had a patchy start to the season, with a win over Burton Albion followed by a clear 3-0 loss away to Bolton, but there is no doubt that Wycombe remains a strong side in the league. Their visit will be a good chance for the Grecians to see how they fare against the stronger teams in the league. Following is another game against scorned Cheltenham Town, and whilst another 7-0 win isn’t likely to be repeated, Taylor will hope to gain another three points from a team they know they’re able to beat.
Conclusion
Exeter looks set to reach a high position this season after a solid finish to last season. Companies have taken notice, with leading builders merchant Selco backing the team for the season. Exeter has a very talented squad that looks capable of going far in the league. Of course, the team will face some tough challenges, but they’re a team to watch as the season progresses.
