Exeter City Aiming to Mount a Serious Bid for the League One Play-Offs

Exeter City finished last season in 13th place in League One and have high hopes of pushing for the top-six this time around.

The club has spent most of its time in the lower tiers of English football, but has its sights set on making a long-awaited leap into the Championship.

Manager Gary Caldwell has done a fine job since his appointment in 2022 and is eager to build on the foundations he has laid at the club.

Late Season Surge Highlights Exeter’s Promise

Exeter will be keen to build on their excellent end-of-the-season form by starting the upcoming campaign on a positive note.

A 2-2 draw against Bolton Wanderers in March was the catalyst for a late season surge which fired them away from relegation trouble.

The won six and drew two of their next eight fixtures, before suffering a 2-1 home defeat against play-off contenders Oxford United on the final day.

That result should not detract from the momentum they built and Exter can head into the new season with plenty of confidence.

Watts’ Return Could Boost Their Play-Off Hopes

Exeter president Julian Tagg recently revealed that Shaun MacDonald, Yanic Wildschut, Jack Aitchison and Fin Ilamari Niskanen have extended their stay with the club.

Australian midfielder Caleb Watts has also signed a new deal. The 22-year-old is keen to break into the first team and secure a call-up to the senior international call-up.

Injuries have hindered his progress over the past year, but he has the talent to shine in League One if he can steer clear of any fitness issues next season.

He could prove vital to Exeter's promotion push and Aussie sports bettors will be keeping a close eye on his performances at the start of the season.

Online bookmakers rate Exeter as 8/1 shots to finish in the top six, but those odds would be slashed if the Australian youth international helps them get off to a flyer.

Betting sites will also be inundated with wagers on Exeter if they persuade former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Carroll to sign a new deal.

He bounced back from injury to become a crucial player for the Grecians, and they are hoping he extends his stay with the club.

Squad Looks Stronger Than Last Season

Exeter's quest to climb into the Championship will be bolstered by the return of other important players sidelined by injury for most of last season.

Defender Jack Fitzwater is hoping for a positive pre-season as he looks to bounce back from an injury-hit 2023/24 campaign.

Fitzwater joined the club in September but only made seven appearances in his first season in Devon after suffering an injury that ruled him out for months.

Demetri Mitchell also struggled to make an impact following a knee injury that forced him to miss most of the campaign, but he is back to full fitness.

Exeter have further strengthened their squad by signing Jack McMillan and Josh Magennis. They are also working to take forward Luke Harris on loan again.

League One will be a tough division this season, with several big clubs eager to be in contention for automatic promotion.

Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town will likely be leading the charge, while Bolton and Peterborough United should also be in the mix.

However, if Exeter can steer clear of injuries and their new signings click, they can push for a play-off place and potentially clinch a spot in the Championship.