Exeter City: Hull City’s transfer folly pays dividends for Gary Caldwell.

Ryan Woods hauled himself up off the St James Park grass after being fouled for the fourth time on Saturday, and it was evident that he was being targeted.

Despite Stevenage’s efforts, they were defeated 2-0 by Exeter City, with goals from Ed Francis and Kamari Doyle.

The Grecians put on an outstanding display, and Woods had one of his greatest games of the season, despite the continuous fouling and lenient refereeing.

Woods’ performances are not surprising to City supporters, as they seen his potential on his original loan from Hull City in the second part of last season.

What is surprising is why he was locked out by the Tigers and then allowed to quit his contract and transfer to EX4 for free this summer.

Since departing Brentford in January 2019, the 30-year-old midfielder has had four loan periods and four permanent transfers over the course of five years.

St James Park is well-known as a successful rehabilitation camp for struggling sportsmen, and Woods appears to be the latest to turn his career around in the southwest.

Ryan Woods enjoys life in Exeter.

He had failed to get consistent games at Stoke and Birmingham City due to his playing style. However, he has found a squad that matches his skills and has rekindled his passion for football.

“I feel really comfortable here,” he remarked after signing permanently. “The manager is terrific with me, as are all of the staff, the supporters have been fantastic with me, and we have a really outstanding bunch of players.

“Ultimately, I’ve come here to rediscover my passion of football and enjoy it again, but also to try to achieve something successful, and there’s a lot to strive for at this football club.

“It’s going in the right direction and hopefully we can surprise a few this season and see where that takes us.”

He’s regained that affection, and it’s showing. Caldwell has transformed his City squad from one that would run round in circles last year, banging it about between the defenders before pumping it long and giving it away.

Woods comes deep and grabs it before bringing it forward to put the Grecians on the front foot, allowing the faster and trickier guys to do their thing.

 

Woods was Exeter’s top transfer target.

The Scottish manager identified Woods as his top goal throughout the summer, and the transfer appears to be a lucrative one for both the club and the player.

“I remember at Port Vale at the end of last season I grabbed him and shouted ‘one more year’ for him, and fortunately we’ve got him for a bit longer!”Caldwell stated.

“I am overjoyed to welcome him in. He’s a huge personality who understands what it takes to succeed at a higher level.

“I believe we all noticed a difference last year in not just the results, but also the way we managed games, got the squad performing, and he understood the speed of the game.

“Most importantly he is delighted to be here, and he was only ever going to come back here after everything was sorted with Hull.”

 

Woods can thrive in Exeter for years to come.

Woods appears to have found a home at St James Park, and his two-year contract might be extended provided he continues to enjoy himself, stay healthy, and perform well.

It didn’t work out at Hull, maybe due to the constant movements and losing the fun of getting out there at 3 p.m. on a Saturday.

The Tigers’ loss appears to be Exeter’s gain, since he now appears to be a player who should be increasing to his 250+ Championship appearances rather than starring in League One.

We won’t complain, and long may it continue. Whatever the reason, Hull were anxious to get rid of the midfielder, and their loss is undoubtedly City’s gain.