Gary Caldwell Eyes Long-Term Future with Exeter City as He Reaches 100 Matches

Approaching a milestone of 100 games as manager of Exeter City, Gary Caldwell has voiced his ambition to remain with the club for “many more years.” The 42-year-old Scotsman, who has previously led Wigan Athletic to promotion to the Championship in 2016, took charge of Exeter City in October 2022 following a thorough recruitment process.

Caldwell has guided Exeter to 14th and 13th-place finishes in League One in his two years as manager. Currently, Exeter stands seventh in the league, having won four of their last six matches and boasting five consecutive clean sheets. Speaking to BBC Radio Devon, Caldwell expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress, stating, “I feel like the team is really progressing, it’s evolving. We have a clear style of play that over time, hopefully, gives us the results we need to be a really successful team.”

Despite facing challenges, including a club-record 13-match winless streak last season, Exeter City has shown confidence in Caldwell. The team’s resilience paid off, with them now only missing out on play-off positions due to goal difference. A remarkable aspect of Caldwell’s tenure is the strategic signings made under his leadership, reflecting the club’s trust in his vision.

Exeter City is unique in its fan-owned structure, which contributes to a culture of stability and support for managers, a philosophy Caldwell appreciates. “The club allows me to do my job and I’ll be successful or not based on what I do, and not what anyone else does,” Caldwell explained. He also highlighted the club’s supportive environment, stating, “At times, you’re going to need support — whether that’s finances, whether that’s the board coming in to speak to the players and the staff.”

Caldwell’s journey began with a challenging debut match against Derby County, which ended in a goalless draw. His management style soon brought excitement to Exeter City, with dramatic wins against Peterborough and Port Vale, among others. The team’s mid-table finish in their first League One season was bolstered by performances like their 5-0 victory over Accrington, often cited by Caldwell as a season highlight.

After a successful start to the 2023/24 season, injuries and bad luck tested the team’s resilience. Following a key penalty save by Viljami Sinisalo against Wycombe Wanderers, the team found new momentum, ultimately achieving a mid-table finish. This summer, Caldwell has continued to shape the squad with several new signings, aiming for a strong showing in the current season, highlighted by recent victories such as the 2-0 win at Bolton.

Caldwell’s dedication to Exeter City and his belief in the club’s motto, “Semper Fidelis” — meaning “always faithful” — underscores his commitment to fostering loyalty and success within the team. As he reaches his 100th game as manager, Caldwell’s focus remains on building a sustainable and competitive team in League One.