Craig Woodman Joins The Club

Left-back leaves Brentford

Exeter City signed experienced left-back Craig Woodman this afternoon following his release from Brentford.

The Tiverton-born 29-year-old, who has played against the Grecians on a number of occasions for Wycombe and then Brentford, returns to a very familiar part of the county after there was a mutual termination of his contract with the Bees this morning.

He is no stranger to professional football in the Westcountry either having spent five seasons as a Bristol City player and the 2004/05 campaign on loan at Plainmoor.

City boss Paul Tisdale spoke of his delight at having secured a left-back after the acquisitions of right-back Kevin Amankwaah and centre back Pat Baldwin last week and told City fans what they can expect from their latest signing.

"Not having a left-back secured had been the hole in our preparations so far, Craig has left Brentford and we've moved very quickly to secure him," he said.

"I am very pleased, it's a good fit. He's the right type of player for us - experienced, good quality and a Devon boy who knows the area and has an affinity to this part of the country. In many aspects it's a good signing.

"He is a good competent all round player. He is a tough defender who is good on the ball, can defend and attack as well."

The signing of Craig this afternoon, following Kevin and Pat putting pen to paper last week, means the new-look City defence is bursting with league experience.

"It is important we go into the league with some kind of discipline and some sensible heads," Tisdale said. "People who make good decisions and understand that is going to be a long season and are happy in their own skin.

"I think we've got a back four that is taking shape, and have an experienced goalkeeper in 30-year-old Rhys Evans who will add value and either back up Artur or will come in and play.

"He will add to that and with Tommy Doherty infront of the back four, suddenly there is a nice balance to the team."