Defender Troy Archibald-Henville becomes the Grecians' fourth summer signing
Exeter City are delighted to announce that centre-back Troy Archibald-Henville has completed his return to the club following a two-year spell at Carlisle United.Troy is City’s fourth recruit of the summer, following the acquisitions of midfielder Lloyd James, and strikers Robbie Simpson and Liam McAlinden.
London-born Troy began his career at Tottenham Hotspur. He would go on to captain Spurs’ reserve side and feature in the first-team squad on two occasions including for the North London derby in December 2007.
After a temporary switch to Norwich City, the 27-year-old joined Exeter City on loan in January 2009 from then-parent club Tottenham. An imposing centre-half with a quick turn of pace, he made a big impact during his first stint in Devon, helping the Grecians clinch promotion to the third tier of English football.
Following a brief return to North London, Troy returned for a second loan-spell at City in July 2009. This time there would be no return to Tottenham, though, as he put pen to paper on a permanent deal with the Grecians on 1st February 2010. A knee injury curtailed his 2009/10 campaign, but Troy would go on to make eighty-one appearances for the Grecians overall and secure the supporter’s Player of the Year accolade for 2011/12.
He has since gone on to play League 1 football with Swindon Town and Carlisle United.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Troy said: “I’ve been speaking to Paul and Steve for a few weeks about coming back to the club; over the last week or two it picked up and I agreed to the move.
“I’m a bit more experienced now and I’d like to come back and help push for promotion. I remember the final game of the 2008/09 season at Rotherham with all of the fans running on to the pitch. I really enjoyed my time here and I’m glad to be back. It feels like a homecoming. I came down with Carlisle towards the end of last season and I saw a lot of familiar faces.
“There are still some of the same lads here as before. Jordan’s doing really well, he’s the captain now but he was just coming through as I was leaving. It’ll help me to settle in more quickly, one of the first awkward things is getting to know people so I’ve got a bit of a head start with that.”
In other news
Full-back Craig Woodman had penned a new deal with the club. The 33-year-old, who featured thirty times for City last campaign, will wear the number three shirt.
Battle of Troy: Troy Archibald-Henville and Troy Brown compete for a loose ball