Gary Caldwell has given an update on the players that have arrived at Exeter City since the start of the summer transfer window, as well as shared his hopes for the remainder of the window.
Four players have joined the Grecians since June 1st, with Jack McMillan, Josh Magennis, Jay Bird and Ryan Woods all putting pen to paper to play at St James Park as Caldwell made early moves to strengthen his side ahead of the 2024/25 League One season.
Defender McMillan was the first through the door in mid June as he was reunited with his former manager from Partick Thistle, and Caldwell was pleased to secure the services of the 26-year-old Scot.
“I took Jack on loan many years ago at Partick and he was excellent,” Gary said.
Northern Ireland forward Magennis was next through to sign on the dotted line, and some who Caldwell will a hugely important member of the squad going into next season.
“He is highly experienced and has played 79 times for his country, and has that determination to reach 100, and when you speak to him he is so motivated and that is important.
“We know that if we put the ball in the scoring zone, Josh will be there on the end of it.”
Jay Bird was added to Caldwell’s attacking options in early July and is someone the manager hopes can develop with the club, while asking supporters for a little patience as he integrates with the squad.
“Jay is someone that Malcolm Crosby [chief scout] spotted and I knew coaches at Arbroath that mentioned to me his quality and potential.
“He is someone we need to be patient with allow time to integrate with the squad, and improve physically and get used to the different loads we are putting through his body over the next few weeks."
Ryan Woods rejoined City on the same day, having enjoyed a successful loan spell with the club last season. Caldwell was quick to express the keenness from both parties at to bring the 30-year-old back to SJP, with Woods signing a two-year deal.
“Woodsy was our number one target of the summer. 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!
“I am delighted to bring him in. He’s such a big character and someone who understands what it takes to be successful at a higher level. I think we all saw last year the change in not only the results but the way in which we controlled games, got the team playing, and he really understood the pace of the game.
Caldwell will continue to work hard on eyeing targets for the remainder of the window, explaining which areas he still hopes to strengthen.
“Of course, we are still looking for a goalkeeper and we feel we are quite far down the line with that and we are waiting for that to be finalised.
“We are still talking to other players and come the end of the window I am very excited to see the squad we have assembled.”
Hear the full interview with Gary below: