Exeter City Women kick off the new season this Sunday with the visit of MK Dons to St James Park, a significant moment for the team as it represents their first ever fixture in tier three of Women’s football.
It has certainly been a transitional summer for the Buckinghamshire side, Manager Charlie Bill departed in May and a significant overhaul of the playing squad followed. Twenty-eight players from last season’s squad are no longer with the team, with the new look Dons having moved quickly to recruit ahead of this campaign.
Anna Draper arrives from Northern Premier side Derby County, Draper was a regular starter for the Rams last year and will provide strong competition for the number one spot. After previous spells with Enfield Town and USA College side Goldey-Beacom Lightning, midfielder Cayleigh Jackson will bring leadership to a young Dons squad.
T’yanna Chambers moves to Stadium MK after spending last season with the London Bees, whilst Caitlin Stewart and Tara Appleton both arrive from Burton Albion. Lily Dalton will be familiar with the Grecians from her spell at Maidenhead United, defender Dalton arrives after spending last season with Brentford. Favour Omenazu completes the Dons 'early summer recruitment, Omenazu playing a role in Stourbridge’s successful survival battle in the Northern Premier last season.
Whilst there was a host of departures over the summer, the Dons have a highly talented development system and the hope will be that star performers at reserve level Annaliza Jacovides, Madeline Welham, Olivia Welham, Tate Bullen and Leoni Miceli can all make the step up to tier three football this campaign.
Pre-season preparation has seen defeats at Lewes (4-1) and Stevenage (2-1,) a draw against Notts County (1-1) and a convincing victory over New Bradwell St Peter (9-3.)
The Dons finished 6th in the division last season, but with a summer of transition still in process, the aim for 2024/25 would appear more to consolidate their Southern Premier status and continue to develop their own stars of the future.
With a host of fixtures against the division’s promotion favourites to follow in a tough start for the Grecians, Abbie Britton’s side will be eager to get off to a good start on Sunday and begin establishing themselves in the Southern Premier League.