Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell says he “got the team wrong” as he took full responsibility for the 2-0 home defeat to Stockport County—a match that left the Grecians nine points above the League One relegation zone.
Forced to watch from the stands while serving a touchline ban, Caldwell’s side produced a lacklustre display, managing only two shots on target in the first half and none after the break. Exeter’s attacking threat was minimal, and Stockport capitalised to claim a deserved win at St James Park.
“We Just Didn’t Turn Up”
Caldwell, who was serving the second game of a suspension after being sent off during the recent draw at Lincoln City, admitted his selection decisions backfired.
“I accept responsibility. I got the team wrong… but too many players have to do more. The very least we expect is competing, running, fighting. We were far too easy to play against.”
The defeat came just days after a spirited midweek win at Barnsley, but any momentum was quickly lost in a flat performance against a Stockport side chasing promotion. Injuries further disrupted Exeter’s plans, with Pat Jones forced off shortly after coming on and Ed Turns suffering a nasty facial cut in the second half.
“It became a very boring second half, if I’m being honest,” Caldwell added. “We had no runs, no threat, no desire to play forward. It wasn’t good enough.”
While acknowledging the effects of a packed schedule and warmer temperatures, the manager was clear that his team failed to meet the basic standards required—both in and out of possession.
“We gifted them a two-goal start and tried to react with changes, but then injuries hampered us even further,” he said. “We didn’t compete in the key moments and didn’t cause them enough problems.”
Exeter remain in 16th, with their League One status not yet secure. A positive result in their next match will be crucial in calming nerves around the Abbey Stadium.
Site Opinion
This was a sobering afternoon for Exeter City and Gary Caldwell. It’s rare to hear a manager admit tactical misjudgement so candidly, but the bigger concern will be the manner of the performance. Flat, passive and short on ideas, the Grecians will need a quick response. With their League One status still not fully assured, Tuesday’s match now becomes vital—not just for points, but to prove Saturday was a one-off and not a trend forming at the wrong time.
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