Exeter City need to turn Gary Caldwell hope into a reality ASAP: View
Caldwell added, “For him to have started so many games in League One at his age really shows his talent and potential. Hopefully, he signs when the contract is presented to him and stays with us.”
With Richards having already made 13 first-team appearances, Caldwell has admitted that he’s uncertain about the teenager’s future commitment to the club, adding to the tension surrounding the situation. Despite the club’s hopes, the wait continues.
Before the recent heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Blackpool, Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell addressed the ongoing situation with Jake Richards, stating, “Is there an update? No, that’s the answer. He showcased his talent again last night [against Norwich under 21s in the Premier League Cup].”
Caldwell expressed a desire to retain Richards, saying, “We want to keep him at the club, but I’m not quite sure where those negotiations currently stand. I’m confident we’ll get something sorted and keep him here for several years.”
Richards received high praise for his performance in that impressive victory, and he seems to improve with each match. However, Caldwell noted that Richards still needs to build his physicality to compete consistently in the tough environment of League One, especially as his pre-season has been hampered by an injury.
| Jake Richards’ last five League One appearances, per FotMob | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Team | Minutes | Goals/Assists |
| April 27th 2024 | Oxford United | 12 | 0/0 |
| April 20th 2024 | Northampton Town | 65 | 0/0 |
| April 13th 2024 | Port Vale | 68 | 0/1 |
| April 9th 2024 | Leyton Orient | 45 | 0/0 |
| April 6th 2024 | Stevenage | 15 | 0/0 |
The fact that he’s getting games is not just bribery or a charitable act, Caldwell has repeatedly said that youngsters will get their chance if they’re good enough and prove themselves in training – and he’s being good to his word.
He’s been gaining valuable experience that just pushes him closer and closer to first-team football with every appearance.
And, of course, the best way to get ready for men’s football is by playing men’s football, but it’s a tricky balancing act in the unrelenting quest for three points every weekend.
Jake Richards has big contract decision to make
The club are clearly being flexible in these negotiations, as proven by the fact that they’ve repeatedly upped and improved the offers on the table to the Exeter-born starlet.
We don’t know what’s holding the negotiations up but the longer it goes on the more ominous it feels.
There are no rumours of other clubs swooping in as of yet, though there must surely be interest from elsewhere as, like Caldwell said, you don’t see many 16-year-olds starting in League One matches.
If that is the case the question for Richards is an age-old one, would he rather be a number in the ranks of a big club or on the cusp of regular first-team football at his hometown team?
Exeter will not hold him against his will if he stays and the big boys come knocking, history has proven that.
City are trying hard to keep their current Young Player Of The Year but it feels like this story will have to come to a head soon, and everyone at EX4 will be hoping he follows in Sonny Cox’s shoes and commits to staying in Devon’s capital.
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