Gary Caldwell Departs Exeter City to Take Helm at Wigan Athletic
Exeter City Football Club has officially announced the departure of their first-team manager, Gary Caldwell. The Scottish coach has left his role at St James Park to take up the position of manager at fellow League One side, Wigan Athletic. The move comes after a period of negotiation between the two clubs, with a compensation sum reportedly agreed upon.
A Significant Chapter Closes for the Grecians
Gary Caldwell took the reins at Exeter City in October 2022, succeeding Matt Taylor. During his tenure, he became a pivotal figure in the club's recent history, steering the Grecians to sustained stability in League One. Under his guidance, Exeter City developed into a competitive force within the challenging division, a notable achievement considering the unique supporter-owned model that defines the club.
Caldwell's time at the helm was marked by a series of memorable performances and crucial league victories. He also oversaw impressive runs in the Emirates FA Cup, most notably in 2024 when he became the first Exeter City manager since 1981 to guide the club to the fourth round of the competition. In a thrilling encounter, the Grecians pushed Premier League side Nottingham Forest to a penalty shootout, showcasing the team's resilience and fighting spirit.
Over his 180 matches in all competitions, Gary Caldwell secured 67 victories for Exeter City. He departs the club with the team occupying a mid-table position in the EFL Sky Bet League One. His commitment extended beyond the pitch, as he actively engaged with the community and was a visible advocate for the club's supporter-owned ethos, a model he embraced and championed.
A New Challenge at the DW Stadium
The move to Wigan Athletic represents a significant step in Caldwell's managerial career. The Latics, a club with a rich history in English football, will look to Caldwell to bring stability and success back to the DW Stadium. Notably, Caldwell has a deep connection to Wigan, having previously played for and managed the club, adding an extra layer of narrative to his appointment.
Laurence Overend, interim Club Board Chair at Exeter City, expressed his gratitude for Caldwell's contributions. "On behalf of everyone at Exeter City, I would like to thank Gary for his efforts, leadership and commitment over the last few seasons," Overend stated. "He has represented our club with great passion and professionalism and has helped shape our team in a challenging and competitive division."
Overend further acknowledged Caldwell's dedication: "During his time as manager Gary has been fully committed to Exeter City, supporting the Club both on the pitch and within the community, where he has been a visible and enthusiastic presence. The club acknowledges the strong progress made during Gary’s tenure and recognises the positive connection he has forged with supporters, staff and players alike."
Looking Ahead for Exeter City
With Caldwell's departure confirmed, Exeter City will now focus on appointing their next first-team manager. In the interim, Dan Green will take charge of the team for their upcoming match against Wycombe Wanderers at St James Park, assisted by Kevin Nicholson. The club has indicated that a further announcement regarding the new managerial appointment will follow in due course.
The transition marks a new era for Exeter City, who will aim to build upon the foundations laid by Caldwell. The club's ability to navigate this managerial change while maintaining their competitive spirit in League One will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The unique supporter-owned model will undoubtedly continue to be a guiding principle as they seek their next leader.
Gary Caldwell's exit from Exeter City is more than just a managerial change; it's a testament to his impact and the club's ability to develop talent, both on and off the field. His move to Wigan Athletic is a significant development in League One, and all eyes will be on how both clubs fare in the remainder of the season and beyond.
