Nicholson sets tone for Trophy tie

Exeter City’s assistant manager, Kevin Nicholson, has set the tone ahead of their Vertu Trophy tie against Birmingham on Tuesday evening at St. James Park.

The match comes just two weeks after Birmingham’s 2-0 league victory, providing City with an immediate chance to respond against one of the division's strongest teams.

Nicholson acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge, praising Birmingham as “the best team in the league” based on their depth and consistency. “You expect them to make changes and still be incredibly strong.”

The assistant manager’s remarks hinted at a mix of respect and determination. While he praised Birmingham’s quality, he remained focused on City’s preparation, highlighting the need for grit and adaptability. “We know what they are about from a couple of weeks ago,” Nicholson said. “It’s up to us to be ready and give it a good go.”

Nicholson’s reflection on City’s recent performances struck a balance between frustration and optimism. Referring to close encounters against top sides like Stockport, he urged his players to take encouragement from their competitiveness, even in defeat. “We’re not far off,” he insisted. “We should take great encouragement from how close we are to some of the big teams in this league.”

In a clear message to his squad, Nicholson underlined that competition for places remains fierce. “There are places up for grabs,” he said, emphasizing the importance of meritocracy. “You can’t lose a few games and expect the same players to continue starting. Whoever gets the nod on Tuesday night, if they do well, they’re fighting to keep their place for Barnsley on Saturday.”

Nicholson also pointed to the need for sharper execution in attack, acknowledging a recurring issue in City’s game. “We’re particularly good for about the first two-thirds, but when we get to that final third, we need to be more ruthless,” he admitted, calling for more consistency and cutting edge.

As Exeter prepare for another demanding test, Nicholson’s comments reveal a team aware of its challenges but committed to improvement. With a chance to progress in the Vertu Trophy and gain momentum ahead of Saturday’s league clash with Barnsley, City will need to channel his words into action.