Exeter City take on Bowyer’s new-look Burton

Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell has shared his thoughts ahead of Saturday’s trip to Staffordshire, where the Grecians will face Burton Albion in their final match before Christmas.

With four games in ten days on the horizon, Caldwell sees this fixture as a crucial opportunity to secure momentum going into the busy festive schedule.

Burton Albion have recently appointed Gary Bowyer as their new manager, a change that has altered City’s preparation for the game. Speaking about the challenge, Caldwell said: “We were preparing for a team under a different manager, but we don't expect things to change too much as he's only been in three days. But we know he's an excellent manager with an excellent CV.”

The timing of Bowyer’s arrival mirrors a scenario City encountered earlier this season. Caldwell reflected: “We prepare for a slightly different version of Burton, but we do so having had the experience at Blackpool [of playing against a new manager's first match in charge], knowing that the energy will be different, the stadium will be different. But the biggest thing for us is that we have to be ourselves and be the best version of Exeter City. We have to be prepared for a new proposition on Saturday.”

With no midweek fixture, City have enjoyed a rare chance to regroup. “It’s been an opportunity to reset,” Caldwell remarked. “We look to the New Year with real positivity.” The manager also highlighted the contrast between this season and last, noting: “The position we’re in compared to last year is totally different. What we’ve faced recently is a difficult run of games. The opportunity and the excitement for the second half of the season is there.”

John Lee participated in partial training this week, but Caldwell confirmed he’s still on the road to recovery: 'No contact yet. He will need a number of days of full training before being considered, so it’ll be mid-January before he’s ready to feature.'

The January transfer window also looms, Caldwell says they're looking for quality, which is a difference from last year when numbers were needed: “We have plans. Every transfer window we’ve improved the squad, and this is no different." 

In other news, Exeter City’s U21s enjoyed a 3-1 victory over Bromley in the Premier League Cup on Wednesday night. Pat Jones made his first appearance in a City shirt and impressed his manager. “He showed his quality in moments, and he will be a big player for us in the second half of the season,” Caldwell said.

The Grecians are ready to face a reinvigorated Burton side and are determined to end 2024’s pre-Christmas fixtures on a high note. With preparations in place and the squad motivated, Caldwell’s team will aim to take another step toward a successful second half of the season. Up the City!