Exeter City boss departs, ending speculation surrounding his future

Exeter City have confirmed this morning that manager Gary Caldwell has left the club to become head coach of Wigan Athletic, following days of speculation surrounding the manager’s future at the club.

Last Saturday’s match against Northampton Town turned out to be Caldwell's final game in charge, with Exeter City and Wigan Athletic agreeing a compensation package following negotiations over the past few days.

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Caldwell joined Exeter in October 2022, replacing Matt Taylor, and during his three-and-a-half years at St James Park, led the club through a stable period in League One under its supporter-owned model.

He managed the Grecians 180 times in all competitions, winning 67 matches, leaving Exeter sitting in mid-table in EFL League One.

One of the highlights of his time in Devon came in 2024 when he became the first Exeter manager since 1981 to guide the club to the fourth round of the FA Cup. 

The team took Premier League side Nottingham Forest F.C. to a penalty shootout in that match.

Laurence Overend, interim Club Board Chair, thanked Caldwell for his work.

“On behalf of everyone at Exeter City, I would like to thank Gary for his efforts, leadership and commitment over the last few seasons,” he said.

“He has represented our club with great passion and professionalism and has helped shape our team in a challenging and competitive division.”

Overend also said Caldwell had been active in the community and supportive of the club’s ownership model, adding: “We wish him all the best for the future.”

Dan Green will take charge of Exeter’s next match against Wycombe Wanderers, assisted by Kevin Nicholson, with a further announcement on a new manager to follow.

At Wigan Athletic, Caldwell returns for a second spell as a manager, having previously led the club to the 2015/16 League One title.

The Scotsman also captained the Latics during their 2013 FA Cup win at Wembley during his playing days.

Wigan said his return marks “an exciting new chapter” and that he will focus on helping the team secure League One survival with 16 fixtures remaining this season.

Fans from both clubs shared messages online. One Exeter supporter wrote: “He’s done wonders for us. But we must move on now as a club and start a new chapter.”

A Wigan fan posted: “Welcome home Gaffer, tough task ahead but we’re all behind you.”