Overview:
After avoiding relegation last season, Paul Tisdale will once again be placing his faith in youth as a transfer embargo, due to a PFA loan, has prevented the Grecians boss from adding to his squad.
Over the summer, Scot Bennett has taken over the captaincy from Danny Coles, who was stripped of the role following an outburst on Twitter during the World Cup.
The Grecians also enjoyed an historic tour of Brazil, which commemorated Brazil's first ever competitive meeting against Exeter in 1914.
In: None
Out: Artur Krysiak (Yeovil Town), Jake Gosling (Bristol Rovers), John O'Flynn, Alan Gow, Sam Parkin
Player to Watch: Matt Grimes
The latest talent to emerge from the Grecians' youth development scheme, local lad Matt Grimes could prove to be one of most talented players for a generation. After winning the club's Player of the Year award in his first full season as a professional, he has been linked with Liverpool, Sunderland and Norwich City, and there has also been talk of a possible call-up to the England youth side at Under-19 or Under-20 level.
Nevertheless, Grimes will be continuing his footballing education at St James Park with the Grecians, but if he continues to progress in the manner in which he has done- then any future fee which may prise him away from City could be higher than the £500,000 they received from Manchester City in 1995 for Martin 'Buster' Phillips.
Prediction:
Possibly due to their lack of transfer activity, City have been named as the second favourites to go down with Bet 365 with odds of 7/2 and William Hills have placed the Grecians at 6/1 to make the drop to the Conference.
However, Exeter's youngster showed what they were capable of in the Under-21 Premier League Cup where they reached the Quarter Finals- defeating Crystal Palace, Southampton and Blackburn en route.
Tisdale is also looking at potential reinforcements for when their transfer embargo comes to an end as well; former Preston North End Graham Cummins and ex Bristol City defender Christian Ribiero are currently training with the Grecians.
Exeter's ability to defy their critics will rest firmly with their young players- namely Scot Bennett, Matt Grimes, Jimmy Keohane and Tom Nicholls, all of whom will be expected to kick on after a promising campaigns last term.
If Tom Nicholls can find the back of the net on a regular basis, then that will provide a major boost to their prospects.
Older heads such as Pat Baldwin, Danny Coles, Matt Oakley, Danny Butterfield and Craig Woodman will also play their part as the Grecians aim to hit the ground running and get as many points on the board as possible.
The quicker that they can reach the 50 point mark the better.
