On the eve of the 2020-21 campaign, Exeter City received a welcome boost to their coffers with the news that former starlet Ollie Watkins has left Championship Brentford for a move to the Premier League with Aston Villa.
While Watkins will be reunited with Villains manager Dean Smith, who signed him for the Bees for £1.8 million in 2017 - a record fee received for the Grecians - the £28million fee - that could rise to £33 million. His move to the West Midlands has netted City another £3.5 million via a sell-on clause.
This windfall will no doubt help the Grecians to weather 'Storm Covid' and will undoubtably ensure that they are in a stronger position than many lower league clubs in this time of financial uncertainty for lower league clubs.
However, it is also highly likely that at least part of the fee will be channelled back into the club's academy to help unearth the next Ollie Watkins. By joining the Villains, Watkins will become the fourth former Exeter City product to be contracted to a Premier League club. It's a list that includes Ben Chrisene, who Watkins will be joining at Villa Park, Jay Stansfield, son of the late Adam Stansfield, who is currently at Fulham and Wales international Ethan Ampadu will be spending next season on loan at Sheffield United from Chelsea. It is worth noting that Chrisene's move saw him join the Villains' academy and Stansfield left St James Park without making a first time appearance.
Many years ago, the lower leagues were once a breeding ground for top-flight talent. However, nowadays that is often not the case, with the only transfer of note between a Premier League side and a League club in the last 12 months was Jarrad Branthwaite's move from Carlisle United to Everton in January 2020. So for the Grecians to have four academy graduates currently contracted to Premier League clubs is a fine achievement.
Their commitment to youth remains undimmed and the likes of Harry Kite, Ben Seymour, Alex Hartridge and Josh Key will be looking to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Ampadu, Watkins and current Swansea City skipper Matt Grimes, while others such as Archie Collins have already cemented a place in the Grecians' first team.
Nevertheless, eight senior players departed St James Park in the summer, including Dean Moxey, Craig Woodman and Lee Holmes, but manager Matt Taylor has looked to address this with the signings of Jake Caprice, Lewis Page and Rory McArdle. The experience of Northern Ireland international McArdle, who was a Carling Cup finalist with Bradford City in 2013, could be particularly important.
At the time of writing the Grecians are currently fourth favourites to win the League Two title, behind Bolton Wanderers, Salford City and Mansfield Town, which reflects the reputation that they have gained after losing three play-off finals in the last four seasons.
If City were able to reach a fourth play-off final in five years, or go one better and secure automatic promotion it would be an incredible achievement for what looks set to be one of the youngest sides in the division.
Player to Watch: Archie Collins
In a season which is likely to see the Grecians rely heavily on youth, Archie Collins - a player who has been with the club since the age of nine - is likely to be a key figure. He was handed the captain's armband last season against Cambridge United in the first round of the FA Cup in the absence of regular skipper Jake Taylor and, after being handed the number 10 shirt, will undoubtably continue to play an influential role for Matt Taylor's men.
