After last season's relegation from League One, it will be a case of going back to their roots for Exeter City, as they head into 2026-27, with Matt Taylor's squad possessing a strong accent on youth.
Last season, players like Kieran Wilson, Ed James, Charlie Cummins, George Birch and Frankie Phillips were out on both at clubs such as Torquay United, Weston Super Mare, Taunton Town and Plymouth Parkway.
Now, they are all forming part of the Grecians' first team squad for the forthcoming season.
The well of youth talent to emerge from the club in recent years, which has included the likes of Matt Grimes, Ethan Ampadu and Ollie Watkins, might be running low. However, it may not be completely dry, and the St James Park faithful will be hoping that proves to be the case.
Meanwhile, while the aforementioned individuals might earn the Grecians a financial windfall in the future, the club's current most saleable asset Jayden Wareham, who scored 20 goals in 2025-26, is being linked with a whole host of clubs. Any fee earned from his sale will help give Exeter some more financial breathing space.
Although the Grecians squad does possess a strong accent on youth, Taylor will possibly be on the lookout for some more experienced recruits who can guide them. He may also dip into the loan market as well.
A defeat to local rivals Plymouth Argyle in the Carabao Cup in their first game wasn't ideal, but Taylor will still be looking to add to his squad before their league campaign gets underway.
Following their last relegation from the third tier at the end of the 2011-12 season, it was five years before the Grecians reached the League Two play-offs - where they were beaten by Blackpool in the final in 2016-17. The current campaign represents the start of a rebuilding cycle, which may take time.
How long that time period will be, no one is 100% sure yet.
In: Josh Gordon (Barrow), Taylor Perry (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Harry Kite (Truro City), Ethan Sutherland (Wolves, loan)
Out: Josh Magennis (Stevenage), Ilmari Niskanen (Blackpool), Pierce Sweeney (Cheltenham Town), Johnly Yfeko (Kilmarnock), Jack Aitcheson, Jack McMillan, Kevin McDonald, Danny Andrew
Player to Watch: Reece Cole
With Jayden Wareham increasingly linked with a move away from St James Park, Reece Cole's experience and pedigree will be even more important as one of the older players in the squad at the age of 28. Not to mention his goals from midfield; he found the back of the net seven times in 39 appearances in all competitions.
