Exeter City Women – Retained List 2023

With the division in which the team will play next season still unknown, Abbie Britton and Aaron Wakley have moved proactively in talks with squad members ahead of next season. 

Abbi Bond, Bow Jackson, Emily Toogood, Jaydee Seaman, Manfy Sharpe, Jess Sandland, Phoebe Baker, Rebecca Dandridge, Sarah Stacey, Chloe Gilroy, Ishbel Zuurmond, Zoe Watkins, Jenna Markham and Mollie Taylor have all stated their intent to return to the Club next season, regardless of the division the team play in. 

Britton spoke of the planning that has already taken place ahead of next season. “We’ve been meeting with the girls over the last few weeks, asking for their feedback on the season and where they want to progress next year. It was good to have some honest conversations. Thankfully, we have a group here who really believe and buy in to what the club want to achieve. There may be teams in higher leagues, but there aren’t many better clubs to be playing at right now.” 

Whilst City are delighted with the commitments made, Britton emphasised the interest from other teams is something she is aware of. “There are several players of ours that have received approaches from Clubs at a higher level than we currently play at, but we work hard to make sure players are appreciated and looked after at Exeter City and those approaches have been respectfully declined.” 

For the younger players in the City ranks, Matilda Franchi, Ellen Dixon and Milly Klinkenberg, the hope is that they have another strong development year. Joint Manager Aaron Wakley discussed the plans. “It’s important to be honest with the players and manage expectations. We also have to be respectful of a player’s development and maximizing game time is a big part of how our hugely talented young players advance in the coming season. They have had a great experience this year and they must build on it with greater game time and meeting the intensity of training. We have high hopes for all three of them.” 

Two players it is hoped will be back next season are Katie Grigg and Steph Beck, but Britton understands the need for time in both cases. “Both haven’t had the playing time they would like this year and we understand that. We love them both, they are fantastic characters within our group, but they must do the right thing for their careers and whatever they choose we will support their decision. We very much hope to see them both back in July.” 

Whatever the outcome of Sunday’s Title decider between Moneyfields and Cardiff, Britton highlighted that the recruitment process is already beginning to take place. “We have a strong core to the squad in place, it will now be about adding additional quality. So many of this group have had strong seasons and we have Dandy (Rebecca Dandridge) back for preseason, she is an exceptional player who would have added even more this season had she been free of injury. We will now look to strengthen in other areas. Our aim is always to push boundaries and push this group of players, we won’t be waiting around for two months, we want the squad in place ahead of preseason return on July 2nd . The games might stop but the work never does.”