# Exeter City squad rebuild

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/exeter-city-squad-rebuild
> Updated: 2026-07-25T17:58:30.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Exeter City’s rebuilding phase began with the return of 21‑year‑old midfielder Pedro Elawar after a 15‑month injury lay‑off. The club’s limited budget meant new signings would rely on free contracts, loans and trialists, with manager Matt Taylor warning that departures and cheap deals would dictate transfer activity.

Two days later the team demonstrated the early fruits of that rebuilding effort in a 2‑0 pre‑season friendly win over Weston‑Super‑Mare. Manager Taylor highlighted improved structure and cohesion compared with a recent loss, while newcomer Josh Gordon praised the training progress, suggesting the squad was beginning to cohere ahead of the League Two campaign.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-25: Exeter City defeats Weston‑Super‑Mare 2‑0 in pre‑season friendly

Exeter City beat Weston‑Super‑Mare 2‑0 in a pre‑season friendly, with goals from Sonny Cox and new signing Josh Gordon; manager Matt Taylor praised the team’s shape and progress after a prior loss.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/exeter-city-defeats-westonsupermare-20-in-preseason-friendly

### 2026-07-23: Exeter City eyes squad rebuild as injured midfielder returns

Exeter City midfielder Pedro Elawar returns after a 15‑month injury, while manager Matt Taylor cautions that new signings depend on departures and loan deals due to budget limits.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/exeter-city-eyes-squad-rebuild-as-injured-midfielder-returns

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Cite as: Exeter City squad rebuild. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/exeter-city-squad-rebuild