Exeter City Suffer Caleb Watts Blow – But He Might Be Taking Plymouth Argyle for a Ride
As soon as Exeter City’s terse 158-word statement dropped on Friday afternoon, it was clear something wasn’t right.
The Grecians confirmed that Caleb Watts had rejected a new contract and would be leaving the club following the expiration of his short-term deal. But rather than simply wish the player well, Exeter took aim, stating:
“We were unable to come close to matching the financial terms offered to Caleb by another club. He has decided not to repay the commitment and faith shown to him.”
It was a sharp and bitter send-off, and at first glance, the general reaction was: “So what?” Watts had flashes of brilliance, sure, but hadn’t truly set the world alight in Devon. Many assumed the awkward relationship with manager Gary Caldwell had simply run its course. But then the real twist landed.
Watts wasn’t just leaving — he was heading straight down the A38 to sign a lucrative three-year deal with bitter rivals Plymouth Argyle. Cue chaos on social media, with a tidal wave of red fury from Exeter fans and green gloating from the other side of Devon.
Tensions between Watts and Caldwell had simmered beneath the surface all season. While Watts brought an unpredictable spark and a more direct attacking approach, Caldwell’s tactical blueprint prioritised structure and control. The tension boiled over publicly when Caldwell criticised the 23-year-old for going “off script” — even after a man-of-the-match display in a dour 0-0 draw with Burton Albion.
> “He knows how frustrated I get with him at times when he goes off script,” Caldwell said. “If he holds his position at times then he’s a fantastic player. I’ve loved what he’s done this season… but I just want him to recognise when he doesn’t need to do so much individually.”
Watts, a former Southampton and Australia youth midfielder, became a lightning rod for discontent among supporters fed up with Exeter’s dull, disjointed football. To many, he represented the antithesis of Caldwell’s cautious style — a rare flair player who dared to try something different.
Despite the cult-like support in some corners, Watts’ output wasn’t exactly eye-catching. He made 31 League One appearances in 2024/25 — just 20 of those starts — registering 4 goals and 1 assist. His average of just 49 minutes per game paints the picture of a player who struggled for consistent impact. In fact, he was subbed off at half-time in each of his final two appearances for Exeter.
Still, some fans argue that Watts brought a dynamic edge to a squad otherwise lacking invention — and point to his disrupted early career and injuries as mitigating factors. But others, perhaps more sober in their assessment, suggest that his reputation may now be inflating beyond reality.
For Argyle to offer a three-year deal with substantial wages to a player who couldn’t cement his place at a mid-table League One side is certainly bold — and perhaps a little suspect. Some within Plymouth’s fanbase are already treating the signing as a major coup, based largely on Exeter’s sour reaction and the drama of the switch. But beyond the Devon derby fireworks, the move feels like more of a PR win than a footballing masterstroke.
Argyle will be pushing for an immediate return to the Championship following their 2024/25 relegation, and competition for places will be fierce. Watts, despite his talent, could find himself on the fringes once again.
Ultimately, this saga sums up the modern football landscape. Players go where the money is — and who can blame them? Exeter’s frustration is understandable, not least because of the destination. But in truth, the only guaranteed winner here is Caleb Watts himself.
He’s landed a longer-term deal, on better money, with a club aiming higher. Whether he becomes a star or slips into obscurity, the paychecks will keep rolling in.
And you can bet he’ll be fired up for the two Devon derbies next season. Beyond that, though, Plymouth fans might want to temper expectations. Watts could light up Home Park — or he might just take them for a ride.
Read more on;https://www.sportupdates.co.uk
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