“It’s very insulting” – Caleb Watts slammed over controversial Exeter City to Plymouth Argyle transfer.

Part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, this piece offers our FLW Fan Pundits their personal thoughts on the newest breaking news, teams, players, managers, possible additions, and more.

Caleb Watts, a midfielder for Exeter City, has caused controversy among Grecians after turning down a new contract to sign a three-year agreement with Plymouth Argyle, fierce rivals of Devon.

On social media, the 23-year-old’s choice to join a team they view as their bitterest rivals has undoubtedly caused division. Many supporters have expressed sadness at his transfer.

Watts left after what City called a “fair and competitive” contract offer, which the team acknowledged they couldn’t afford in comparison to Plymouth’s offer.

Caleb Watt’s Exeter City Stats – As per Transfermarkt
Appearances	48
Goals	5
Assists	3

Caleb Watts’ contentious departure to Plymouth Argyle was the subject of a damning Exeter City ruling.

 

When discussing Watts’ choice to join Plymouth Argyle, Dylan Verschoren, FLW’s Exeter City Fan Pundit, didn’t mince words; he called it a grave insult to the team and its supporters.

“I think Caleb Watts going to Plymouth Argyle is a bit of a 50/50 for me,” Dylan stated to FLW.

“It’s obviously much better for his career – Argyle offering a guaranteed three-year contract is much better then what we normally offer – we’re kind of infamous for offering six-month contracts so that they try and prove themselves,”

“But even though it’s a better deal for him, I think it’s very insulting to the club and the fans of the club that he’s gone to,” Dylan said, quickly restating his feelings of betrayal over the transfer.

I personally detest Plymouth Argyle and everything they stand for, therefore it’s clear that Plymouth and Exeter don’t get along at all.

“I believe there’s a reason why many players haven’t gone to Plymouth; many have played for two (rival) clubs, but they don’t frequently switch clubs. Considering how it worked out for him, I think he’s the first Exeter player to switch from Exeter to Argyle since Joel Grant.

Given that Grant made the similar move from Exeter to Plymouth in 2017 and that his career path may have influenced how fans perceive Watts’ chances at Home Park, the allusion to Grant should serve as a warning to all Grecians.

 

Bridges in Exeter City have been “completely burned” by Caleb Watts.

Dylan believed Watts had “completely burned that bridge out” with his actions during the transfer, even though he had voted Watts his player of the season for this term.

Dylan went on: “I think he was very good, but he’s completely burned that bridge out. Even if he didn’t like the club because of what happened at the top, that’s no reason to be disrespectful as he really was,” Dylan said, adding that many people, including myself, voted him player of the season.

“In my opinion, good riddance if he wants to be like that, he can get out of my club, I don’t want to see him again and I’m hoping there’s a very big tackle from Johnly Yfeko back in the Devon Derby.”

“While we understand this is an offer Caleb could not refuse, we are disappointed he has decided not to repay the commitment and faith shown to him during his time at the club,” Exeter’s official statement said, clearly disappointed by the decision.

This transfer symbolises much more than just a player switching teams; it also illustrates the intense feelings that supporters of players who have stood by them through difficult times feel when they see them join their fiercest rivals. On the other extreme, Argyle supporters will be rejoicing in the annoyance and rage displayed by the Grecians.

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