Exeter Manager Gary Caldwell Anticipates Pat Jones’ First-Team Debut Following Injury Recovery

Pat Jones’ sole first-team appearance this season occurred as a late substitute for Huddersfield during their Carabao Cup defeat against Walsall, shortly before his move to Exeter. Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell has expressed his anticipation for Pat Jones’ first-team debut, now that the player has regained fitness. The 21-year-old Wales Under-21 forward joined City from Huddersfield Town at the close of August, signing a one-year contract that includes an option for an additional 12 months. However, a hamstring injury has prevented him from playing under Caldwell since his arrival. Jones made his initial appearance for Exeter in a game, wearing the club’s red and white colours, during a 30-minute spell with City’s academy side in their Premier League Cup victory over Bromley on Wednesday. Caldwell commented to BBC Radio Devon, stating, “It’s been a long time for that to come so great for him to come through that and get closer to first-team action.” Caldwell further added, “He’s fitted in really well, I think when he first came there was a need to be playing and he was he was a bit anxious in terms of wanting to show how good a player he was and he obviously picked up the injury.” The manager continued, “But I think since then he’s got to know the club, the staff, the players. He seems a lot more assured and calm and looking forward to now getting his Exeter City career started and showing how good a footballer he his, because there is no doubt about that.” Caldwell concluded by saying, “When Pat Jones plays he has a quality that we are really looking for at the moment, and the quicker we can get him up to speed in the team then the better for everyone.”