Exeter City manager Matt Taylor is demanding more of the same performance as his team prepares to host promotion-chasing Walsall at St James Park this Saturday. The Grecians drew 1-1 with Barnet on Tuesday night, a result that leaves them reflecting on a record of just two wins from their last 25 games stretching back into the previous campaign. According to a report from Devon Live, Taylor wants the positivity from that midweek display to fuel their weekend challenge against a Saddlers side sitting third in League Two.
Walsall arrive in Devon having narrowly missed a chance to go top of the table themselves. They avoided conceding a stoppage-time goal at Crewe on Tuesday, a let-off that preserved their position just outside the automatic promotion spots. Exeter finished the 2025 season in 13th place with 65 points from 46 games, scoring and conceding 56 goals for a zero goal difference. Their recent form at the end of that campaign was poor, ending with two losses.
What did Matt Taylor say about the Walsall challenge?
Taylor acknowledged the quality of the weekend's opponents in his pre-match comments. "Walsall come with immediate expectations and they have some outstanding players at this level and have come close without quite getting over the line," the Exeter boss said. He noted that Walsall have been contenders in the previous two seasons, suggesting a team with proven pedigree. Taylor's immediate focus, however, is on his own squad's application. He stated his desire for "more of the same" intensity and intent shown against Barnet.
"The positivity and energy from midweek will go towards the weekend," Taylor added. "For our approach and performance, that’s what we’re aiming for." He believes his team is certainly not lacking in effort, endeavor, or character, and has asked fans to understand the current situation as the group develops.
How has the Exeter City squad changed?
The transfer deadline brought significant movement for Exeter, directly impacting their options for this match. The club completed signings for Jack Taylor, Ajay Matthews, Danny Rose, and Dan Watts. Forward Kieran Wilson departed, but attacker Luca Woodhouse remained with the club. These additions, along with Woodhouse's continued presence, mean Taylor has stronger numbers available for the Walsall fixture compared to recent weeks.
However, not all reinforcements are ready for action. Vincent Harper is unavailable due to being cup-tied or contracted to his parent club, and Andrew Oluwabori is unlikely to be fit after picking up an injury in the Barnet game. Taylor admitted the squad had been "a little bit thin on the ground numbers-wise" but is now looking forward to having a more balanced group with a mix of experience and youth.
What is the longer-term outlook for Exeter City?
Matt Taylor is focused on building a foundation for future success. He expressed his anticipation for a period where everything settles down after the squad has spent a couple of months working together. The manager is committed to developing young talent, promising that those players will keep getting opportunities and will be pushed and promoted as best as possible. He is looking forward to seeing the growth of the team through hard work on the training ground.
This process will be aided by having a fuller squad to select from. Fans can track the evolving team composition on the official squad page. With the new signings integrated, Taylor's aim is to build consistency and climb the standings from their mid-table finish last term, where they ended 22 points behind champions Bromley.
Where does this match fit in the season?
Saturday's game represents a classic test of a team with promotion ambitions against one seeking to build momentum. For Walsall, it's a chance to solidify their top-three position. For Exeter, it's an opportunity to prove they can compete with the division's best and turn promising performances into points. The match kicks off at St James Park, with Taylor hoping the three new signings and returning players can make an immediate impact. The full schedule of upcoming fixtures can be found on the club's fixtures page.
