Exeter City captain leaves after 10 years for Cheltenham Town
The Grecians captain made 435 appearances and scoring 24 goals.
Exeter City Captain Pierce Sweeney has departed the club after ten years, signing a new deal with Cheltenham Town.
Sweeney leaves St James Park having made 435 appearances, scoring 24 goals and registering 21 assists. He sits in fourth place for City’s all time appearance makers and played a key role in helping City secure promotion to League One in 2022.
On Pierce’s departure, Exeter City manager Matt Taylor said: “Pierce has been a fantastic servant for over ten years. Pierce joined us as a 20-year-old from Reading and has turned into a seasoned pro and our captain and our talisman so he will be missed but we wish him all the best in his new venture, and we look forward to our paths crossing.
“Although Pierce wasn’t a product of the Exeter City academy, he became one of our own and played a massive part in the growth and development of our young players at the club.”
Speaking about making the tough decision to leave Exeter, Pierce said: "It's been a tough decision and I've taken my time. It's been a difficult summer off the back of the ending last year and everyone knows the current status of the club.
"I've had a lot of decisions to make from a personal and professional point of view and the club have given me everything they could. I just felt at this time in my career and life that I'm at a good age now where it is time to move on and see what is next challenge myself elsewhere.
"The football club has been really patient and has shown me the utmost respect. I don't like to say I'm leaving but I'm moving on. Hopefully I leave on good terms as that was really important to me and I didn't want to leave without saying a proper goodbye."
“I’m really excited to be joining Cheltenham Town Football Club,” said Sweeney.
“Having played against Cheltenham on numerous occasions in the past, I know how difficult a place it can be for opposition teams, but now I get to experience it as a Robin.
“After speaking to the manager, who I have great respect for, it didn’t take long for him to convince me to sign.
“I’m looking forward to having a big impact on the club, community and most importantly the changing room. I’ll see you all soon”
Manager Steve Cotterill was a happy man after securing the defender.
“I’m delighted to secure the services of Pierce,” he said.
“He’s a really good defender, great experience and a fantastic character, he is a really good leader and is exactly what we want in our dressing room.
“I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Pierce will join up with his new team mates on July 1st for the start of pre-season training.