Cheltenham sign Exeter defender and 'leader' Sweeney

Cheltenham Town have signed Exeter City captain and defender Pierce Sweeney after the end of his contract at St James Park. The 31-year-old spent 10 years with the Grecians, making over 430 appearances for the fellow League Two outfit. He was an ever-present for Exeter in League One last season as the Devon side were relegated back to the fourth tier. The Irish defender was offered a new deal this summer but turned it down "to pursue a new opportunity". He told the Cheltenham website : "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 (Steve Cotterill), who I have great respect for, it didn't take long for him to convince me to sign." Sweeney knows what it takes to get promoted from League Two, having been part of the Exeter side that won promotion in 2022 , and reached three play-off finals. Cheltenham boss Cotterill 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." Exeter skipper Sweeney leaves after 10 years