Exeter City finances 'in good shape', says chairman

Wilf Walsh is beginning his first season as Exeter City chairman [Shutterstock] Exeter City chairman Wilf Walsh says the club has "overcome" the financial issues they suffered last season. The Grecians needed loans from owners Exeter City Supporters' Trust worth around £600,000 last year in order to remain solvent after an overspend in the 2024-25 season. The club has reduced its playing budget for 2026-27 after relegation to League Two. But Walsh says he is confident the club will not see a repeat of the financial issues they endured last year. "We've got a settled budget, we're good," Walsh told BBC Radio Devon. "We've got sight through to the end of the season, we don't necessarily need to sell players, which is a good situation to be in. "We'd like to have some freed up cash from that to improve the squad, we'll see what happens. "Generally, there isn't a lot of money, but we're in good shape with no debt and the club is used to operating, and has always operated, within tight guidelines as a supporter-owned club. "I don't want to be hair-shirted about it, that's who we are, that's how we operate and I think it's to be celebrated. "We've been defying gravity for a long time and we continue to do so." Transfer income saves Exeter City from huge losses Exeter City and Trust 'reset' relationship Job cuts at Exeter City as fans give club second loan Exeter saw a number of experienced players, such as former captain Pierce Sweeney and Ilmari Niskanen, leave the club at the end of their contracts this summer. But last season's top scorer Jayden Wareham and midfielder Reece Cole remain under contract despite speculation they may be sold. "I think what you'll see is interest increase as we get closer to the start of the season," Walsh said about possible sales. "At the start of the window, and I rely on Marcus (Flitcroft), our technical director, for all this work, you'll see players going for all sorts of strange prices. "I think the Premier League is probably the best example of that. "We'll see movement here over the next two or three weeks, players in and players out, and I'm confident that Matt (Taylor, Exeter City manager) will have a competitive squad by the time we kick off at Grimsby in mid-August. "We're used to operating within constrained budgets here at Exeter City and that makes you work harder and work smarter ultimately at the end of the day." Listen to Exeter City content on BBC Sounds