Clash of the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ at SJP

TODAY sees a clash of the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ at St James Park as League One paupers Exeter City welcome the rich kids of Blackpool to Devon (KO 3pm).

- STUART JAMES

In a week that Grecians’ boss Gary Caldwell confirm that his budget - the smallest by some distance in League One - was the same as this time last year but less than what he had in January, his Seasiders counterpart Steve Bruce has been busy bolstering his squad with not one, but two £1 million-plus signings.

Firstly, Crystal Palace's gifted young winger Malcolm Ebiowei completed a move to Bloomfield Road on a two-year deal. That was followed on Thursday by the acquisition of 21-year-old striker Dale Taylor from Nottingham Forest, with Blackpool fending off interest from City’s Devon rivals Plymouth Argyle for his services. Both players are expected to play some part at St James Park today

Such sums illustrate just what City are up against, with those figures roughly equating to about half of Caldwell’s budget for the season.

Irishman Jake Doyle-Hayes is ready for his first action for City following his move from Sligo Rovers last week.