Defensive options give City a sound foundation

THE basis for any successful team is a strong foundation and Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell feels he has that again with his defensive options reinforced in recent weeks.

- STUART JAMES

> Johnly Yfeko (right) made his first league start since last October in Exeter City's 1-0 win at Lincoln City

(Andrew Vaughan)

Last season was something of a nightmare for the Grecians, who started the season with captain Pierce Sweeney, on-loan Brentford star Tristan Crama and Rangers loanee Johnly Yfeko as their back three.

By Christmas, Sweeney and Yfeko had suffered season-ending injuries and Crama was recalled by the bees and sold to Millwall in a £1 million-plus deal, leaving Caldwell to start from scratch in building a new back-line.

To be fair, he did that with Ed Turns signing from Brighton & Hove Albion. He instantly became a regular in the team, but with Sweeney and Yfeko back in contention now and borrowed Aston Villa youngster Sil Swinkels also fit again the Grecians are spoilt for choice at centre back, giving Caldwell a welcome headache for today’s visit of Reading to St James Park.

"I think he’s a really strong part of the team," Caldwell said. "I think the competition is very good with Johnly coming back and I think everyone can see that.