Caldwell: We need more 90 minute players

EXETER City manager Gary Caldwell has said that on-loan Stockport County wing-back Ryan Rydel has been put on a special training programme, which incorporates game time, to try and get him back to full fitness.

- STUART JAMES

It has been a frustrating time for the 24-year-old loanee, who has made just four appearances so far in League One. Being a natural left-footer, he gives the Grecians great balance when he is available, but he has not started a game for Exeter since the 3-0 win over Peterborough United a month ago.

“It’s really frustrating - and for him as well,” Caldwell said. “I spoke to him this morning and it has been a stop-start season for him. He obviously had a long-term serious knee injury a few years ago and since then, he has not quote got a sustained run of training and games to get him going again.

“He is eager and desperate to do that and we are putting a plan together with the physios, sport science and football to come together and really have a clear plan of what it looks like for Ryan to be available, to play games and get his season up and running.

“Hopefully, after this weekend, he can work hard, get that going and we will get him on the pitch soon. It is not a serious injury, it is just a constant string of niggles.