The highly anticipated 2025/26 League One campaign is set to ignite this Saturday, with Exeter City embarking on a demanding away fixture against newly-promoted Doncaster Rovers. Despite predictions of a challenging season from various football pundits, manager Gary Caldwell expresses unwavering confidence in his squad’s comprehensive preparation and readiness for the trials ahead.

Following a remarkably positive pre-season period, highlighted by an impressive victory over Championship side Swansea City, the Grecians’ camp resonates with an upbeat atmosphere. Caldwell acknowledges, however, that the true measure of their capabilities will commence with the intense competitive fixtures of the regular season.

Many football commentators and analysts, including Gabriel Sutton, have forecasted a difficult year for Exeter City, with some even predicting relegation or a bottom-of-the-table finish. The pervasive sentiment among these so-called experts places the Grecians firmly in the lower echelons of League One, if not within the relegation zone itself.

However, Caldwell remains entirely unfazed by these external opinions, choosing to focus on his team’s inherent strength and historical resilience. Exeter City has consistently secured mid-table finishes for three consecutive seasons, and successfully navigating a fourth successive year in League One would mark their longest tenure at this level since the impressive seven-season stretch between 1977 and 1984.

The Exeter City manager articulated the collective sentiment ahead of the new season, stating, “At the start of a new season there’s that hope and expectation of what could happen.” He further cautioned, acknowledging the arduous nature of League One: “But as we know, League One is a long, tough season. There will be highs and lows and we have to be ready for all of it — and it all starts on Saturday with a really difficult away game at Doncaster.”

Doncaster Rovers, buoyed by their recent promotion as League Two champions, enter the League One fray with considerable momentum, profound belief, and the formidable backing of a passionate home crowd. Caldwell recognizes this potent combination will undoubtedly contribute to an exceptionally challenging season opener for his Exeter City side.

The squad received a significant boost with the Friday signing of Jake Doyle-Hayes, an attacking midfielder from League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers. His acquisition, subject to EFL and international clearance, adds crucial depth and creative prowess, further enhancing Exeter City’s prospects for the rigorous League One schedule.

Caldwell concluded by emphasizing the demanding nature of the season, particularly with the onset of frequent Saturday-Tuesday fixtures following their Blackpool match. He stressed that these periods truly test a team’s culture and resilience, affirming that Exeter City is fully prepared for the ‘rollercoaster’ journey ahead, expecting the same readiness from their loyal supporters.