Exeter City manager Matt Taylor has admitted it was Jayden Wareham who opted to make himself unavailable for selection for yesterday’s 2-1 defeat at York City.
The 23-year-old has long been linked with a move away from St James Park following his goalscoring antics last season. Whilst the Grecians suffered relegation from League One, Wareham excelled with 19 goals in 46 league appearances.
This form has caught the eye of a number of third tier clubs. Wycombe Wanderers are said to have lodged a couple of bids this summer, both of which have been rejected. Leicester City are also amongst those that have been linked.
Taylor Confirms Wareham Absence Was Striker’s Choice
The striker did feature in both of Exeter’s opening two League Two games but was absent for yesterday’s trip to York. The same applies to defender Luca Woodhouse, who is believed to be a target for former boss Gary Caldwell, who is now at Wigan Athletic.
Speaking prior to the game, Taylor revealed that it was the pair who opted not to travel:
“Two players haven’t travelled with the potential of something to happen elsewhere. I need to reiterate that, nothing has been agreed and its still only potential, but we are in the position where we are without a few players today.
“We have to be reactive, time is running out, but we have to replace players if they leave. My biggest thing for people to here today is nothing has been agreed. Some are closer than others, but we have to be aware that things might not happen and they might still be our players.”
“Doesn’t Help Me”
A depleted Exeter suffered their second defeat of the campaign at the LNER Community Stadium, with a 91st minute head from Jack Fitzwater providing little consolation. Speaking afterwards, Taylor was once again quizzed on the situation:
“That wasn’t our decision. It was the players’ decision in relation to not travelling with the team. So that tells you where they’re at in terms of what they want and expect. But they are contracted players to Exeter City Football Club, and there is a value which we’ll keep and keep working towards, and it’s up to the buying clubs to match that.
“Until it happens, these players are still contracted. Like I say, their decision not to be involved today. Do I like it? No. Do we understand it? Yeah. Yeah, I do. Certainly in Jayden’s situation. But then there’s going to be another couple of days of uncertainty, which doesn’t help me, doesn’t help the group. There’s gonna be so much unknown, but we have to get some bodies in. Will they be in before Tuesday night? I honestly don’t know.”
With Exeter set to host Barnet on Tuesday and the transfer window set to close on the same night, it appears as if Wareham has made his last appearance in red and white.
