Exeter City midfielder Caleb Watts has sparked controversy among Grecians supporters after declining a new contract with the club to join bitter Devon rivals Plymouth Argyle on a three-year deal.
The 23-year-old’s decision to cross the county divide has definitely divided opinion on social media, with many fans expressing disappointment at his move to a club they consider their most hated rivals.
Watts’ departure comes after what City described as a “fair and competitive” contract offer that the club admitted they were unable to match financially compared to Plymouth’s package.
| Caleb Watt’s Exeter City Stats – As per Transfermarkt | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 48 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 3 |
Damning Exeter City verdict issued on Caleb Watts’ controversial Plymouth Argyle move
Dylan Verschoren, FLW’s Exeter City Fan Pundit, certainly didn’t hold back when discussing Watts’ decision to join Plymouth Argyle, describing it as deeply insulting to both the club and its supporters.
“I think Caleb Watts going to Plymouth Argyle is a bit of a 50/50 for me,” Dylan told FLW.
“It’s obviously much better for his career – Argyle offering a guaranteed three-year contract is much better then what we normally offer—-we’re kind of infamous for offering six-month contracts so that they try and prove themselves.”
However, Dylan was quick to reiterate the betrayal he feels from the move, adding, “But I think even though it’s a better deal for him, I think it’s very insulting to the club and the fans of the club that he’s gone to.
“Obviously Plymouth and Exeter don’t like each other at all; I, for one, absolutely hate Plymouth Argyle and everything they stand for.
“I think going to Plymouth – there’s a reason that a lot of players haven’t done it – a lot of players have played for two (rival) clubs, but it’s not often they go from club to club. I believe he’s the first Exeter player to do it, to go from Exeter to Argyle since Joel Grant, and look at how that turned out for him.”
The reference to Grant serves as a cautionary tale for all Grecians, as the winger made the same move from Exeter to Plymouth in 2017, and his subsequent career path may influence how supporters view Watts’ prospects at Home Park.
Caleb Watts has “completely burnt” Exeter City bridges
Despite voting Watts as his player of the season for this term, Dylan felt Watts had “completely burnt that bridge out” with his conduct during the transfer.
Dylan continued, “A lot of people voted for him for player of the season – including myself. I think he was very good, but he’s completely burnt that bridge out, and even if he didn’t like the club because of what’s happened at the top, that’s no reason to be disrespectful as he really was.
“In my opinion, good riddance if he wants to be like that; he can get out of my club. I don’t want to see him again, and I’m hoping there’s a very big tackle from Johnly Yfeko back in the Devon Derby”.
Exeter’s official statement expressed clear disappointment with the decision, stating, “While we understand this is an offer Caleb could not refuse, we are disappointed he has decided not to repay the commitment and faith shown to him during his time at the club.”
This transfer represents far more than just a player changing clubs; it shows the raw emotions such moves take on fans who have supported players through tough periods – only to see them join their most bitter rivals. On the other end of the spectrum, Argyle fans will be reveling in the frustration and anger being shown by the Grecians.
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