Sweeney keen to impress Exeter City

Pierce Sweeney has joined Exeter City on a trial basis and claims it was the club’s ambition that drew him to the Grecians. The 21 year old right back was released by Reading at the start of the summer and he is keen to impress during pre-season in the hope of securing a permanent deal with Exeter.

Sweeney has settled in well, in his own words: “From the very first day everyone has been very welcoming. There is a great setup and structure to the club. They’re ambitious as well. They want to get promotion and that is something that has attracted me”. Sweeney is believed to be a very ambitious man himself and has made little secret of his desire to be involved in a promotion chasing side.

The right back impressed against Weymouth in City’s first pre-season game and started against Bristol Rovers on Saturday. The Irish born defender has taken all his chances thus far to impress and no deadline on his trial has been set as yet: “I spoke to Tis’ (Paul Tisdale) a couple of weeks ago and he said just come down and see how it goes.” He went on to confirm Tisdale hadn’t set a timeframe on his involvement in Exeter’s pre-season and is optimistic of his chances.

The Exeter home supporters received Sweeney very well at the weekend and the added pressure of the flurry of Stats, bets and tips surrounding him didn’t seem to get to the young right back as he played very confidently against Rovers. City lined up in a 4-4-2 formation which allowed him the freedom to move forward and involve himself in the attacking play whilst carrying out his defensive duties competently.

Sweeney is also capable of playing as a centre back and it seems bizarre that Reading would allow such a capable player to leave the club without a transfer fee. Tisdale and Danny Butterfield will continue to assess Sweeney’s progress during pre-season and also in training as he looks to gel with his potential team mates.

He said of his time at Exeter so far: “I’ve been here two weeks and every day I’m getting judge(d) and I’m getting looked at.” He also offered his opinion on the manager and his assistant: “I didn’t feel under pressure (against Weymouth) as all the boys are very welcoming and Tis and Butts are sound”.

It is clear Exeter City will be considering the possibility of signing Sweeney on a permanent basis as both parties seem very happy with one another. As far as the betting guides are concerned, odds aren’t yet available for Sweeney to sign for Exeter City and it looks as though they may not be made available online – within the high street branches odds will likely rest around evens as it stands.