Exeter City's former players: What heights did they reach?

Simon Wells
Authored by Simon Wells
Posted Wednesday, September 14, 2022 - 7:37am

Exeter City's academy has been relatively successful since the turn of the millennium as it has produced many players that have gone on to play in higher leagues, some even on the peak stages of the Premier League and European football.

First of all, Ollie Watkins is a player that has not reached magnificent heights but has established himself as a Premier League standard player at Aston Villa.

Aston Villa has been a struggling side under Steven Gerrard but Watkins has been a rare highlight linking up well with Danny Ings up front. Watkins possesses blistering pace but is also an extremely intelligent forward who often times his runs perfectly in order to beat the offside trap.

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Watkins's two assists were crucial in the win against Everton and he will be vital if they are to win away to Leeds at the beginning of October. Villa is offered at 13/8 to claim victory against Leeds in Betfair's Premier League football tips.

Aside from getting in behind defences and finding the net, Watkins is also extremely hard-working off the ball; relentlessly chasing down opposing defences and winning the ball back at a rate defensive midfielders would be proud of Watkins is a jack of all trades in the forward position.

Watkins has probably forged the greatest career of currently active former Exeter City players. In the past, Clinton Morrison is a player who has gone on to achieve great things. The forward similarly to Watkins was very effective in running in behind due to his pace but was also fairly strong and able to hold his own against defenders.

Morrison was a full international for the Republic of Ireland and was named in their FIFA World Cup squad of 2002, after playing a huge part in earning his country a place at the Korea/Japan contest in a playoff game played in a crazy atmosphere in Iran.

Morrison was a Premier League legend for Crystal Palace appearing 281 times and netting 101 goals for the Eagles, he also enjoyed relatively successful stints with Midlands sides Birmingham City and Coventry City.

Morrison joined Exeter as a footballing legend in the latter stages of his career and wound down his career spending a couple of years on the South Coast.

The Irish international is certainly one of the most high-profile players to play for the Grecians. Lee Sharpe is yet another attacking player who arrived at the club after he had experienced the greatest years of his career, he was predominantly a left winger that showcased impressive pace and quick feet as well as an eye for goal.

Sharpe played for a number of top clubs including Manchester United, Leeds United and even a loan stint at UC Sampdoria in Italy. Sharpe played for England eight times, which is a rarity for a former Exeter player, but he never managed to find his way onto the score sheet for his nation.

Sharpe had an obscure end to his career with Grindavik in Iceland after playing just four times for the Grecians but he is still one of the highest-quality players to appear for the club.

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