Exeter City came from behind to secure a victory against Burton Albion on Saturday in a result that takes them 13th in League One heading into the Christmas period.
The Grecians are currently outside of the top half by a single goal and got themselves a much-needed victory over the Brewers after previously being on a run of just one victory from their last eight matches in all competitions.
Similarly, the January transfer window is also firmly on the horizon and is starting to weigh heavily on the minds of plenty of EFL teams as they look to try and strengthen their respective teams and give themselves the best opportunity they can of achieving their end-of-season targets.
This is no different for Exeter City who have reportedly identified a potential January target though they would need to overcome a major snag first…
Exeter join chase for goal-scoring midfielder
As reported by journalist Darren Witcoop, Exeter City are the first named side to join the ongoing list of clubs that are interested in signing midfielder Joel Colwill on loan next month, though he is currently on loan at League Two side Cheltenham Town.
The 20-year-old has experienced a loan stint to remember thus far after arriving in League Two from Championship side Cardiff City and was recently nominated for the League One Supporters Player of the Month for November.
Though he is currently on loan for the duration of the 2024/25 campaign with Cheltenham Town in League Two, Cardiff City are reportedly open to the idea of recalling the midfielder for him to secure himself a higher-levelled loan spell for the second half of the campaign and that could play into Exeter’s hands.
How has he fared so far this season?
Since making the temporary summer switch from Cardiff City, Colwill has made 25 appearances in all competitions for Cheltenham Town and has established himself in their starting XI alongside other talented team-mates in the form of Jordan Thomas and Ethon Archer.
During those outings, Colwill has scored six goals as well as providing three additional assists, meaning he is one goal short of taking his overall tally into double figures for the campaign.
Similarly, Colwill is also currently averaging 2.21 shots per game as well as 1.36 successful dribbles and 6.49 duel wins, providing to be useful at both areas of the pitch – potentially adding versatility options to Exeter’s midfield should they find themselves in a position to complete a deal.
Is a recall likely?
Currently, Joel Colwill has been one of Cheltenham Town’s standout players in League Two and has proven on several occasions that he possesses the ability to dictate matches on his own, as proven with his displays against the likes of Newport County this season.
Speaking following Cheltenham’s recent match against Gillingham, manager Michael Flynn addressed Colwill’s future with the club. Speaking to Gloucestershire Live, Flynn stated…
“I am not going to say anything about that. I haven’t heard anything. I find it a bit bizarre that you’d tell the press before speaking to us.
“I am sure that he was just caught out by the question, Joel is with us, playing regular football and I have a good relationship with Cardiff.
“He is developing. I know how to develop players and bring them on. Let’s hope he is still here. I haven’t heard anything.”
However, the opportunity of moving Colwill into League One would possess a risk that could pay off and shape his future at Cardiff City upon his return to the Championship side next summer – should they still be in the second tier next season.
