Exeter City Win Race To Sign 26-Year-Old Defender

Exeter City have beaten an SPFL side in the race to sign Partick Thistle defender Jack McMillan on a free transfer, according to a report from journalist Eric Nicolson via the Courier. 

The 26-year-old was the subject of interest from an SPFL side but has since turned down a contract at the Scottish Championship side in favour of a switch to Gary Caldwell’s Exeter City in League One.

Partick Thistle manager Kris Doolan spoke to the club’s website following confirmation of McMillan’s contract decision, where he stated…

“Jack has been an important part of our team ever since I became manager here so naturally I was keen to keep him at the club but a new opportunity in England has come up for him that he wanted to take on so all we can do is wish him the best of luck.”

How did McMillan fair last season?

The versatile full-back played a key role for Partick Thistle in the Scottish Championship last season, making 37 appearances in all competitions for the football club. During that time, McMillan scored two goals and provided six additional assists all of them arriving during league competition including their play-off campaign.

McMillan had been with Partick Thistle since July 2022 following his switch from Livingston and had spent his entire career in Scotland but is now set to swap this for Devonshire football with Exeter City.

Which SPFL side was also chasing the defender?

Gary Caldwell has utilised his Scottish connection to beat SPFL side Dundee in the race to sign the 26-year-old who is available on a free transfer this summer.

He is now set to make the permanent switch to the Devonshire side, ahead of the 2024/25 season.

What will the full-back add to the Exeter City squad?

Throughout the 2023/24 campaign, McMillan has operated in three different defensive positions, which will vastly improve the quality, depth and versatility within the League One side heading into the 2024/25 campaign. He has featured as a left-back and centre-back but is naturally better suited as a right-back.

Despite spending his entire career in Scotland, McMillan has made over 60 appearances in the Scottish Premiership competing against the likes of Rangers, Celtic and Aberdeen which will add a unique degree of experience to the League One side next season.