Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell has confirmed the news that defender Alex Hartridge will be leaving the League One side at the end of the season, but which club could he sign for next?
The 25-year-old had spent his entire professional career with the Grecians, aside from brief loan spells in the National League South and has established himself as a crucial part of the clubs rise over the last few seasons, but with his contract set to end, his exit has now been confirmed.
Over the course of the 2023/24 season, Hartridge has made 35 appearances in all competitions for Exeter City, scoring his only goal against Stevenage in a round two clash in the EFL Cup.
In total, Hartridge made over 150 first-team appearances for Exeter City, featuring in both League One and Two, scoring three goals as well as captaining the side during Saturday’s victory over Stevenage.
Speaking to the club’s website, manager Gary Caldwell stated…
“It’s no surprise that he is leaving next season and we have offered him contracts and he is choosing to go elsewhere.
“He has come back into the squad and showed his professionalism, and we felt he deserved this game today as captain.”
With that being said, lets take a look at five possible destinations for the 25-year-old this summer…
Bristol Rovers
Staying local, Bristol Rovers are currently managed by former Exeter manager Matt Taylor and for me, this is arguably the strongest suggestion on this list.
The League One side have had a difficult 2023/24 campaign this season and currently find themselves in mid-table with just five matches left to play. Hartridge featured heavily under Matt Taylor at Exeter and plenty of Bristol Rovers fans have already made their feelings about him signing clear on social media.
Bristol Rovers are set to lose two loanees in Hartridge’s position and with the 25-year-old also being local and available on a free, this should be a ‘no brainer’ for the Gas.
Reading FC
Focussing on the side directly below Bristol Rovers is Ruben Selles’ Reading, who have managed to climb away from a relegation dog-fight, despite experiencing points deductions, transfer embargoes and countless protests this season.
Reading are likely to have another significant clear out this summer, which could be of encouragement to a player like Hartridge as he’d be exposed to a strong coaching team, plenty of minutes and a better financial improvement.
Without intending any disrespect, Exeter City and Reading may occupy the same league, but the club sizes are completely different and the opportunity to play at a former Premier League side, could prove to be a difficult proposition to turn down.
Rotherham United
Speaking of a rebuild, I have also selected Rotherham United as a potential destination for the 25-year-old this summer and here’s why…
The Millers have just been relegated to League One, following an extremely difficult season in the second tier. The club are likely to part ways with a significant portion of their first-team squad this summer and bring in a fresh crop of individuals to help bring good fortunes back to the club.
Admittedly, this move would see a location change as well as increase in competition for first-team minutes, but a side like Rotherham could be an ideal ‘next step’ for Hartridge this summer.
Wycombe Wanderers
Beaten EFL Trophy finalists Wycombe Wanderers are likely to be in the market for defenders this summer, especially with Wolves’ Nigel Lonwijk returning to Molineux, but could they target someone like Hartridge?
During the 2023/24 season, Wycombe have brought in several players from fellow League One sides including Luke Leahy and Kieran Sadlier and will be very familiar with Hartridge having played against him in both League One and League Two.
With the Chairboys likely to add further League One experience into their side, I believe Hartridge should be a name that’s high on their recruitment list.
Leyton Orient
Finally, despite Leyton Orient being set to miss out on the play-offs this season, they have built themselves an excellent foundation to build upon this summer.
Orient have a handful of players currently in the final months of their contracts, with one in particular being Dan Happe. The duo are the same age (25) and have played the same number of league matches this season (28) but Hartridge edges Happe out in terms of his defensive statistics including 0.43 more tackles, 1.51 more clearances and 0.87 more headed clearances.
If Richie Wellens was to lose his key defensive figure this summer, there will be a ready-made replacement in Alex Hartridge available on a free transfer and its a move that I feel should be pursued.
Would you take Hartridge at your EFL side? Let us know on Twitter @TheSportsDeckUK.