Young Grecians head to Yeovil for match action
EXETER City manager Matt Taylor says he is excited at what Ben Seymour and Jordan Dyer can do for National League side Yeovil Town after joining the Glovers in a one-month loan deal.
With first team opportunities limited at St James Park, a move across the Devon/Somerset border seems the perfect fit for two young players with obvious talent, but who need game time.
Youngsters from Exeter have often gone out on loan to non-League clubs but, despite their reputation for producing quality young players, clubs from the top tier of the nonleague ranks have never really committed to taking a Grecian – until now.
“It is imperative that young players play and they are two young players that are on the fringes, if not close to our first team, but I cannot guarantee them consistent game time – and both players need to play,” Taylor said.
“They are at a point in their careers where they need to cement themselves as first team footballers and we felt the best avenue for them to do that was a short loan spell at a good level. We weren’t going to send them to National League North or South because we feel they are above that level.
“We are so grateful to Yeovil and finally – we have found a National League team that actually wants to take some of our young players and we couldn’t wait to get it done because it is something we have been short of at this club for a number of seasons.
“We need them to do well because we need them to reflect that our good players are worth taking at that level but also, individually, each player needs a successful loan spell as well.”
Seymour, 22, enjoyed a productive loan spell in National South with Dorchester Town, where he scored a number of goals, but he has struggled to take that next step into the
City first team.
A step back could be the best thing for him to kick on once again, while 21-year-old Dyer has enjoyed productive spells at Bideford and Tiverton Town (twice) and will no doubt relish the challenge of National League football.
“We are so pleased and I have to thank Terry Skiverton,” Taylor added. “I know him well as I did my pro licence with him, but we want to build relationships with the local non-league clubs.
“This is a really good move for all parties and we think the two players will improve what Yeovil already have at the moment. It is a gruelling league and they will probably have a certain amount of games and a certain amount of opportunities in quick succession.
“Both players also know that this is an opportunity where they really have to go and make their mark to give themselves a chance of having a career with ourselves and further in football.”
The fact it is a month also means that Exeter won’t be left short if they have any injuries. Seymour especially has been a regular substitute this season, but while he wouldn’t be able to return immediately, if injury were to strike, Taylor feels it is a risk with taking.
“It would have been different if we were playing Saturday-Tuesday, Saturday-Tuesday, but the fact most of our games are on weekends this month means if the worst came to the worst, we won’t be without these players for too long.
“If it is working after a month, then it can be extended, but it will only be extended if they perform well. It’s such a good opportunity and I am really looking forward to seeing how they do.”
Both Seymour and Dyer played for the Glovers in a behind closed doors game against Newport County in the week. Yeovil are without a match this weekend.