Defender set to retire after leaving the Grecians
Centre-half Pat Baldwin was not named on the 2015 retain list and has been released from Exeter City. He is expected to retire from full-time professional football following the expiry of his contract at St James Park.Baldwin initially joined the Grecians in March 2012 as a loanee, before making a permanent switch at the end of that season and settling in Devon.
After being nearly ever-present in his first full campaign with Exeter, Pat’s second season was somewhat hampered with injuries after Christmas. He began 2014/15 at centre-half for Exeter but obtained a knee injury in September which effectively curtailed his season. After eight months away from action, he made a return for the final 15 minutes of the season in a 2-1 win against Dagenham & Redbridge.
After beginning as a trainee with Chelsea, Pat’s playing career took him to Colchester, Bristol Rovers and Southend before linking up with the Grecians. Of his 357 career games, 89 came for Exeter City and his sole goal came in a 3-2 win away in Rochdale.
Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale said: “It has been a cruel blow that Pat has had to miss a majority of the season through injury, but I am delighted that he was able to come back to play the last 15 minutes of the season against Dagenham.
“It is tough to judge a player who has been away from action and unable to compete for a position for such a long period, and as a club we have to make difficult decisions this summer as we aim to assemble a squad for next season.
“Pat has been a real example of professionalism and I couldn’t be happier with the way he has conducted himself around the club during his time with us. He has been a really good servant for us over the past four seasons.
“Pat has been our PFA representative, he has been the captain on the pitch and a leader in the dressing room, and an excellent example to the younger players. I will look back on Pat’s time with Exeter with much fondness, and wish him all the very best for his future.”