We are delighted to announce that club captain Jack Fitzwater has committed his future to Exeter City by signing a contract extension until 2029.
The 29-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a new deal that keeps him at St James Park until the summer of 2029.
Jack has established himself as a key figure in the City squad and will continue to lead the Grecians as they look to build for the future. Joining the Grecians in the summer of 2023, Jack has worked tirelessly to become an ever-present in the Grecians defence over the last couple of seasons.
Jack has been a huge part of the side that has kept six clean sheets in eleven league matches. Statistically he is one of the best defenders in the league, and he has also contributed at the top end of the pitch with two goals.
An experienced head in City’s younger squad this season, Jack is a defender who gives his all on the pitch, having played over 300 professional matches.
As captain he plays an important role in setting standards within the squad and helping drive the team forward. His experience and leadership will be vital as City look to make progress in League Two.
Off the pitch, Jack also plays a huge role for the club in the community, attending events and supporting the Club’s charity City Community Trust, as well as being an advocate for Colitis and Crohn’s UK after he revealed his colitis diagnosis a few years ago.
The contract extension also underlines the club's ambition to build a strong and settled squad, with key players committed to the long-term future of Exeter City.
Everyone at Exeter City is delighted that Jack has committed his future to the Grecians, and we look forward to seeing him continue to lead the team as captain.
Speaking about Jack signing a contract extension, Manager Matt Taylor said: “I said to the players on the first day of pre-season that they should aim to be the player the team misses the most when they’re not out there. In Fitz’s situation, he’s certainly done that. He’s come back in fantastic physical condition, ready to lead the team, and his performances have shown that. He’s gone from strength to strength, and I can’t speak highly enough of what he’s doing on the pitch, but also off it.
“From a manager’s point of view, I couldn’t ask for a better captain and leader for this group of players. I still think there’s more to come from Fitz, and I know there’s more to come from the group as well. I’m absolutely delighted he’s committed to this football club as much as we’ve committed to him.
“The length of the contract shows his ambitions, our ambitions and the club’s ambitions. We want to keep hold of our best players, and Jack has been an outstanding performer so far this season. The more players of his quality we have on the pitch, the better team we’re going to be.
“He is enjoying his football, and I’m looking forward to seeing the team continue to grow, with Jack playing a big part in that. He’s someone who has made Exeter his home, and that’s important. For him to make this decision and commit to us for the longer term shows that the way we work and the environment we’re creating here are worth investing in.
“This is a statement to our supporters and our players about what we’re trying to achieve. We want to build a team that can move forward together, and Jack is going to be a big part of that for a long time.
“I’m delighted we’ve got the deal done now. It’s not taken too long, which suggests all parties wanted it to happen. Looking ahead, Jack is going to be part of our plans for a long period. We know what we’re getting with him: a guaranteed level of performance, character and personality, both on and off the pitch.”
Jack Fitzwater added: “I’m delighted to sign the new contract. When Matt and Marcus came to me and told me the good news. I was excited and I’m really excited for the future.
“The whole package appealed. I want to be a big part of the future and what the club is building both on and off the pitch. I think it's a good place of change right now and there is only one place we want to go, and that's forwards and upwards. So, I really want to be a big part of that.
“I'm now captain of the club as well, which comes with that added responsibility and feel to it. Me and my wife are happy and settled in the area, and we’ve made Exeter our home now.”