Exeter City Football Club can confirm that Jake Richards has informed the club of his intention to explore other opportunities away from the club.
As Jake is under the age of 24 and a graduate of Exeter City Academy, the club will be entitled to compensation should he sign with another club.
One of our Own. Jake joined the Grecian academy as an under-12. His journey to elite football hasn’t followed the usual pathway of a Grecians academy player though, with his development not utilising the non-league loan system but instead being nurtured entirely in-house at the Cliff Hill Training Ground throughout the age groups.
A standout talent from a young age, Jake was on the radar of Gary Caldwell’s first team at a very young age. At just 15, he was selected to feature in City’s pre-season fixture at Mousehole in 2023, where he earned high praise from Gary Caldwell, who described him as “the best player on the pitch.”
Just days after his 16th birthday, Jake made his EFL debut against Leyton Orient in September 2023, becoming the third youngest player in the club’s history - only Ethan Ampadu and Ben Chrisene made their debuts at a younger age. He marked the occasion with an assist for Demetri Mitchell’s spectacular goal.
Jake’s first professional goal came in style - a thunderous free-kick against Spurs U21 in the EFL Trophy in September 2024. He followed this up with his first League goal during City’s 3-1 Boxing Day victory over Bristol Rovers, a moment he later described as giving him ‘goosebumps.’
Jake’s impressive performances were recognised across the club and league. He was named the DSA’s Breakthrough Player and the Supporters’ Trust Young Player of the Season at our end-of-season awards. At national level, Jake was honoured with the prestigious LFE League One Apprentice of the Season award at the 2025 EFL Awards, celebrating his hard work both on and off the pitch.
Jake has made a remarkable 32 first team appearances at just 17-years-old, scoring twice and providing three assists.
Manager Gary Caldwell said: “Jake is a tremendous young talent with a bright future ahead of him. He has shown incredible maturity, skill, and determination throughout his time with us. While we would be sad to see him go, we’re incredibly proud of the player and person he has become.”
Everyone at Exeter City is proud of Jake’s achievements and wishes him every success should he join another club.