Exeter City Captain Pierce Sweeney has departed the club, bringing a special ten-year association with the Grecians to an end.
Out of contract following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, Pierce has taken the difficult decision to pursue a new opportunity, closing the chapter on one of the most memorable careers in recent Exeter City history.
A model of consistency, commitment and professionalism throughout his decade in Devon, Sweeney leaves St James Park having made 435 appearances in red and white, scoring 24 goals and registering 21 assists. His name is etched into the Club's history. He sits in fourth place for City’s all time appearance makers and played a key role in helping City secure promotion to League One in 2022.
Pierce's Exeter City story began in the summer of 2016 following his departure from Reading. A phone call offering him the opportunity to impress at the Cliff Hill Training Ground proved to be the defining moment of his career.
Determined to seize the opportunity, Pierce paid for his own flight from Ireland and arrived in Devon eager to prove himself. His performances during his trial quickly convinced then-manager Paul Tisdale that he belonged at Exeter City. A contract soon followed and, after putting pen to paper, Pierce was handed the prestigious number 31 shirt, sponsored by the 1931 Fund supporters' group, who contribute towards the wages of one first-team player each season.
Pierce made his Football League debut for the Grecians away at Blackpool in August 2016. Few could have predicted then that he would go on to become one of the Club's longest-serving players of the modern era.
Comfortable anywhere across the back line and always willing to put his body on the line for the badge, Pierce quickly established himself as an integral member of the squad. His versatility, leadership and unwavering determination made him a favourite with teammates, staff and supporters alike.
His first goal arrived in a 3-1 victory away at Forest Green Rovers in September 2017. Over the following nine years he would score another 23 goals, many of them memorable strikes, with his final goal for City coming fittingly against his former club Reading in a 2-2 draw during the 2025/26 season.
One true highlight of Pierce’s time as a Grecian would be the promotion of 2022/23. After being part of the squad that had suffered heartbreak in the League Two play-off final at Wembley Stadium, Pierce finally tasted promotion after a 2-1 win against Barrow at SJP, a night that sparked unforgettable celebrations and remains one of the proudest moments of his career.
Pierce was named City’s captain for the second half of the 2023/24 season after the departure of Matt Jay. For the next three seasons he led the Grecians through League One, setting standards on and off the pitch and becoming an outstanding ambassador for the Club in the Community.
Pierce joined Exeter City as a youngster looking to make a mark in football, and he now leaves the Club as a man. He has been a true fan favourite that has worn his heart on his sleeve for the last decade - a remarkable achievement in modern football.
On Pierce’s departure, Exeter City manager Matt Taylor said: “Pierce has been a fantastic servant for over ten years. Pierce joined us as a 20-year-old from Reading and has turned into a seasoned pro and our captain and our talisman so he will be missed but we wish him all the best in his new venture, and we look forward to our paths crossing.
“Although Pierce wasn’t a product of the Exeter City academy, he became one of our own and played a massive part in the growth and development of our young players at the club.”
Speaking about making the tough decision to leave Exeter, Pierce said: "It's been a tough decision and I've taken my time. It's been a difficult summer off the back of the ending last year and everyone knows the current status of the club.
"I've had a lot of decisions to make from a personal and professional point of view and the club have given me everything they could. I just felt at this time in my career and life that I'm at a good age now where it is time to move on and see what is next challenge myself elsewhere.
"The football club has been really patient and has shown me the utmost respect. I don't like to say I'm leaving but I'm moving on. Hopefully I leave on good terms as that was really important to me and I didn't want to leave without saying a proper goodbye."
All at Exeter City thank Pierce for his dedication, passion and commitment to the Club over a remarkable ten-year period and wish him all the best with his future career.
Watch Sweenz final interview as he addresses his decision to leave the club ⬇️