Exeter City’s newest recruit Ethan Sutherland says he is relishing the opportunity to get started at St James Park after completing a season-long loan move from Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The 20-year-old left wing-back put pen to paper on his move to the Grecians ahead of Monday night’s Devon derby against Plymouth Argyle in the Carabao Cup and has already settled into his new surroundings.
“It feels amazing to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” beamed Ethan.
“When I heard Exeter were interested, I was intrigued. I spoke to a few other people as well and they recommended it.
“I spoke to Alfie Pond, and he had nothing but good things to say about the club, so that definitely helped.”
Sutherland began his career with Scottish Premiership side St Mirren before making his senior breakthrough during a loan spell with Alloa Athletic in Scottish League One.
His performances caught the attention of Wolves, who brought him to Molineux in the summer of 2024, and the youngster has since gained valuable experience around the first-team environment.
“I started out at St Mirren, and I went on loan to Alloa Athletic in League One in Scotland,” he explained. “I had a good breakout season as a younger player and then Wolves came around, and I couldn’t turn that down.
“I featured on the bench in the Premier League last season a few times, which was an amazing experience. Just being around the squad was brilliant and it was something I really enjoyed.”
Now looking to continue his development with regular first-team football, Sutherland believes his pace, physicality and ability to deliver from wide areas can add another dimension to the Grecians.
“I’d say that I’m quick and quite physical,” he said. “I love creating chances and crossing the ball, and I just love helping the team out as much as I can.”
Sutherland has already had the opportunity to meet his new teammates, joining up with the City squad over the weekend before taking part in his first training session at the Cliff Hill Training Ground on Sunday afternoon.
“It was brilliant to be here for training yesterday and to meet all the lads,” he said.
“They’ve all been very welcoming, and it was a good standard. The facilities are excellent and the pitches are good. It seems like a lovely place here and I can’t ask for more!”
The season-long loan will provide Sutherland with an important opportunity to gain valuable experience of regular senior football, and he says Wolves have given him a clear remit for his time with the Grecians.
“I’m still young and they just want me to contribute as much as I can,” he added. “Whether that’s goals, assists, clean sheets or whatever it may be, they just want me to help the team out as much as I can and help myself become a better player.”
And with his first taste of life as a Grecian already under his belt, Sutherland is eager to get down to work for the 26/27 season.
Watch Ethan’s first interview in full below.