Exeter City captain Jack Fitzwater has spoken of his delight after signing a contract extension that will keep him at St James Park until 2029.
Fitzwater, who joined the Grecians in 2023, has established himself as a key figure at the heart of City's defence through his hard work and consistency. Named club captain at the start of this season, the defender is now closing in on 100 appearances for the club.
City have made an impressive start defensively this season, keeping six clean sheets in the opening eleven league matches, with Fitzwater playing a key role in helping the team build a solid foundation.
Speaking after putting pen to paper on his new deal, the skipper expressed his excitement about the club's direction, his growing responsibilities and his future in Exeter.
“I’m delighted to sign the new contract,” said Jack. “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 to me. 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. I really want to be a big part of that.
“I'm captain of the club now as well, which comes with that added responsibility. Me and my wife are happy and settled in the area, and we've made Exeter our home. We absolutely love it down here. That's a big thing for the next few years and is a massive part of it. If you're happy off the pitch, then hopefully it helps you perform on the pitch as well.”
Fitzwater's passion for defending has been evident throughout his time with City, and the captain believes the team's growing defensive resilience can provide the platform for greater success as the season progresses.
“Personally, I love defending, and keeping clean sheets is massive,” he explained. “It's a collective effort as a squad, and we really thrive on keeping clean sheets. Hopefully, this season we can turn more of the 0-0s into 1-0 or 2-0 victories.”
The defender also highlighted the importance of staying true to his strengths, with manager Matt Taylor and the coaching staff encouraging him to play with confidence and continue developing his own game.
“I think the gaffer, Dan Green and the coaching staff have just said to go out and be unapologetically yourself this season,” he added.
“I'm kind of in that role of just being me, on and off the pitch, and being comfortable trying to play my own game rather than trying to do things I don't need to do. Ultimately, that will make me a better player and hopefully help the team.”
With relationships continuing to develop across the squad, Fitzwater is confident that City's early foundations can translate into more goals and points in the weeks ahead.
“The squad is really close right now. It's building and coming together, and you can see relationships forming, which is a positive thing,” he said. “I'm sure in the next few weeks you'll start to see more goals and more three points coming our way.
“As a defensive unit, you need to build that camaraderie where everyone has each other's back. I reiterated it in the dressing room on Saturday: don't get too high and don't get too low.
“There will be some real high moments this season that we can enjoy, and there'll be some low moments where we need to stick together and ride it through.”
With his future secured until 2029, Fitzwater is determined to help lead City forward, both through his performances on the pitch and the standards he sets as captain, as the Grecians continue to build upwards.
Watch Jack's full interview ⬇️