Goalkeeper Joe Whitworth re-joined the Grecians on a season-long loan from Premier League side Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window.

Whitworth, 21, first arrived at St James Park in July 2024 and immediately established himself as a key figure in the Grecians’ squad. Across all competitions, he made an impressive 51 appearances, delivering a string of standout performances that earned him the Fans’ Player of the Year award for the 2024/25 season. 

The young keeper’s shot-stopping prowess quickly endeared him to the City faithful at SJP, and he earned plaudits for commanding a defence that kept a club-record breaking five consecutive clean sheets in a row during September and October and saw him nominated for League One Player of the Month. 

Speaking in May following the end of season awards, Whitworth spoke with fondness at his connection with the club, saying: “I love the club. Since the day I came in, the manager has been incredible with me, everyone at the club, and the fans, have been amazing since day one.

“Obviously I have tried to repay the faith that they have given me and the manager has given me in every single game I have played and I hope they have seen that.”