Cole understands role as senior Exeter City player

Reece Cole says he understands his additional responsibilities as one of Exeter City’s senior players this season.

The 28-year-old was one of the most experienced members of a largely young Grecians side that lost 1-0 at Grimsby Town on Saturday.

Having seen a number of departures over the summer following relegation, financially-stretched City have been forced to bring in younger players.

Cole is beginning his fourth season at the club and has played 110 times in all competitions.

“I’m one of the oldest boys, which at 28 years old is quite surprising,” he told BBC Radio Devon following the game.

“At most teams you wouldn’t be one of the oldest, so I’ve got to be a shoulder for the younger lads to lean on in times like today and try and lead them in training and show them the ropes, like players have done with me when I was a youngster coming through.

“We’ve got a good group of senior boys, myself, Fitzy (Jack Fitzwater), Doyler (Jake Doyle-Hayes), even Jack Bycroft. We’ve got a step up to the plate and focus on our games, but then also help the youngsters.

“We’re going to need them this season, you can see there’s a lot of youngsters on the bench, there’s youngsters in the team, so they’ve got a step up to the plate but also we have to help them.”

Cole is hopeful Exeter’s younger element will swiftly adapt to the rigours of League Two.

A number of the club’s academy players are getting more chances for exposure to the first team than in previous campaigns.

“League Two is not an easy league, it’s a very physical league as you can see today, so the young lads have to learn very quickly,” he said.

“We’ll guide them as much as possible and give them everything that they need to learn and to come into the team and perform, so hopefully we can help them do that.”

He added: “We’re a new team. We’ve spent the last six weeks together, so hopefully the more time on the training pitch that will help guide us in the right ways for Saturdays and Tuesdays to ultimately get three points.”

• Listen to Exeter City content on BBC Sounds