Sunday, December 22, 2024

Caldwell hails ‘amazing’ Magennis after first Exeter goal

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Josh Magennis’ close-range effort in the second half ensured Exeter beat Shrewsbury Town and moved them up to fifth in League One [Rex Features]

Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell says Josh Magennis has been an “amazing” addition to his squad.

The Northern Ireland striker scored his first goal since moving to Exeter in the summer in City’s 2-0 win at Shrewsbury Town four days ago.

The 34-year-old also scored in his country’s 5-0 win over Bulgaria 48 hours earlier, having gone 10 games without finding the net.

“He’s been amazing in so many different ways,” Caldwell said ahead of his side’s League Two clash with Reading on Tuesday.

“Obviously, as a number nine you’re going to be judged on goals, that’s why we signed him – to be that focal point and score goals.

“But I think Josh brings so much more than goals in terms of his experience, his character around the place on a daily basis.

“What he’s brought in terms of that, the culture that we now have, he’s a very big part of what we do.”

The experienced former Charlton, Hull City and Bolton Wanderers forward moved to Exeter from Wigan Athletic.

He has won 80 caps and Caldwell hopes scoring goals in back-to-back games for the first time since April will give him a boost.

“When you’re doing well it breeds confidence,” Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon.

“He went away with Northern Ireland, he had a good trip in terms of positive results and scoring.

“He comes back in a really good place and then continues that on Thursday.

“We’re delighted to have him. He’s been a huge signing for us, a huge impact on the whole football club and hopefully he can keep adding more goals as well.”

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