Former West Ham United youngster Anthony Scully made an immediate impact with his new club, scoring the winning goal just hours after sealing his transfer. The 27-year-old forward had been searching for a new club throughout the summer.
Scully left Shrewsbury Town at the end of his contract in July. After just over three months without a club, he signed a three-year deal with League Two side Exeter City on Saturday morning. He was named in the starting lineup for the league game against Rotherham United and scored what turned out to be the winning goal in a 1-0 home victory.
Ending a goal drought
The goal brought an end to a month-long League Two goal drought for the Grecians. It also secured just their second win of the league season.
Scully came up through the youth team at West Ham but failed to make a first-team appearance for the Hammers. He completed a move to Lincoln City in 2020 and has also spent time with Wigan, Portsmouth, Colchester (loan) and Shrewsbury.
Scully explains his decision
Speaking about his decision to move to Exeter, Scully said: “I'm only 27, and I'm coming into the best years of my career, so the next move for me was the most important football-wise.
“I want to be playing for a side and playing for a manager that has a style of football that suits me as a player, so that's why I held off from a few other options to hope that it would come. When Exeter came calling it was perfect.”
Manager's verdict
Manager Matt Taylor outlined what Scully would bring to the team. “Anthony is a player we’ve come across before and I’ve got strong memories of his energy, his ability on the ball and his enthusiasm for attacking moments,” he said.
“He’s 27, has a strong pedigree and still has a lot to offer. He had other opportunities available to him, but he sees this as a good fit for himself, as much as we see it as a good fit for him.
“I’m delighted he’s chosen to come here and hopefully we can help him reach his peak. There will be a period where we have to get him up to speed and manage his workload and match minutes sensibly, but he’ll add quality and experience to a young group.
“He’s been in good dressing rooms, he seems like a good character, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can add. We’ve spoken a lot about where we need to improve now, particularly in terms of composure and decision-making.
“Anthony is someone who, on the pitch, will say, ‘Give me the ball in that moment, let me take responsibility for the next action’. That’s something we’re really looking forward to seeing from him.”
