Jamal Blackman and Kegs Chauke: Exeter City sign goalkeeper and midfielder

Jamal Blackman made three appearances for Huddersfield Town last season

Exeter City have signed former Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Jamal Blackman and Southampton midfielder Kegs Chauke on a season-long loan.

Blackman, 28, has agreed a one-year deal at St James Park.

The former Chelsea youngster has had loan spells at Wycombe, Sheffield United, Leeds United, Bristol Rovers and Rotherham United.

He joined MLS side Los Angeles FC last September before moving to Huddersfield on a short-term deal in January.

The pair are the first signings the Grecians have made since winning promotion from League One last season.

Exeter have been looking for a first-choice goalkeeper all summer after Cameron Dawson returned to Sheffield Wednesday following a season-long loan last season.

"Jamal is the profile of goalkeeper we were looking for and one we had to be patient with. He has fantastic experience from the levels he has played at," Exeter manager Matt Taylor said.

"We needed a big presence and someone to take the pressure of the aerial bombardment we sometimes face as a certain type of team with a lot of young players.

"Jamal needs to play more games and get those numbers up. We're really pleased to bring him to the football club and it's a partnership that has to work both ways. We're under no illusion where Jamal wants to be in 12 months time."

In 2020 Kegs Chauke was part of South Africa's provisional squad for the Tokyo Olympics

South Africa-born Chauke, 19, has been on trial at Exeter over pre-season and scored in a friendly against Truro City.

His only first team appearance for Saints came in a 2-0 FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town in January 2021, although he has played in the EFL Trophy for the Premier League club's academy side.

"Over the last few weeks it's been a chance for us to look at Kegs and Kegs to look at us, and provide some valuable feedback to Southampton about him," Taylor said.

"Within this time he showed us what he can do and we are really grateful to Southampton for the circumstances in which they've allowed the deal to go through.

"We want to develop his game and get him hardened and game ready in terms of seniority, and we've seen enough from his playing side and his character to believe he will have an impact this season."

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