Exeter City make 'step in the right direction' after Shrewsbury draw

Gary Caldwell has been in charge of Exeter City since succeeding Matt Taylor in October 2022

Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell said he was pleased with how his side reacted to Saturday's 7-0 loss at Bolton in their draw with Shrewsbury.

City earned a second league point in four games, although their League One winless run now extends to 10 matches.

Having led the table in September, Exeter are now only one place and two points off the relegation spots.

"I saw a big reaction in terms of character, commitment and desire," Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon.

"I couldn't ask for any more after how flat and low we were, and how hurt we were after the game because these players really care about their football, their careers, this football club and they were all hurting.

"We know it was far from perfect, we know there's areas we have to improve, but to come through that game on Saturday and get what we've got tonight, I think it's a step in the right direction."

Caldwell's side were booed by sections of the fans, who also called for the Scot to leave his role, after a fifth home league game out of nine in which Exeter have failed to score.

Last week the club's directors came out and publicly backed Caldwell, who is planning to bring in a new striker in January in an attempt to alleviate their problems in front of goal.

"Ten games ago this stadium couldn't believe what they were seeing with this group of players and they would have carried these players through the city centre on their backs at that point," Caldwell said.

"It's a short period of time where things have turned, for many different reasons.

"What we need now is for the football club to stick together, that is supporters and players, need to keep believing in what we're doing.

He added: "We need the supporters to stick behind us because they're fantastic supporters.

"They saved this football club 20 years ago, they travel the length and breadth of the country, which is a huge cost and huge time to do that.

"It's incredible what they do, and I know how frustrated they are, but at this moment they need to stick behind this team, they need to keep believing in this team that got them to the top of the league 10 games ago."