Fitzwater eyes Exeter City return after illness

Jack Fitzwater has had a full pre-season with Exeter City

Exeter City defender Jack Fitzwater says he is ready to return to the League One side on a regular basis after a debut season hit by illness.

The 26-year-old was diagnosed with severe ulcerative colitis soon after his move from Scottish side Livingston.

The illness led to him needing to use the toilet up to 30 times a day.

He played just seven times last season and has featured in just one half of football since the end of October.

But following a full pre-season so far he has much loftier ambitions for 2024-25.

"I want to play every minute," he told BBC Radio Devon after a pre-season win over Yeovil Town.

"I want to play 46 games, that's been my goal since last season.

"I feel fit, I feel strong. This pre-season's going to be massive for me and touch wood I can stay fit through a whole pre-season and get more games under my belt.

"This was my first 70 minutes since last September, so ticking this seven-week pre-season off is a big thing for me going into the season."

The former West Bromwich Albion youngster spent 18 months on loan at Walsall before moving to Scottish top-flight side Livingston in the summer of 2020 where he played more than 100 games.

But he also knows that breaking into the Exeter City side will not be easy, despite his experience.

"I think I've got to show a high level of performance," he added.

"There's a lot of boys in the squad who believe they should be starting week in, week out.

"If I stay fit and get a good pre-season I know what I'm capable of for this football club.

"I really enjoy it down here, I absolutely love it, so I can't wait to get going."