Exeter boss excited by midfielder Cummins' potential
Charlie Cummins has been a regular in the Exeter City side since returning from loan in February [Shutterstock] Exeter City midfielder Charlie Cummins could become the next great young player at the club, according to interim manager Matt Taylor. Cummins, 20, impressed in just his second League One start last week in the 0-0 draw with Leyton Orient. He joined Exeter from Irish side Cobh Ramblers for an undisclosed fee just over two years ago and has spent time on loan at National League South side Weston-super-Mare this season.
"He covers the ground well. We're asking him to probably play deeper than what his natural position is," Taylor told BBC Radio Devon. "I'm excited about him in the future, he's going to be a serious player.
"I think when we get the right ones around him, I think we can take him to that next level. " Cummins started alongside veteran Kevin McDonald last week - Cummins was just three months old when 37-year-old McDonald made his professional debut for Dundee in September 2005. But the pair impressed, adding energy and physicality to the midfield.
Taylor says Cummins reminds him of former Exeter midfielder Tim Dieng, who played under him when he led City to promotion from League Two in 2022. "Remember what Dieng did for us with all those set piece goals, all those headed goals," he added. "Charlie can meet the ball in the box and he can cover the ground the rest of the place and he can handle the ball as well.
"So I'm excited about him, and for anyone to be making their way in the game who better to have alongside you than the cool, calm, silkiness of Kevin McDonald. "I was pleased with that partnership, now that can't just be a start, that's got to be now a building block for Friday and then hopefully to continue in the remaining five games. "