Exeter City were eliminated from the FA Cup following a 10-1 defeat to Premier League outfit Manchester City.
The Grecians had previously beaten FC Halifax Town and Wycombe Wanderers to make it to the Third Round.
However, in what was the biggest FA Cup victory ever for Manchester City, the Grecians were empathetically knocked out of the competition.
The outfit had been backed by 7800 fans, who had made their way to the Etihad Stadium for the fixture.
Furthermore, prior to the game, Exeter’s Supporters Club had issued a statement confirming the club had written to Manchester City in pursuit of more gate money.
Now, with the side out of the competition, Gary Caldwell’s may focus their attention on the league and on ensuring survival.
With this in mind, the manager has issued a statement.
Speaking to the BBC after the game, Caldwell stated: “Their behaviours throughout were relentless, their attitude and the respect they showed us I thought was outstanding, and they did what Man City should do to us.
“That didn’t drop off at 4-0, 5-0, 6-0, 7-0, they kept going and we can take a lot from this game in terms of the behaviours we try and coach into the players every day and the behaviours we try and instil
“The team can take a lot from that, because that was a really humbling experience.
“It’s an experience that I think could be positive once you analyse it in the cold light of day, and ultimately our season will not be defined by this
“Our season will be defined by the next 22 league games.”
Now, the outfit may turn their attention towards their upcoming fixture against Stevenage in League One next weekend.
However, as Caldwell claimed, the defeat to Manchester City was most definitely an “experience.”
