Exeter City goalkeeper Joe Whitworth has confirmed that any recall clause in his loan agreement with Crystal Palace has now expired, meaning he will spend the entirety of the 2025/26 season with the Grecians. The 21-year-old shot-stopper returns after a standout first loan spell, during which he kept 16 clean sheets in 51 appearances and was named Exeter City’s Player of the Season.
Whitworth broke a long-standing third-tier record early in his loan, keeping five consecutive clean sheets between late September and early October. The first goalkeeper to achieve the feat since 1978.
His performances showcased not only his shot-stopping ability but also his composure, organisation, and leadership from the back, establishing him as a key figure in Gary Caldwell’s squad.
With the recall clause now expired, Whitworth will continue until the end of the season with Caldwell and Exeter for what will be the club’s third consecutive season in League One, providing vital stability in goal as the team looks to build on a strong start to the campaign.
Whitworth has continued his excellent form this season, with Exeter picking up 13 points from a possible 15 across their last five league games. The on-loan Crystal Palace keeper has been central to the Grecians’ recent climb up the Sky Bet League One table, giving the team confidence to play their natural attacking game.
Reflecting on the run, Whitworth emphasised the importance of focus and mentality:
“We had some really tough games and came out the other side with some really good results, so reflecting on that has been good.“
“But the manager is really good at keeping us grounded, as we don’t want any complacency. For us as a group it’s all about our mentality.“
“Focusing on each game as it comes and hopefully each time we can put in good performances to win games.”
Exeter head into their next fixture on the back of a 3-1 victory away at Port Vale, a game that required resilience early on. Whitworth admitted it took time for the team to find their rhythm:
“I think it took us maybe 10 minutes to get into the game. Port Vale had a few chances which came from us not settling in right. I had to make the save early doors which was good, and after that we reacted pretty well and started playing our normal selves.”
His influence extends beyond key saves; Whitworth’s organisation and communication at the back have been vital in allowing Exeter to press forward confidently.
Exeter now prepare for a trip to Reading, who were held to a draw at St James Park earlier this season. Whitworth is determined to secure all three points this time:
“Watching the reverse fixture back today, they had a few chances that we can hopefully nullify early doors. But I felt like we played some good stuff, especially in the second half.”
“It was a good point at the time, and hopefully now we’re in a really good run of form and playing some really good attacking stuff. We want to go there on the front foot, be aggressive like we have been in every other game recently, and go and win the game.”
With Whitworth confirmed to remain at Exeter for the full season, supporters can look forward to another campaign of assured goalkeeping and the continuity that comes with having a proven performer between the sticks.
