Exeter’s interim manager Dan Green apologises to fans after their 5-1 defeat to Bolton makes it winless in 7 games.
Sam Dalby put Bolton ahead on 21 minutes, then Johnny Kenny doubled the lead with half an hour left of the second half remaining.
But the goals didn’t stop there, Jayden Wareham got one back for Exeter shortly after, then Bolton’s Thierry Gale, Ibrahim Cissoko and George Johnston all got on the scoresheet.
It sees the Trotters end a run of three successive draws in League One and move the visitors three points ahead of 4th placed Bradford, and 10 behind 2nd placed Lincoln. Cissoko also saw a chance come back off the post.
Exeter sit 15th with 41 points after 33 games played, 5 points above the drop zone, and 11 away from the playoff places.
Exeter’s interim manager Dan Green, said per Devon Live: “In a difficult moment we need to stick together, but I apologise to the supporters that came out in great numbers today,” he said.
“I am so disappointed we couldn’t give them more today, but this group is trying and will keep trying to the highest possible level.
“We lost goals at bad moments and it affected the way we were trying to play.
“We got the third goal and I thought we were back in the game, but after scoring that, we knew there would be players that had to come off due to where they are (fitness-wise) but we were opened up and they scored more goals after that.
“We have to learn fast and my main message is to look after each other, support each other and try and get back to the levels we reached earlier this season.
“We have to recover the group and prepare them for the next challenge that is coming against Burton on Tuesday. That’s all we can do and all we can control.
“We have to learn fast and my main message is to look after each other, support each other and try and get back to the levels we reached earlier this season.
“We have to recover the group and prepare them for the next challenge that is coming against Burton on Tuesday. That’s all we can do and all we can control.
“We’ve been consistent with the chances we are creating. We had 10 shots on target today and scored five and we’ve had over 20 shots on goal, so I can’t ask for more than that.
“The only negative was that I am disappointed with the goal we conceded, but that’s just me being picky.”
Bolton’s Steven Schumacher said, per Bolton News:
âI think we’ve been playing well, to be fair,â he said after the final whistle. âI think the three draws weâve had on the spin, two of those games we probably should have won, and I felt the lads have been playing at a good level.
âThere seems to be a good atmosphere at the moment in the dressing room, that helps when you go 10 unbeaten and the confidence is there, and I think a result like that has been coming.
âCertainly in the second half we were clinical with the chances, which we’ve been guilty of not being, so pleased for today.
âReally pleased for our supporters who have travelled all this way down here, and we get home with a really big three points.â
Exeter have a decent record at home but were brushed aside by an emphatic second-half performance after Dalbyâs initial opener.
âWe’re consistent with the amount of chances that we create.
âWe’ve had 10 shots on target today and scored five. We’ve had over 20 shots again on the goal, so that hasn’t been a problem all season.
âWe have got into those areas, we have been dangerous the way we play, the way the lads are passing the ball at the moment, so we look to be playing with a bit of confidence.
âAs I say, we’ve done that a couple of times now where we’ve put teams to the sword, and today we’re so pleased that we have done it because this isn’t an easy place to come.
âExeter have been in really good form, and in that second half I think we’ve just shown our strength and what we can be capable of.
âThe only sort of negative of it is that we probably think it should have been a clean sheet because we’re disappointed with the goal that we conceded, but that’s me again being picky!
âTo win by four goals is good and to finally enjoy the last five minutes of the game where you can finally relax was really pleasing.
âI was so happy with all of the goal scorers, pleased for Sam Dalby and Johnny Kenny, I thought they played well.
âThey linked up for the goal Johnny set Sam up for the opening goal, it was a great finish. Johnny gets his goal, and shock, George Johnston finally gets a goal at the end to top it off!â
Here’s how fans reacted as Exeter’s interim manager apologises after a 5-1 defeat to Bolton makes it winless in 7 games…
@sumsECFC: Gave them far too much respect today – hopefully some big lessons can be learned from today and we can put it right on Tuesday night. Concerned about the injuries starting to mount up however. Credit to the Bolton fans, made a hell of a lot of noise.
@alfieash01: Worrying times for #ECFC. Soundly beaten by a Bolton side who hardly got out of 2nd gear. With our 3 best centre backs potentially injured, it could be a long end to the season
@col3y130: Get a manager in who knows what heâs doing. Get a goal back and react not sit in, concede again then make the subs. Wanted to back Green but 0 game management skill. Long season left, could easily go down still
@col3y130: If Jayden wareham leaves, after the post match interview from the supporters lounge, I donât blame him, clubs a joke, interview was embarrassing for the lad whoâs the only player weâve got this season, management is in the mud, green and nicho not good enough, weâre fucked. #ecfc
@paulie86: Just got beaten by a much better football team today, only complaint is the changes that were ready at 2-0 should have still happened when we scored. Onto Tuesday
@Jamiedecfc: If there was a performance that describes our season it’s that one terrible defending again lost count of how many times we’ve lost the ball this season in promising positions and the other major thing is I’ve seen nothing from Dan Green to warrant the permanent job #ecfc
@NexusworldHQ: From the moment Gary left we seem a yard off the pace, standards seem to have dropped and weâre lacking discipline. He was able to put a rocket up their arse when we werenât performing, everyone on that bench is too nice. We need a strong leader in charge. #ECFC
@OffTheLineBlog: A perplexing one for #ECFC. With Gary Caldwell departing, the optics of deciding not to give the job – at least initially – to Kevin Nicholson are odd. Seems only natural to promote KN to #1 given Caldwell’s exit. To go with Green is a proper kick in the teeth. Bizarre.
@ecfc32: As shit as we are/were, Bolton were unreal. Best side weâve played in L1 since Ipswich. #ecfc #bwfc
@jakeb04_: really wanted green to do well but this is a disastrous beginning to his âtenureâ, and this isnât even on the players, his selections have been confusing and game management non-existent. #ECFC
Beaten by the better team today, quality finished from Bolton
Burton on Tuesday is MASSIVE and could defy our season
Charlie Cummins had a great cameo
Defensively were very short now with Fitzwater, Turns and Sweeney all injured
We go again Tuesday UTC!!!#ecfc pic.twitter.com/cjg6I2hapg
â Brad Theobald (@bradtheobald93) February 28, 2026
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