Gary Caldwell, the manager of League One club Exeter, was brutally told in court that he has ‘same points on driving licence as his team’.
The 41 year old former footballer was made to appear in Exeter Magistrates Court earlier this month having been clocked driving his Audi A6 at 79mph on the M5, but again being recorded at 47mph in a 40mph zone in Barnsley this year.
Devon Live report that those offences totalled up on a number of previous spending offences which date back to 2020, putting him over the automatic 12-point limit, meaning he is now banned from driving for six months.
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Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell hit by driving ban #ecfc https://t.co/9vJAEPm6Gx https://t.co/9vJAEPm6Gx
— DevonLive ECFC (@ExEchoSport) November 27, 2023
To leave him even more red-faced, aimed at him in court was a savage jibe about his management record at Exeter, with pressure growing on him to turn form around.
Caldwell went to court just days after the Grecians lost 7-0 away at Bolton Wanderers last Saturday, and then managed to draw 0-0 at home with Shrewsbury in midweek.
Exeter currently sit 20th in League One, and remain two points above the relegation zone.
He is struggling this time around, having taken charge at the club in October last year and led them to a 14th place finish.
Reports add that Caldwell agreed he “doesn’t have the best”, and said that disqualification from driving would make it “extremely difficult” for him to travel the country in order for him to bring in new players. But while Magistrates said it would make his job harder, it didn’t amount to exceptional circumstances.
The chair of the bench said: “We note the effect it may have on recruiting new players for the team and the overall potential impact on the club. You raised some valid points for this and we also note the high mileage you travel each year to fulfil your duties for work. But on the balance of probabilities we feel it is inconvenience and not exceptional hardship.”
Caldwell also received a fine of £1,076, costs of £180 and a surcharge of £215.
During the game against Shrewsbury on Tuesday, a fan held up a ‘Caldwell Out’ banner, spotted by viewers tuning into the game on iFollow.
Exeter fans hold up banner that says “Caldwell Out”
30 mins gone
0-0 #ECFC pic.twitter.com/IOVcMqk7rh
— Cameron Ward (@camwardjourno) November 28, 2023
“In terms of character and fight and showing they care about this football, the performance was there for me,” Gary said after the game.
“I have seen a reaction but I would like to have seen more, and seen more quality, but we have to understand where the players are psychologically after the run we have been on. It was an improvement and something we can build on.
“We had to show fight. Saturday was unacceptable and they showed a response that they want to get back to where we were early season and we have to do that in small steps, and tonight was a small step.
“We’ve had a look at the chances back and what I would say is there are better options of a pass or a one-two in the box, and that comes down to confidence.”
Earlier this month, Exeter issued an update from the Club and Trust boards, in which they said: “Recent results and the Club’s subsequent league position were discussed at a meeting of the Club board last week and at Monday’s Trust board meeting.
“Both boards would like to reiterate our thanks to our supporters. Your continued backing through this challenging period is appreciated by everyone across the Club.
“In keeping with our ethos, when we appointed Gary Caldwell last year, we took a view that this would be a long-term appointment with the aim of helping usgrow and develop all aspects of the football club. This view has not changed.
“Running a football club sustainably is not without its challenges, particularly around playing budgets and squad sizes, however, we are confident in the long-term success of our club.
“The club’s immediate actions continue to be the exploration of the opportunities available to us for investing in all areas of football, including the January window, with that investment balanced alongside our long-term sustainability.
Thank you once again for your support.”
This is how fans reacted after seeing the League One manager brutally told in court he has ‘same points on driving licence as his team’…
@PhilAldred83: Absolute scandal he’s still a manager
@wxbster_: So glad that muppet is finally getting ripped into. Cunt
@joelshooter47: Utterly superb this
@llortaton: Free pints for that barrister in Plymouth. #PAFC #ECFC
@GeorgeG53503459: Gary at the wheel
@10Maddocks: My Gaffa, Die for 3 points ❤️⚽️
@_JoshDenham: Pure embarrassment. If he can’t meet new players to sign in January, this is even more reason to get rid #ECFC
@matty_cl: Christ. This club 🤣🤣🤣
@aviewfromthbank: When it rains, it pours. #ECFC
@CarswellDominic: Even the courts are taking the mick out of Caldwells record now
@sumsECFC: Oh dear oh dear. If he’s not going to be able to do adequate business in January, best for both parties to part ways. 🤦♂️
@Connor_ecfc: Nice to pick up 3 points on the road
@GrecianInItaly: Picking up 3 points on the road though 👌🏼 #ECFC
@AnthonyWareing: #ecfc 1st team manager is racking up the points…………….. just not the ones he wants or needs right now!
@davemcardle: Every club he’s ever managed has been a car-crash.
@Lee_Rob19: Good to see him get some points at last 👏
@CharlieWK1866: The gift that keeps on giving🤣🤣
@Smokinbob01: Oh well I live over road from SJP il ferry him around for £100 an hour for as long as he here!! 😭😭😭🙏⚽⚽💚💚💚♥️
@zakbrownz: City gets battered on the pitch and in court. 🤣🤣🤣
🤣🤣🤣🤣 How unlucky 🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/n3aLeCwuG9
— ⚽️🔴 𝙱𝚎𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚎𝚜𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 ⚪️⚽️ (@leonbolt) November 27, 2023
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