Exeter City new signing Pat Jones suffers long-term injury
NEW Exeter City signing Patrick Jones is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious hamstring injury in training, writes Stuart James.
The 21-year-old joined the Grecians for an undisclosed fee on transfer deadline day from League One rivals Huddersfield Town, but signed too late to feature in the 2-0 win at Bolton Wanderers.
Since then, the Wales Under-21 international has trained with his new club, but suffered another injury blow which will see him out of action until the New Year.
READ MORE:Exeter City youngsters thrill and show future looks bright
READ MORE:Exeter City new signing Pat Jones wants first-team football
“Pat has picked up quite a bad injury,” Caldwell said. “It is something we knew when we signed him, that he has had some injury problems and he has picked up an injury in his hamstring that will require surgery.
“He will be out for probably three or four months and it is really disappointing for the boy because he came with real optimism to do well, but injuries are something in his career that he has had to deal with and we will get the necessary treatment required and we will support him mentally.
“Hopefully he can get back quickly and get involved because he showed in the first few training sessions the quality that he has.”
Meanwhile, Caldwell said that City’s highly-rated teenager, Jake Richards, is yet to sign a professional deal at St James Park.
The 17-year-old has already featured 13 times for the first team after making his debut a year ago, but he is yet to commit his long-term future to the Grecians.
“We want to keep him at the football club and I am not sure where those negotiations are at, but I am sure we will get something done and we will keep him at this club for hopefully a number of years yet,” Caldwell said.