Exeter City manager Matt Taylor has called on his attacking players to "stand up and be counted" ahead of Saturday's 15:00 BST trip to Port Vale.
The timing of the message is easy to understand. Exeter have scored four goals in five League Two games this season, a return that leaves them with the joint third-fewest in the division. Taylor said the team are already looking organised and structured without the ball, but need more from the forward areas if they are going to take the next step.
A clear message after a busy window
The attack has also changed in recent weeks. Towards the end of the transfer window, Jayden Wareham and Kieran Wilson left Exeter City, while deadline day brought in Danny Rose and Ajay Matthews on loan. That reshuffle has given Taylor more options, but it has also added pressure on the new faces and the wider group to make those additions count.
Taylor was careful not to question the effort of his players. "I can't question this group's desire. I can never hold that against them and I never want to hold that against them," he said, adding that the issue is more about calmness and execution. "They want to be there, they want to be in those positions, then it comes down to calmness and execution of your skillset."
He also pointed to confidence as a major factor, suggesting goals for players such as Sonny Cox, Ajay Matthews or Reece Cole could quickly change the mood around the side. "Confidence is a big thing and if Sonny's got a couple in under his belt and Ajay has got a couple under his belt and maybe Reece [Cole] the game before, these players will hit the back of the net and I'm confident they will do," Taylor said.
What Exeter need at Port Vale
The trip to Port Vale comes against an opponent that is winless and bottom of the table after relegation last season, which creates an important opportunity for Exeter. But Taylor made it clear that the focus is less on the opponent's position and more on his own team's ability to finish chances.
"To go to the next level of team, and ultimately a winning team, then we have to put the ball in the back of the net a little bit more," he said. That is the key theme for Exeter heading into the match: the structure is there, the desire is there, and now the attacking players are being asked to deliver more in front of goal.
