Exeter strike pair well known to admiring Cobblers boss Curle

Keith Curle knows all about the attacking threats Exeter City possess, and has revealed he tried to sign their top-scorer Jayden Stockley when he was manager of Carlisle United.
Exeter City striker Jayden StockleyExeter City striker Jayden Stockley
Exeter City striker Jayden Stockley

The Town boss also managed Stockley’s strike partner Jonathan Forte when he was at Notts County, and he knows his defenders will have to be on their toes to snuff out the pair’s threat at St James Park on Saturday.

They have already racked up 16 goals between them this season, with Stockley second in the league two scoring charts with nine goals, although he hasn’t netted since the Grecians’ most recent win in the league, against Swindon back on October 13.

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He has proved a big hit at Exeter since signing for them from Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen in the summer of 2017, netting 34 goals in 60 appearances, and Curle revealed he also tried to sign the player when he left Pittodrie.

“For this division, Jayden is a good goalscorer and he has good ability,” said the Cobblers boss.

“He leads the line well and brings other people into play, and I tried to get him to Carlisle when I was there but we got outbid by Exeter.

“That was disappointing because he was the type of player we were looking for.

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“He has had a good start to the season, there is a new manager down there who has come in and picked up the reins.

“Jonathan Forte plays alongside Jordan and is a good foil for him.

“He was a player I had at Notts County and is somebody whose career I have followed as well, so Exeter can score goals.”

The Devon side’s problem in recent weeks has been at the other end of the pitch, with Matt Taylor’s men conceding seven in the three games they played prior to Tuesday night’s 2-0 Checkatrade Trophy win over Bristol Rovers.

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“I think they will be a little bit disappointed with the goals they have been conceding, especially in the FA Cup last week when they tried a new system (Exeter lost 3-2 at home to Blackpool)”, said Curle.

“I am expecting them to revert to a back four on Saturday, and be more like the Exeter that started the season, which is what they will be looking for.”