The winger’s finish was crucial in helping his side end a long goal drought
Former West Ham United academy talent Anthony Scully made an unforgettable debut for Exeter City. The winger was announced as a new signing for the Grecians just hours before their League Two clash with Rotherham United, but started and scored the winner.
Scully was without a club for three months after leaving Shrewsbury Town at the end of last season. Despite barely getting time to lace up his boots for Exeter, Scully was named in the starting line-up and lived up to the manager’s faith by scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 home win.
It was a huge moment for the Devon club, whose goal helped end a month-long drought. It also marked their second league win of the season and helped put some breathing space between them and their relegation places.
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Scully came through the ranks at West Ham but never managed a senior trip for the Hammers. This despite an impressive return of 18 goals in 42 competitive games for the Hammers’ U-21 side.
Despite being born in London, he has represented Ireland at youth international level. He played for several age group teams before playing two under-21 internationals under Jim Crawford, where his teammates included future full internationals Michael Obafemi and Mark McGuinness.
The wide man moved to Lincoln City in 2020 and has since represented Wigan, Portsmouth, Colchester (on loan) and Shrewsbury. “I’m only 27 years old and coming into the prime of my career, so the next step for me was the most important step in terms of football,” he said.
“I want to play in a side and play for a manager who has a style of football that suits me as a player, so I turned down a few other options to hope he would come. When Exeter came, it was perfect.”
Manager Matt Taylor highlighted the qualities Scully will bring to the dressing room. “Anthony is a player we’ve met before and I have strong memories of his energy, ability on the ball and passion for attacking moments,” he said.
“He’s 27, he’s got a strong pedigree and he’s still got a lot to give. There were other opportunities for him, but he feels it’s a good fit for him, as we’ve seen him fit.
“I’m delighted he chose to come here and I hope we can help him reach his peak. There will be a period where we have to get him up to speed, manage his workload and fit the minutes wisely, but he will bring quality and experience to a young group.
“He’s been in good dressing rooms, looks like a good character and I’m looking forward to what he can add. We’ve talked a lot about what we need to improve now, especially in terms of composure and decision-making.
“Anthony is someone on the court who will say, ‘give me the ball at that moment, let me take responsibility for the next move’. That’s something we’re really looking forward to seeing from him.”