Troy a Big Loss for the Grecians

Last season's POTY and fan favourite, Troy Archibald-Henville has signed for Paolo Di Canio's Swindon Town. The 23 year-old, who remains the only player Tisdale has paid a fee for (£50k) in his six seasons at St James' Park, was offered a new deal by the Grecians so they're entitled to a compensation fee under the Bosman ruling. The compensation deal for James Dunne will be decided at a tribunal but City hope to avoid taking the Robins to a tribunal, as stated on the Official Site.

Archibald-Henville will certainly be a big loss for City but I'm sure Tisdale knew he was likely to depart in the Summer and hence has a contingency plan in place. Southend's Pat Baldwin, who enjoyed a solid loan spell in Devon towards the end of last season, is heavily linked with a permanent move to St James' Park and I would expect to sign, especially with City now down to just one recognised central defender - Danny Coles. Hopefully the club's mass exodus of players will now mean they can increase their offer to the out-of-contract Richard Duffy.

It's safe to say Tis has now some work to do in order to shore up his depleted back-line... And that's not the only area needing strengthening. A busy Summer of wheeling and dealing awaits.