LAYING DOWN THE LAW: EXETER CITY'S GAME-CHANGING MIDFIELDER RETURNS

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When you think of game-changers in the Exeter City team, it is hard to look further than Nicky Law.

The midfielder arrived at St James Park from Bradford in 2018, making him one of Matt Taylor’s first signings as he began his reign in the dugout after Paul Tisdale’s departure.

Law had a strong start to his City career, in a 3-1 win against Carlisle, where Law earnt his first man of the match award, something he would have to get used to winning in his next two years.

His ability to pick a pass and dictate games from the left of midfield made the former Rangers man one of Exeter’s best and most liked players.

His first season went very well, with Law picking up ten goals and numerous assists, and he also swept up six awards at the end of season awards.

Law’s form continued into his second season, notching seven goals for the Grecians.

But it has been a tough start to Law’s third season, as injuries and illness have stopped him from getting a run of games in the side.

Exeter have certainly changed shape this season, preferring to opt with four at the back instead of three, but there has also been a change in style which Law has recognised.

“Definitely a shift this season from the previous two seasons I’ve been here. More not direct, but more of a running side if you like, a lot of athleticism, more than what we’ve had in my time here, particularly out wide, a lot of pace, a lot of power, a lot of getting the ball forward, running forward and things like that.”

This change of style may find Law in a deeper role, which he did to great effect in Exeter’s 2-2 draw with Morecambe, in which Law came off the bench to make a positive impact.

“The manager mentioned to me early in the second half that he sees me getting on and maybe in a different role to what I’ve played in my time here at Exeter, a more deeper role to where I’ve usually been, getting the ball and trying to make things happen, which is a role I’ve done a lot in the past and a role I enjoy.”

Injuries and illnesses have not helped Law embed himself in Exeter’s adjusted style, but he believes that he can impact the team now he is back fit.

“For myself personally, it’s been quite frustrating with the injuries and the illnesses having played a big part in me not getting quite the minutes I would have liked, and obviously with how well we’ve done as well.”

“I’d like to think I’m old enough and experienced enough to try and adapt my game a little bit to try and fit into that newish style of play which we are going for this year,” Law said.

Over his time at Exeter, Law has played left midfield, in behind the striker and now a deeper central midfield role, showing a versatility that will help this season with the Grecians operating with a smaller squad.

“I think particularly this year, where the squad hasn’t been as not as big as it has been, particularly in my spell here at Exeter, you feel that the versatility will definitely help the further we go into the season, I think we’ve got a few players like that now that can play different positions, which is obviously helpful.”

There is no doubting Law’s ability and he will certainly be looking to break his way back into the side and help Exeter as they look for promotion into League One.