Plymouth Argyle have made former Exeter City defender Alex Hartridge their first signing of the summer, agreeing a two-year deal with the 27-year-old ahead of his move to Home Park. Hartridge will become a free agent on 1 July when his contract with Burton Albion expires, bringing to an end his spell at the League One club.
Hartridge returns to the south west after a career that began in Exeter City’s academy. The central defender went on to make 154 appearances for Plymouth’s Devon rivals before leaving in the summer of 2024. He later rejoined Exeter on loan for the second half of the 2024-25 season, adding another 18 League One appearances to his record and reinforcing his reputation as a dependable, left-sided defender.
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The former Wycombe Wanderers player is capable of operating both in the middle of defence and at left-back, giving Plymouth extra flexibility as they prepare for the new campaign. Head coach Tom Cleverley said Hartridge’s experience and versatility were key reasons behind the move, describing him as someone who can strengthen the squad in more than one position and bring qualities the club had identified as areas for improvement.
Plymouth’s director of football Derek Adams also praised the signing, highlighting Hartridge’s familiarity with the region and his value as an experienced player entering the prime years of his career. Adams said left-sided defenders can be difficult to find and noted that Hartridge should fit well with the existing squad.
Hartridge’s arrival fills a gap left by Brendan Galloway, who was released by Plymouth last month. The club has moved early in the close season to secure its first addition, with the signing seen as an important step in shaping the squad for the months ahead.
For Hartridge, the switch marks a return to a familiar part of the football map, with both his development and recent experience in League One making him an established option for Plymouth as they look to build for the next season.
