Exeter City Football Club: Introduction

Exeter City Football Club, also known as “The Grecians,” is a professional football club based in Exeter, Devon, England. The club has a rich history and is known for its community-based ownership, commitment to youth development, and passionate fanbase.

Currently, Exeter City FC plays football in English League One. The staff here at the Fanbase wish the team and supporters every success in the future. So, here’s our overview of the club.

Before we continue, here’s a link to the club’s official website.

Foundation and Early History

• Founded: 1904
• Nickname: The Grecians, but nobody knows why. Indeed, this is open to speculation, so have you any idea?
• Stadium: St James Park, with a capacity of approximately 8,600.
• The club came about from a merger of two local teams: St. Sidwell’s United and Exeter United.
• Exeter City became a professional club in 1908 and initially played in the Southern League before joining the Football League in 1920, when the Third Division was created.

Exeter City Football Club: Notable Achievements

• Football League Member: Since 1920, although the club has fluctuated between divisions.
• Highest League Finish: 8th in the Third Division (now League One) in 1979-80.
• Promotions: Exeter City has experienced several promotions, most notably in recent times when they gained promotion to League Two via the National League playoffs in 2008 and moved up to League One in 2022.
• Cup Runs: Their most famous FA Cup run came in 1981 when they reached the quarterfinals, the club’s best ever performance in the competition.

Fan Ownership

• Exeter City is one of the few football clubs in England to be owned by its supporters. The club has been majority-owned by the Exeter City Supporters’ Trust since 2003, following financial difficulties.
• This unique ownership model has created a strong bond between the club and its supporters, emphasizing transparency and fan engagement in decision-making processes.

Stadium: St James Park

• The club has played at St James Park since its formation in 1904.
• The stadium is located near Exeter city centre and has undergone various upgrades, most notably in the late 2010s when the old main stand was replaced with a new one, improving facilities for both fans and players.

Exeter City Football Club: Rivalries

• Exeter City’s main local rivals are Plymouth Argyle, with whom they contest the Devon Derby. This rivalry is one of the most passionate in the South West of England.
• Another regional rival is Torquay United, with whom they contest the “Devon Triangle.”

Community and Youth Development

• Exeter City has a reputation for developing young talent through its youth academy. Notable players who have emerged from the academy include:
  • Ollie Watkins: The forward, now playing for Aston Villa and the England national team, began his career at Exeter City.
  • Ethan Ampadu: Another academy graduate who has gone on to play for Chelsea and the Wales national team.
• The club emphasizes youth and has consistently invested in nurturing local talent, which has become a key part of its footballing philosophy.

Exeter City Football Club: Famous Matches

• FA Cup vs. Manchester United (2005): One of Exeter’s most famous moments in modern history came in the 2004-05 FA Cup third round when they earned a 0-0 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The replay at St James Park drew national attention, although Exeter lost 2-0.
• Brazil Tour (1914): Exeter City was the first-ever team to play against the Brazilian national team. In 1914, Exeter embarked on a tour of South America and played Brazil in a match that is considered the birth of Brazilian football.

Exeter City did win the old Fourth Division, currently English League Two, but that’s their claim to fame. However, they have won many minor honours, including the Football League Third Division South Cup.

Recent History

• In recent years, Exeter City has fluctuated between League Two and League One. Under the management of Matt Taylor, the club consistently finished in the upper half of League Two, and in the 2021-22 season, they secured automatic promotion to League One, the third tier of English football.
• The club’s focus remains on sustainable growth, fan ownership, and youth development, aligning with its ethos of being a community-focused club.

Exeter City Football Club: Key Managers and Players

• Paul Tisdale: Managed Exeter City from 2006 to 2018 and became one of the longest-serving managers in English football during his tenure. He led the team to promotions from the National League and League Two.
• Ollie Watkins and Ethan Ampadu, as mentioned earlier, are prominent academy graduates who have gone on to have successful careers.

Club Crest and Colours

• Colours: Exeter City’s home kit is traditionally red and white striped shirts with black shorts.
• Crest: The club’s crest features two heraldic horses, reflecting Exeter’s historic links to the county of Devon.

Exeter City Football Club: Supporters and Culture

• Exeter City has a passionate and loyal fan base, particularly considering the club’s status in the lower leagues. The Supporters’ Trust continues to play a significant role in the running of the club, giving fans a voice in how Exeter City operates.
• Considering Exeter City has never played in the top two tiers of English football, their fans remain loyal. Also, their atmosphere is more of a friendly one than hostile.

In Conclusion

Exeter City FC is a club with a proud history, known for its strong community ties, fan ownership model, and commitment to youth development. While they may not be one of the biggest clubs in English football, their emphasis on sustainability, nurturing talent, and engagement with fans has made them a respected club in the footballing world.

The Grecians’ journey through the Football League, memorable cup runs, and the success of their academy products continue to define them as a significant force in English lower-league football.

Promote Exeter City Football Club

The Football Fan Base allows like-minded supporters the chance to promote their favourite soccer team. So, if you support Exeter City, then why not have your say and promote your team.

So, go ahead and promote your favourite football team today. If you don’t, then other supporters will, and your team will look small. But Exeter City FC is the best team in the world, right?

**Information updated on September 6, 2024.