Vital Statistics
Founded: 1904
Owner: Exeter City Supporters' Trust
Last Season: League Two - 14th
Nickname: The Grecians
Rivals: Plymouth Argyle, Torquay United
Major Honours
None
Scheduled Matches
Portsmouth vs Exeter City: Saturday, January 28th (3pm)
Exeter City vs Portsmouth: Saturday, August 27th (3pm)
Exeter City: A brief history
City were formed after a match between rivals Exeter United and St Sidwells' United in 1904 when it was agreed that the clubs should merge together. The new Exeter went on tour to South America and are believed to be the first ever team to play the Brazillian national football team.
The Grecians joined the Football League in 1920 and stayed in the bottom division until 1990 when they were promoted under Terry Cooper. He left and Alan Ball took charge briefly but left for Southampton and Exeter were relegated under the returning Cooper.
Financial problems saw City relegated to the Conference but after work from their Supporters' Trust and two FA Cup ties against Manchester United the CVA was cleared. More success followed with the club being promoted to League Two and then League One before the most recent relegation in 2012.
The Manager: Paul Tisdale
Statistically the most successful manager in Exeter's history, Tisdale began his playing career at Southampton but never held down a first team place there or at any of his following clubs until his career was ended early due to injury.
The 40-year-old began his coaching career at Team Bath and took the University side to the first round of the FA Cup as well as winning four promotions. These achievements drew the attention of ex-club Exeter and he was appointed their manager in 2006.
Tisdale established Exeter as a side that plays neat football and that paid dividends when his team won back-to-back promotions from the Conference to League One in 2008. He took his team to their highest ever finish of 8th in League One in 2011 but they were relegated the following season.
The Stadium: St. James' Park (Capacity: 8,500 - Away: 1,200)
If you read this page last year you would have seen that visiting fans think Exeter's away terrace is dreadful. Having been there now I can confirm that they were indeed correct. Below is a photo of the away terrace when it's full of Pompey fans.
The St. James' Road end of the ground is extremely shallow, open to the elements, offers a terrible view of the pitch and the facilities give a new definition to the phrase "bog standard" - if you don't break your neck falling down the stairs whilst queuing for them first. Below is a photo taken from the terrace of the pitch.
To the left of the terrace is the old Grandstand. Some away fans can be seated here but the facilities are described as "basic" which should tell its own story.
On the right is the newer Flybe stand which also allows a portion of away fans to sit there. Because the facilities here are said to be better you might want to sit here if you're not a fan of standing throughout the whole match.
Opposite the horrible away terrace, the Exeter fans have got it good with the Big Bank Terrace. If you were a Grecian you would be happy to call this steep stand your home for 90 minutes.
Below is a photo taken from the side terrace rather than behind the goal. The view still isn't great but it's much better than the shallow terrace.
Overall, Exeter is an average away day. There are plenty of good pubs in close proximity to the ground but the away terrace is worse than that of Havant & Waterlooville and that is no exaggeration. The side terrace is better but if you want a good view of the actual match then you're probably better off sitting in the seats.