A brand new year – it’s a time for positivity and hope, and as true football fans, we’re right there with the belief and optimism, which, I’ve got to say, has certainly been helped by some cracking games of football – and an excellent seven points from the last three games.  

This included the goal-fest in the away game at Bristol Rovers, which we clinched 4-3 thanks to a last gasp goal from Sam Nombe, followed by a tremendous win away against Oxford last week. Our last couple of matches against them hadn’t gone so well, so what a relief to see that man Nombe on the scoresheet again! 

It was also quite a momentous day for ‘one of our own’ Archie Collins, who notched up his 200th appearance in a City shirt – and incredibly he’s still only 23. And what a game for Jamal Blackman in goal – he was certainly put under pressure a few times, with some epic saves and a resulting clean sheet for the team. Massive kudos to the 600 plus Grecians who made the New Year’s Day trip to the Kassam Stadium to witness it! 

We’re sitting pretty comfortably at 10th in the table as we head towards our next match at St James Park against Forest Green Rovers on Saturday January 14, and it promises to be another cracking game. We’ve had some very decent crowds at the park and the atmosphere has been incredible – come and join us! If you’re a first-time visitor to St James Park, there’s loads of great information on the website, and we’ve got a fantastic team of volunteer ambassadors waiting to welcome you – just tell ‘em Taggy sent you! 

The team then hits the road with games at Portsmouth on January 21, swiftly followed by a trip to Barnsley a couple of days later and so, we’re well into the second half of the season. 

It was a busy few weeks for our players in the lead up to Christmas, who, as is befitting of a supporter-owned club, have been out and about in the community. Youngsters taking part in the holiday clubs, which are delivered by our partner charity, Exeter City Community Trust, were treated to visits from first-team players and Sonny Cox even had a stint in prison…as part of a programme which supports prisoners with employment and housing once they have completed their sentences, of course! A group of players also visited the children’s ward at the RD&E Hospital, along with manager Gary Caldwell. 

As well as this, we supported hundreds of families through our Holiday Activities with Food programme, which provided free holiday clubs for young people and hampers of food – containing everything needed for a Christmas dinner. 

At Exeter City Football Club, we put community at the centre of everything we do, so whether that’s the annual hospital visit, warm winter clothes collections, or players visiting a fan who is ill, we strive to do what we can off the pitch, as well as performing on it. 

And our fans are everything to us. Thanks to their generosity, the campaign to Kit Out the Cliff – which was raising funds for the interior of our new building at the Cliff Hill Training Ground – has come to a close and raised an incredible £65,000. Thanks to everyone who contributed to what is an incredible total! 

It was a good end of the year for the Exeter City Women with a win against Larkhall Athletic, which sees them sitting at third in their league. They’re a fantastic and committed team, led so well by joint managers Abbie Britton and Aaron Wakley, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they do this year. 

So, here’s to a healthy and happy 2023 – and don’t forget, the future’s bright, the future’s red and white. Up the City! 

Julian Tagg, Exeter City Club President