Express & Echo (City & East Devon Edition)
A fun new addition to the training ground
THE players returned to training this week and few sights gladden my heart more than that of Sweenz up to his chin in freezing cold water in what is clearly a fun new addition to the training ground – an ice bath! Apparently, it was down to him Will Aimson and Jack Fitzwater losing the cycling challenge – looks like it’s going to be a long cold season for Pierce if that’s what happens when you lose a challenge…
Seriously though, it’s been great to see the boys back to the training ground, putting in the hard graft and prepping for the pre-season games and the start of the new season proper on August 10. There’s only a couple of weeks until the first preseason match which is just up the road at Tiverton on July 9.
They will be heading to Cornwall for a couple of days of games and some team bonding, I’m not sure if they are hitting the waves at Newquay, but if they are, I’m looking forward to seeing Gary’s surfing skills again. Cue jokes about harpoons…
The recruitment team continue to work hard throughout the summer; we’ve had our first signing, another Scot to join Gary’s red and white tartan army in the shape of defender Jack McMillan. Caleb Watts has signed a new deal until January and Demetri Mitchell, whose Exeter City career, which looked incredibly promising until he suffered a seasonstopping knee injury, is back to training having signed a contract extension. And that one of our own, goalkeeper Harry Lee, who despite seeming like he has been around forever, is still only 19, has also signed a contract extension.
I’m sure there will be many more to come in the weeks ahead – let’s hope they are better kept secrets than Demi’s announcement!
The victorious Exeter City Women’s team, who were promoted last season, were welcomed to a civic victory reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of Exeter at the Guildhall to celebrate their incredible achievement. Not only did they get promoted to the third tier of women’s football – the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division, they also went the whole season unbeaten! The lift up to the next league means they’ll be playing at least six games at SJP in the season ahead, something which will be a fantastic boost for women’s football in Exeter.
The annual Party in the Park is just around the corner. Come and join us at SJP on Sunday July 7. The fun kicks off at 11am and there’s all kinds of entertainment and games, with bands, singers and stadium tours. There will be player appearances and it will be the first chance to see the new away shirt. You can also bid on some pretty impressive lots in the event’s charity auction, including lunch with the players at the training ground, matchday hospitality and, erm, a framed print of Pierce Sweeney….To find out more, visit the club website.
Part of my role with Exeter City involves external representation of the club, whether that is locally or nationally. I’ve recently been appointed as the League One representative on the EFL Board. It’s a place at the table which means that we not only get to represent the League One clubs but we’re in the room and can contribute to decisions that influence all clubs. I was alternate director last year, so that obviously didn’t put them off!
As ever we’re looking forward to seeing you at St James Park – and don’t forget, the future’s bright, the future’s red and white!