‘Devon is Red’ – Exeter City bask in the glory of defeating Plymouth Argyle

Well, I think we can officially say it now – DEVON IS RED! The 72nd Devon Derby didn’t just end in a win; it ended in a resounding 2-0 victory for City and a fantastic boost for everyone across the Club.

Some might say it was never in doubt, but it was the performance as much as the result that made it so satisfying – disciplined, determined, and delivered with real heart.

It was a brilliant and thoroughly deserved result for Gary, who last week also marked three years at the helm. And let’s be honest - those three years haven’t exactly been a walk in the (St James) Park.

Keeping us in League One for three consecutive seasons, on what must surely be one of the smallest budgets, if not the smallest, in the division, is a feat that borders on miraculous. And with clubs around us - and even below us in League One - continuing to boost their budgets, that challenge isn’t getting any easier.

We’re now 14 games into the season, and there’s some serious jostling for position going on. Incredibly, there are just three points between where we sit in 18th and Mansfield in 8th – so depending on whether you are a glass half full or a glass half empty person – we’re either just below the playoffs, or just above the relegation zone.

I know which way I’m looking at it…And I think we can expect that jostling to go on for a few more games to come!

It’s no secret that it’s been a difficult few months at the club and there have been a fair few changes. We’ll soon be welcoming back a couple of familiar faces. Richard Pym returns to the club as independent club chair next month.

Richard definitely has city in his heart – he’s the grandson of our famous goalkeeper Dick Pym, who was sold for what was then – in 1921 - a record transfer fee for the club. And we’re also welcoming back another familiar face, Laurence Overend, former chair of the Supporters’ Trust, who will serve as vice chair.

Back to Devon Derbies, Exeter City Women, dealt with one in fine style on Sunday when they beat Torquay Women 6-0 to advance to the next round of the FA Cup. And hot on the heels of that victory, they take on Argyle Women – for their second derby - under the lights at St James Park on Wednesday, October 29. Get along and cheer them on if you can, it promises to be a fantastic game!

Away from football, the hardworking team over at our partner charity, Exeter City Community Trust staged a sellout Halloween Run at the Quay this weekend. There were some seriously spooky sights as competitors took on the five or 10 mile challenge.

The income from their events contributes to their amazing work in the city, so what’s not to like? Get training, get fit and run to help others! Next up is the Santa Run, which takes place on Sunday December 7. It’s always a sight to behold – so dig out those Santa suits and sign up now!

Coming up, the men’s team make the long journey north to Halifax for the first round of the FA Cup on Saturday – a modest 550-mile round trip!

That’s followed by a return to home turf to take on Wigan Athletic on November 8. It promises to be an interesting encounter, as Gary is both well known and well respected among Wigan fans, having captained the side to their unforgettable FA Cup victory over Manchester City in 2013 and later guiding them to promotion to the Championship as manager.

It’ll be a special fixture for him, and one that no doubt carries a little extra meaning – but as always, the focus will be firmly on securing another strong performance at the Park and keeping that momentum rolling.

See you there – Up the City!

Julian Tagg President and Director of External Affairs at Exeter City Football Club