Fighting fires and testing financial times at Exeter City Football Club

Waking up to dozens of text messages, followed by seeing shocking social media posts that appeared to show our stadium on fire, was not how I expected my day to start a couple of Thursdays ago.

As I’m sure you’ll have seen by now, a serious fire broke out in the corner of the ground between the away end and the Adam Stansfield Stand, severely damaging the buildings that house the control room and first aid room.

Amazingly – and thanks to the swift and decisive action of the fire crews – the damage to the stadium wasn’t far worse and remained relatively contained. Even so, repairs are expected to cost up to £100,000.

But out of the ashes came something far more powerful: the incredible community spirit that defines Exeter City.

From businesses giving their time and expertise to help us recover, to the astonishing response from our supporters who immediately dug into their own pockets to back the Supporters’ Trust fundraiser, the reaction was like no other.

At a time when finances are tight for so many households, especially with Christmas approaching, our fans have given so generously to help us get back on our feet and we are very grateful.

Despite all the stops being pulled out, and a gargantuan effort behind the scenes, we were ultimately forced to postpone the Burton match. It did mean we went into the Bradford game on Saturday feeling fresh, and it was a strong performance from the team who, despite going close several times, just couldn’t quite find the back of the net.

As ever, our fans were loud, proud and behind the boys throughout, and it was heartening to see them applauding the team at full-time.

All of this comes against the backdrop of a challenging period for the club. We have some brilliant people working incredibly hard to ensure we remain sustainable, but we know there are tough decisions ahead and the road won’t be easy.

While the stadium repair adds immediate pressure, we continue to work proactively on financial and structural stability. It’s a test – a difficult one – but it also presents an opportunity to emerge stronger if fans, community and club stay united.

And part of that unity is packing the Park for the Wycombe FA Cup game on December 6!

Get your tickets and get behind the boys. As Gary often says, you – the fans, our twelfth man – play a huge role in games like this.

Unfortunately, ECFC Women were knocked out of the Women’s FA Cup on penalties, despite a heroic effort. Their next game is against Cheltenham Town Women at the County Ground on Sunday, December 7, before heading to Wales for their final fixture of 2025 against Gwalia United.

Plans are gearing up for the Santa Run, which is organised by our partner charity, Exeter City Community Trust and takes place this Sunday (December 7). It’s a sell out – 750 tickets sold – so if you weren’t one of the lucky ones who got a ticket, come along and support.

Of course, there’s the runners, individuals and families and festive dogs, but also, you’ll see Gary Caldwell, Perks and Kev and many of the playing back-room team, who are fantastic in their support of our community.

My ankles, knees and hips prevent my participation (there are some advantages!!!) although a prominent charity trustee will be out there representing our brilliant ECCT board.

Finally a ‘well done’ to all the ECCT staff who have distributed the hundreds of Santa suits and will have been up since 5am on the morning of the event sorting the routes and organising the registration of the participants...it’s (certainly for me) and hopefully for you, magical, and it’s a brilliant way to kick off the festive season.

So, to finish – thank you to our volunteers, fans and local businesses who stepped up when we needed you most. We’ll see you at the next home game, louder than ever.

Up the City!

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