Crunch time arrives for the survival of Exeter City in League One

The season has reached a critical stage, with very little separating the teams above us and every point now carrying added significance. There is a real possibility that our fate will be decided on the final day at St James Park against Bradford.

The past couple of months have been challenging, with injuries to key players, a run of fixtures against top sides and a change in the management team all having an impact.

However, recent performances - including the convincing 3-0 win against Doncaster Rovers and a determined 2-2 draw with Argyle - have shown the character within the squad. The players are up for the fight, and they will need to be as we battle for every point in the remaining games.

The Devon Derby always brings a huge sense of anticipation, and the boys did not disappoint. We were unlucky to only come away with a point after going ahead twice during the match at a very windy Home Park.

 Our supporters did us credit, singing out loud and proud throughout the game, as they have done throughout this season. At times they were the only voices you could hear – 1,748 in a crowd of 17,000.

It was pretty impressive and reflects just how amazing our supporters have been over the whole season, a constant during some turbulent times. Whatever the outcome from the last couple of matches, across the Club we are grateful to every single person who has faithfully backed us.

We’re also grateful to our management team Matt, Dan and Kevin, who took over in extremely difficult circumstances and of course the teams behind the team, both at the Cliff Hill and SJP.

The Women’s Team has also seen incredible support this season. They return to St James Park for their last league game of the season when they take on Gwalia United on Sunday, April 26. It promises to be an exciting game and there’s lots of fun activities planned.

They’ve had a great season following their promotion to the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division last year and currently sit mid-table.

Following this match, we’ve got a few community events, tournaments and matches coming up at SJP to mark the end of the season. Our end of season awards are more inclusive than ever. Taking place at the stadium on Sunday May 3, we are planning a celebration that brings players, staff and supporters together for a vibrant festival-style event.

As well as the player awards, there will be food and drink, exclusive player meet and greet opportunities, entertainment, kids’ football challenges and live music all afternoon. It promises to be a fun day, reflecting our status as a family club. Find out more on the club website – www.exetercityfc.co.uk

Then the pitch gets taken over for a host of community events, including the Catherine Fraser Memorial Tournament on Wednesday, May 6 and the Evo Memorial Tournament on Saturday May 9 in memory of Pete Eveleigh who lost his brave battle against MND last month.

This summer will see something of a reset. We will appoint a new First Team manager in the coming weeks. Off the pitch, there will be some changes when we welcome Wilf Walsh as Club Board Chair.

As CEO of Carpetright, Wilf stepped in as the club’s main sponsor for three years in 2020. He’s a very accomplished businessman and leader with extensive experience in sports governance as Chair of the Racecourse Association and a board member of the British Horseracing Authority, as well as Chair of Cricket Scotland since 2023. 

We’ll also be welcoming back David Lee to the board, again another experienced leader with a strong connection to our Club.

The next three games are going to be massive. We’ve got Stockport at home on Saturday, followed by Burton Albion away on April 25 and the final match against Bradford, back at SJP on May 2. Could we do it? Can we hang on to our League One status for a fourth year?

We’ve got to believe and it won’t be over until the final whistle blows. Up the City!

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