Exeter City – St James Park

Exeter City Football Club, affectionately known as "The Grecians," was officially founded in 1901. It originated from a team called St Sidwell's United. This early incarnation drew players from Exeter Wesleyan United, a club comprising former pupils of St Sidwell's School. After achieving success in local leagues, the club adopted the name Exeter City A.F.C. in 1904, retaining the nickname "Grecians," a term historically associated with residents of the St Sidwell's area of Exeter.

From its inception, Exeter City has called St James Park its home. Initially, a basic field, the ground underwent significant developments to accommodate professional football. In 1908, the club secured a 21-year lease and constructed a small wooden grandstand with changing facilities on the Well Street side of the pitch. Over the years, the stadium evolved, with notable enhancements including the installation of the Stagecoach Adam Stansfield Stand in 2018, part of a £3.4 million redevelopment project.

Exeter City's competitive journey began in earnest when they joined Division One of the Southern League in 1904. A landmark moment came in 1914 when the club toured South America, becoming the first team to play against a Brazilian national side, a match that holds historical significance in Brazilian football history. In 1920, Exeter City became a founding member of the Football League Third Division, marking their entry into the national league system.

Throughout its history, Exeter City has achieved several notable successes. In the 1933–34 season, the club secured its first major professional trophy by winning the Division Three South League Cup. The 1989–90 season saw Exeter crowned as champions of the Fourth Division, a campaign highlighted by an unbeaten home record. More recently, the club achieved promotion from League Two in the 2008–09 season and again in the 2021–22 season, finishing as runners-up on both occasions.

St James Park has been the backdrop for many memorable events in Exeter City's history. The stadium's record attendance stands at 20,984, set during an FA Cup Sixth Round replay against Sunderland in 1931. In 1960, the ground hosted a notable match against Manchester United in the inaugural Football League Cup, where Exeter held the visitors to a 1–1 draw before losing the replay.

In recent years, Exeter City has explored the possibility of relocating from St James Park. In 2020, the club agreed to a feasibility study to assess the benefits and drawbacks of moving to a new stadium, although this was not a definitive step towards relocation. The club remains committed to its community-focused ethos, with the Exeter City Supporters' Trust holding a majority share, ensuring that fans have a significant say in the club's future.

Exeter City's legacy is also marked by the development of notable players, such as Ollie Watkins, who progressed through the club's youth system before achieving success at higher levels of the game. The club's commitment to nurturing talent and maintaining strong community ties continues to define its identity within English football.