Exeter City F.C. - Famous Players, Managers and Fans

Famous Players, Managers and Fans

Famous players who have played for Exeter City include Cliff Bastin, who went on to play for Arsenal F.C. and England, goalkeeper Dick Pym, who later played for Bolton Wanderers F.C. and England, and Maurice Setters, who won an F.A. Cup winner's medal with Manchester United in 1963.

Other well-known players include the prolific 1930s striker Fred Whitlow, Arnold Mitchell, who played 495 games for City, Tony Kellow, City's record goalscorer, Ian Main, the gifted goalkeeper from the club's most successful years who died very young, Fred Binney and Darren Rowbotham in the 1980s and early 90s. Former England winger Lee Sharpe played four games for Exeter at the beginning of their 2002–03 Division Three campaign, scoring two goals.

David Pleat scored 14 goals for Exeter whilst playing for them between 1968 and 1970. He went on to manage several successful clubs including Tottenham Hotspur before becoming a footbal media pundit for ITV and Radio 5 Live.

In 2002 pop singer Michael Jackson was made honorary director of Exeter City. He visited St James Park with celebrity friend Uri Geller, who was also a director.

After managing the club to a famous F.A. Cup Third Round draw at Old Trafford with Manchester United in 2005, Alex Inglethorpe left the club in June 2006 and Paul Tisdale was appointed. Past managers include the former England internationals Gerry Francis, Terry Cooper and the late Alan Ball. Four days after his death a moving tribute to Alan Ball was held at St James Park just before City's Conference game against Southport.

In a survey published by the Professional Footballers' Association in December 2007, Alan Banks was listed as the all-time favourite player amongst Exeter City fans.

In May 2009 Paul Tisdale became Exeter's most successful manager by winning back-to-back promotions.

Famous fans include Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, Adrian Edmondson, Mark Nicol and Noel Edmonds have also been seen supporting the club. Singer Joss Stone has signed up as a member of the supporters trust, being introduced to fans on the pitch as a new member during a Football League Cup game against Liverpool.