Regardless of which division in the Coca Cola Football League Exeter City will be playing in next season, preparations for the new campaign are already well underway.
We can now confirm that the Grecians will be contesting the Errea South West Challenge Cup to be held in North Devon between 11th and 19th July and featuring such teams as Yeovil, Luton, Barnet, Burton Albion, Bath City, Wycombe Wanderers and Belgium League side Royal Racing FC Montegnee.
On the 25th July, Derby County are the confirmed opponents, Nigel Clough was clearly impressed enough by the club from his time at Burton and having watched the teams demolition of Macclesfield this season from the St James' Park boardroom, to arrange a pre-season fixture.
There are other games against quality opposition still to be confirmed so keep watching this space as Exeter City continues to walk tall in the football community.
On Thursday 16th July, the team will hopefully, pending final negotiations and agreement on formalities still to be confirmed, be back on the road to The Park to face the mighty Spurs for a mouth watering match.
Talk of this match is already bringing back memories of the excellent opening to the current season provided by Portsmouth, managed at that time by Harry Redknapp, in front of 6500 fans.
What these games reflect is that the club, its playing style and club ethos are highly regarded amongst quality clubs and it must be a compliment that such games and invitations are either confirmed or under discussion.
It also illustrates how far the club plan ahead and prepare, which speaks volumes about the calibre of the playing management of the modern Grecians.
