On their return to the mainland following their football match on Andros most of the group took part in stadium tours of two of Athens top Division football clubs.

First up was Panionios for whom  Paul Tisdale famously scored in a European Cup Winners Cup Quarter Final.

They learned of the status Panionios holds as Greece's oldest sports club having been formed in 1890 in Asia Minor, then reforming as a community focus club in 1922 in the New Smirni district of Athens. The photo shows Denise Watts exchanging gifts with Andreas Mogridge from Panionios' Ticketing and marketing department. Also presented were 2 Exeter shirts emblazoned with the name of the Supporters Club and their motto, Faith and Support.

A tour of the club museum, which holds penants from those European games, and the stadium followed. The time given to us was all the more appreciated as it was the same day that seaon ticket sales began. A write up is also available on the official website of Panionios G.S.S

http://www.panionios.gr/default.asp?pid=55&la=2&artid=17318&catid=5

A quick coach journey followed to rival city club Olympiacos. Formed in 1925 they also share similar ideals to Panionios in their desire to represent the local community. Their full title refers to being the Fans Club of Piraeus, the port city of Athens and represents their vision of promoting fairness, excellence and endeavour. Olympiacos museum curator, Katerina Tsaligopolou, described all the major events in the clubs history as we toured their museum from football to water polo triumphs. Particularly poignant was the memorial to 21 fans who died whilst attempting to leave the ground to celebrate a championship win in February 1981. Below, the photo shows Katerina with Denise Watts and Greek Grecian Mario Tokatlidis.

The Exiles would like to express their utmost thanks for the time that Andreas and Katerina gave up to show us round their different and unique clubs and hope that if any of their fans are making a similar visit to England will feel welcome at St. James' Park.