Thank you for welcoming Exeter City to Broadhurst Park today, for what promises to be a very special afternoon of football.

Today’s fixture isn’t just a game – it’s the long-awaited second leg of a match that kicked off… back in 2012. We’d like to thank FC United for the invitation – 13 years is probably the longest half-time break in football history!

This match also marks the 20th anniversary of FC United of Manchester - a huge milestone for a club built, like our own, on supporter ownership, community spirit and doing things differently in an increasingly commercialised football world.

While the landscape of the modern game continues to shift - with eye-watering transfer fees and club takeovers hitting the headlines - today is a celebration of what makes our clubs truly unique: being run by the fans, for the fans.

We’re proud to say we don’t just support our club – we own it. And that’s something worth shouting about.

So, whether you’re here from Manchester or from Devon, we stand united in showing that football can still have integrity, purpose and heart - and that fans have a vital role to play in shaping the future of the game.

To mark FC United’s anniversary, we’re delighted to present you with this commemorative silver salver. 
Let’s enjoy the game, celebrate this special occasion and show the football world what real community football looks like.

Clive Harrison, Interim Club Board Chair, ECFC Supporters’ Trust Trustee.