Club sponsor flying Grimes and Pym home from Amsterdam
Flybe, principle sponsor of Exeter City Football Club since 2003, have once again show their commitment to the Grecian cause by arranging flights for Matt Grimes and Christy Pym as they return from international duty with England’s Under-20 squad.The duo were called up for Aidy Boothroyd’s Young Lions squad for an international tournament in the Netherlands on the understanding that they would be able to return early, in time to face Hartlepool United at St James Park on Saturday 11th October. However bringing forward their departure from the international camp would mean that Exeter City having to foot the bill to get the boys home.
But Flybe reacted to the news by offering Matt and Christy a complimentary flight on their route from Amsterdam to Exeter – an offer that was gratefully accepted by the club.
In addition, Exeter City Supporters Club have also made an offer to contribute towards bearing the costs of hotels and any coach or taxi transfers. The finer details are yet to be arranged but Exeter City are pleased to have accepted this offer as well.
Exeter City Vice-Chairman Julian Tagg said: “Flybe have backed Exeter City through thick and thin over the years and this is just the latest gesture by the company in support of the club.
“We are hugely proud and honoured that Matt and Christy have been selected to represent their country, but there was a danger of leaving us out of pocket for allowing them to play for England.
“So this show of support from Flybe is hugely appreciated, because of the way it alleviates the pressure on our club’s cash-flow and as a gesture towards supporting our talented team.”
Paul Simmons, Chief Commercial Officer of Flybe, added: “At Flybe it is our business to fly thousands of customers to and from Europe via Exeter Airport on a daily basis, but we recognise that it is not every day that Exeter City to have the honour of two players selected to represent England in an international tournament.
“That is why it is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to play a part in their international career by helping to get them back to base safely in time for the Grecians’ game this weekend.
“They are two talented boys and the sky is the limit for them – and we hope that they enjoy a safe and pleasant journey back to Devon with us.”
Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale added: “We need to thank England Under-20 manager Aidy Boothroyd and the FA for allowing the boys to come back early in order to play this weekend.
“And we also owe our thanks to our main sponsor Flybe for going out of their way to provide flights from Amsterdam to get our boys home in time.”
Pete Martin, Chairman of Exeter City Supporters Club, said: “We make sure that we provide transport to every away game for fans through Grecian Travel, but I think this is the first time we have put on a journey for our players!
“The role of supporters is to rally round behind the club and chip in where possible, so we’re glad to be able to offer some help to City by offsetting the costs of transfers and hotels for Christy and Matt.”