Chairman Julian Tagg has offered Exeter City’s support to long-term sponsor Flybe following news that the airline company had been put up for sale this morning.
Flybe is the largest independent regional airline in Europe and carries eight million passengers a year between 81 airports as well as employing 1,000 people at its Exeter Airport base.
The company first started sponsoring the football club in 2003 and has been a committed supporter of Exeter City in the years that have followed.
In 2011, the company named one of its Q400 aircraft in memory of Adam Stansfield and, at the start of the last season, they launched a special Flybe-inspired kit during City’s 2-0 win over Grimsby at St James Park.
And this year Flybe extended its shirt sponsorship deal until 2020 making it one of the longest running in the Football League at 17 consecutive seasons.
Julian Tagg said: “Flybe have been a fantastic supporter of our football club and the city of Exeter for many years. Despite much-improved figures, it is obviously a difficult time for the company and we want to let them know that the football club is there for them just as they have been there for us.
“Flybe were there for us in 2003 when we were going through a difficult period and they have been a loyal friend to us in the 15 years that have followed, which has been a massive boost for a supporter-owned club like ourselves.
“I am sure that everybody at the football club, its supporters and the people of Exeter will do everything they can to support Flybe."