The people have spoken – and the name of the new Away End at Exeter City is... the Marsh Kia St James Road Stand.
The stand, which was opened to away fans for the first time on Saturday November 10, is the final part of the £3.4million development at St James Park.
The club opened up the naming of the stand to fans, giving them three options, which included naming the stand after former greats Tony Kellow and Eammon Dolan, as well as St James Road.
More than 1900 people voted in the online poll, and the results were:
- St James Road – 725 votes
- Tony Kellow – 607 votes
- Eamonn Dolan – 577 votes
The improvement of the Away End was not in the original redevelopment plans. However, following feedback from public exhibitions, and with strong support from the Supporters’ Trust, the club board contributed £265,000 towards a shortfall in the project funds to improve the Away End, which included the purchase of the stand from Barnet FC.
Julian Tagg, chairman of Exeter City FC, said: "Thanks to everyone who voted. Being able to open these kinds of things to our fans reflects our position and ethos as a true community club.
"It is fantastic to see the stadium looking so good. The Away End was an embarrassment to us all, and we now have something that we can all be very proud of. Thanks also to Marsh Kia for sponsoring the Away End – as with all our sponsors we are very grateful for their support."
Adam Liddicoat, general sales manager at Marsh Kia Exeter, said: "We have worked with Exeter City FC for a number of years and we are delighted to continue our support of the club through the sponsorship of the new Away End.
"This type of sponsorship gives us great brand exposure. It’s also really special for us to be part of the great new stadium development in this way."
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