Exeter City FC

A special celebration evening is being held to mark 125 years of football at St James Park.

Exeter City Supporters’ Trust and its History Group extend an open invitation to the event at 6pm on Friday 4 October in the RGB Building Supplies Legends Lounge at the stadium.

It was on 6 October 1894 that an Exeter Association team defeated Minehead 3-0 to start the long tradition of football at the ground.

Now to commemorate the anniversary the Supporters’ Trust has commissioned author Aidan Hamilton to write a history of the hallowed turf. ‘The Story of Exeter’s St James’ Park: Land of Grecian Glory’ is due for publication to coincide with the event.

Published by Halsgrove, the richly illustrated 160 page hardback follows the history of the field from its aristocratic origins in the 1600s, through use for fattening pigs and circuses to the football era of FA Cup giant killings, promotions and visits by international superstars.

Aidan Hamilton will be talking about the book and the history of the ground at the event on 4 October and will be happy to sign copies on the night. Copies will also be available for purchase for £19.99 from the Supporters’ Trust stall on match days and from the Club Shop.

“This is a landmark anniversary for St James Park and we are delighted that Aidan Hamilton has written such a comprehensive history of our home” said Paul Farley, Chair of the History Group. “The book reveals new research on the origins of football in Exeter and the emergence of Exeter City as the area’s leading Club”.

The evening is being organised in partnership with the new Exeter City Football Club Museum Trust and the University of Exeter and is supported by the Heritage Fund.

Entry to the event is free and it would help the organisers if you could let them know if you plan to attend. Please contact: historygroup@ecfc.co.uk