Stadium Development

Financially it would it many ways make sense to move to a plasticated out-of-town all-purpose stadium or even considering the old Chiefs-City ground share at the Sandy Gate Rugby Ground. However, one of the great things about Exeter City is the inner city ground with real character that is at the heart of the City. One of the best things about the Trust ownership is that the fans are answerable to and that we (trust members) have the chance to be involved in the important decisions. One such decision is the decision to stay at St James Park (no bloody apostrophe it is not the “real” St James’ Park it is one of two St James Parks along with the 3,500 capacity Brackley Town ground).   A report was produced a little while back announcing that the club had determined this was the best way forward would be to evlop the existing site after an independent review was carried out as well. The stadium development plans had been quiet but it was announced recently that there would be an open exhibition at the Park next weekend (Friday 17 June and Saturday 18 June) displaying the current plans and allowing fans and residents alike to offer feedback.

We have known for a number of years now that our Old Grandstand (Stagecoach Family Stand) a much-loved fixture but a disgraceful colour on the outside and falling apart: it is only a matter of time before the stand, re-built in 1926, fails it safety certificate. The away end is an open terrace with possibly the worst facilities in our League and has a capacity of just 1,053. With some extra seating in the Grandstand. I think it was in an interview I read a few years ago with Andy Gillard (commercial director) that he stressed the importance of the away followings to a football club. He said quite rightly that it is the away fans who buy the programmes, memorabilia, food and drink at incredible mark ups. You may make more from home fans but you will make more per person from away fans by a distance. It is therefore important to give a provide all these facilities in a comfortable and enjoyable environment to ensure they want to return and are enticed to make the trip to start with. It is a long way to come to Exeter stand in the rain on a small terrace and lose. However, although out-of-the-way a bit, Exeter is a beautiful city and at our current level where we have been playing sides like Leeds, Norwich, the Sheffield clubs, Southampton and even smaller sides like Plymouth, Bournemouth and Yeovil we should be making use of the potential extra following we could accommodate.

The Old Grandstad/Stagecoach Family Stand

The Big Bank home terrace behind the goal was built-in 200 and holds 3,971,making it one of the largest Terrace’s in English football if not the biggest active terrace. The Doble Stand was built over the old Cow Shed Terrace in 2001, along the side of the pitch with some corporate facilities bolstered by the redevelopment of the St James’ School building which became the new social club as well after the old one behind the bank had been demolished.

The Big Bank (Left) and Doble Stand (Right)

So the ground is badly in need of modernisation of two stands the away end and the old grandstand. However, without a commercial sponsor like one of the supermarkets or a difficult promotion to the Championship funding will certainly be an issue. However if we ignore that for a minute what I would like to see is a semi-bowl all seater stand replacing these two stands and covering the entire length of the pitch. This would allow us to install facilities below the stands and maybe even have a retail outlet installed below the grandstand to provide extra funding. It would also allow us an important facility to move the segregation line to accommodate more or less supporters depending on the opposition. Finally, it would raise the possibility of moving te away fans from the far end to the near corner of the new stand allowing a much better discourse between the bank and opposing supporters. This is something I personally feel would improve the already strong and underrated home atmosphere at the St James. Perhaps we could have something like this in that corner……..

I plan on attending at the weekend and would urge City fans, especially Trust members, to do likewise get involved and offer any ideas of your own to the club as well. We may have more info about this after next weekend and a clearer idea of how the Club board are planning to move the club forwards in a sustainable manner.