Ahead of Saturday's trip to St James Park, we take a closer look at our upcoming opponents...
The Basics…
Located in Devon, the Grecians have been competing in League Two for the past eight seasons, suffering heartbreak in recent years after losting back-to-back Play-Off Finals against Blackpool in 2017 and Coventry in 2018.
Formed in 1901, Exeter had to wait 89 years until they were able to call themselves league champions as they lifted the Fourth Division title (League Two) in 1990. Whilst under the guidance of former Manager Terry Cooper, the team created history by winning the title from their nearest rivals Grimsby Town by a margin of 10 points.
Latest Form…
The Grecians are once again aiming for promotion success with the team in the thick of the hunt for a top three place. Exeter, who currently sit in 4th place, level on points with their arch rivals Plymouth Argyle, have come unstuck in recent games though, losing their last two fixtures - away at Swindon (2-1) and Port Vale (3-1).
Before their recent troubles, the team were unbeaten in the league since the start of November when they lost 2-0 away to Bradford, and have only lost one game this season at St James Park, when they lost 3-1 to Grimsby Town in September.
Star Man…
Ryan Bowman has been the talisman for Exeter this campaign and is currently the Club’s top goalscorer with 10 goals. The striker was signed from Motherwell half-wway through last season as they looked to replace Jayden Stockley who left for Preston North End.
The 28-year-old started his career as local side Carlisle United, but it was an uneventful time at Brunton Park having only played nine games. He was later released and snapped up by Darlington in the Conference and has gone onto play for Hereford, York, Torquay and Gateshead.
The Gaffer…
In his first Managerial role, former captain at St James Park, Matt Taylor was appointed Manager at the start of last season after taking over from the long-standing Paul Tisdale, who held the role for 12 years. Taylor was able to cement his ideas on the team straight away and was named August Manager of the Month in 2018.
Taylor was able to get off to another strong start this season by again winning the August Manager of the Month after starting the campaign with four win and two draws. It has been an impressive start to his Managerial career at Exeter, as he keeps the Grecians in contention for promotion.
The 38-year-old started his playing career at Everton but never made an appearance for the Club. It was at Exeter where he made his name as a player, representing the Club between 2007-2011 and helping the team to promotion in 2008 by winning the Conference Play-Off final (1-0) against Cambridge United.
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