It seems strange to be contemplating the start of another season just a week after the conclusion of the World Cup, but the hectic world of modern football apparently leaves little time for rest. Paul Tisdale’s first chance to experiment as he plans an assault on the upper reaches of the Conference comes against Premiership Fulham and, when you strip away the glitz and glamour that comes with top flight football these days, you will see that there are plenty of similarities between these two sides.
The harshness of the football pyramid suggests that there should not be match between the Premiership fancydans and the honest toilers of St. James’ Park and, yet, without some strong leadership and good fortune, the story could have been so different. As a childhood Fulham fan, I remember when the football was dire and a loyal band of despairing fans did their best to keep the club afloat. The mid-1990s saw Fulham’s historic home come under threat, financial crises, defeat by Hayes in the first round of the FA Cup and sinking to 91st in the league with a defeat at Torquay, who were bottom of the table.
The motivational skills and tactical acumen of a respected former player, in Fulham’s case, Micky Adams, dragged the team to safety and, the following season, they were promoted. When Mohamed Al-Fayed’s millions arrived, the ascent through the leagues began. However, it was far from sweetness and light. The ground issue was only resolved two seasons ago, when the club’s fans, led by the Fulham Supporters’ Trust, persuaded the
board that a return to Craven Cottage, where the Whites had played for more than a century, was the only way to secure the club’s long-term future.
Since moving down to Exeter a couple of years ago to begin my degree, I have been a regular at St. James’ Park. With the atmosphere generated by a passionate set of supporters and a throwback to the days of terracing, I felt immediately at home. City are club that have forged firm links with the local community - you only have to walk along the High Street in the summer and see the number of youngsters proudly wearing their red and white shirts to recognise that - and, at a time when many football fans are becoming concerned at the money that is poisoning our game, they are also an example to the wider footballing family.
More clubs should recognise that they only exist due to the devotion of the supporters. After the greed of Uri Geller and his cohorts, the Supporters’ Trust have done a fine job of building a football club of which we can all be proud. The innovative fundraising schemes, such as Red or Dead, the links with local businesses and the recent success on the field, the highlight of which being that marvellous Cup run that brought Manchester United to the Park, have helped put the Grecians back on a sound financial footing. The fans are the lifeblood of the game and, in Exeter City, there is a great example of how supporter ownership can deliver real rewards.
Of course, the ultimate goal is a return to the Football League, which the team and the city deserve. Alex Inglethorpe’s side showed glimpses of top-quality football over the last two years and perhaps Paul Tisdale, an ex-City player with Premiership experience, can deliver the goods. But with the fans in control and the club heading in the right direction, a
return to the big time can’t be that far around the corner.
Daniel Crawford
This article appeared in the Exeter City v Fulham matchday programme on July 9.
