Exeter City's Football League Campaign Starts TODAY!

Exeter City v Bristol Rovers
Saturday 3rd August, 3pm
St James Park
Sky Bet League 2

After months of thumb-twiddling over the summer period for football fans across Exeter (and the whole country, for that matter), the Football League returns.

For the Grecians, there will be no easing into the season as a local derby against Bristol Rovers ensues. As well as local pride and three points at stake, there is also the small matter of vengeance for the City team following home and away defeats to the Pirates last season. New signing David Wheeler, who joined on Friday from Staines, should be eligible for contention.

Form is difficult to gauge accurately at this time of the season, with friendly games often proving more about fitness than the results. In pre-season, City have been comfortable winners against all lower-league opposition (most recently 7-1 winners against Chippenham Town) and have only suffered defeats to Championship side Yeovil and Premier League outfit Swansea.

Meanwhile Bristol Rovers have come through pre-season laden with injuries, meaning a young squad might end of representing the Gas more through necessity than through choice. However most recently, the Bristolians defeated Reading 2-1in their final pre-season game at the Memorial Stadium.

There are plenty of links between the two clubs, and in particular with captains of both sides (Danny Coles and Matt Gill) having formerly played for their opposition.

Meanwhile Paul Tisdale was once a player under the stewardship of Rovers’ gaffer John Ward during a spell on the books with Bristol City.

Managers’ Views

Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale: “I think I know my team – we’ve had three months to prepare for it, which is the longest preparation any club will have to prepare for a game,” he said.

“You couldn’t be better prepared – it didn’t help us much last year for the first game of the season mind you, so you can get it wrong! But we’re in a good place and ready to go.”

Bristol Rovers manager John Ward: “A good start is important and everyone wants to get off with a win. When you don’t get your first win it puts that little bit more pressure on your next one.

“We will try very hard to get a point or three, but so will our opponents, so we will have to be right up for it.”