Hopes and Expectations 

Exeter City’s Director of Football, Steve Perryman, is relishing the new season just months after recovering from major heart surgery. The former Tottenham and England star was speaking at the launch of the team’s new kit, which is sponsored by Flybe. Perryman said he was keen to get back in the fray as soon as possible but was aware he needed to be patient. He added: “You cannot run before you walk in these situations. My body will tell me when the time is right and, of course, you have to listen to the doctors. It's been really tough. I was in a coma and my family have told me stories about machines and pipes and tubes coming out of everywhere but I'm slowly progressing and I'm just very grateful that I'm still here." "It’s great to be back at the training ground as I’ve spent far too long in my front room recently watching television and becoming an expert on antiques and property. "I’m also delighted to see that Flybe are involved again sponsoring the shirt. It’s been a good association so far and long may it continue.”  Despite City’s relegation to League Two, Perryman said he was feeling confident just a day ahead of the team’s first home friendly against FC United. He added: “We’re all very positive here and the backing of our sponsors, is an important part of that. I see many signs of togetherness. This club will always be fine as long as it truly understands what it is and what it stands for and part of that is that we live by our means." Perryman also singled out manager Paul Tisdale for praise. He said: “We have an exceptional manager and whether we get promoted or relegated nothing changes with him. He is someone who is leading a group of players who want to be led and want to be taught

“They all think that that man has got the key to their career whether that be an experienced Tommy Doherty or a young Aaron Dawson. “The respect level here is great and I think we will do very good things off the back of that.” Simon Lilley, Flybe’s Director of Marketing, said: “Flybe is proud to have been Exeter City’s sponsor for the last  ten years, and proud for our brand to have been worn for over a decade by passionate fans. We’ve seen a lot of different kits over that time but this one is probably the best of the bunch, and I look forward to seeing lots of them this season throughout the city and beyond.”

The 2012/13 squad as it stands in July 2012. 

Jamie Cureton was training at the start of the season and signed a contract a few weeks later. 

Stephen Brogan joined on trial in July and made the trip to Guernsey for the first pre-season game but was not signed. 

1. Artur Krysiak

Keeping the number one shirt he has worn since the departure of Andy Marriott, Artur faces a battle for his place in the side with new keeper Rhys Evans.

2. Steve Tully

Another player to keep his 2011/12 squad number, Tully was all smiles in training as always on Monday.

3. Craig Woodman

Monday was the Tivvy-born left-back's first session with his new team-mates after moving from Brentford. He's been given the squad number vacated by Billy Jones who has left the club after two seasons.

4. Scot Bennett

Scot's performances during last season have seen him move from the number 26 shirt to the number 4, previously worn by James Dunne before his move to Stevenage.

5. Pat Baldwin

One of last season's successful loanees, Pat has joined on a permanent basis after leaving Southend and has inherited Troy's number five shirt.

6. Danny Coles

When Danny suffered a fractured spine in March it looked like his professional football career could be on the line but he was back in training yesterday with his team-mates. He will wear number six, 

7. Liam Sercombe

Liam retains the number seven shirt and will be looking to carry on where he left off after finishing last season on fire.

8. Matt Oakley 

10. Alan Gow

Before the summer break Alan had already committed his future to the club by signing a two year deal, much to the delight of the club's supporters who took him to their hearts after just seven appearances where he found the net three times. He has been given the number 10 shirt, previously worn by Dan Nardiello. (Now at Rotherham)

12. Jamie Cureton 

Jamie Cureton returns to St James Park for the third time after a short loan spell from Leyton Orient at the tale end of last season. Injury restricted the former Reading and Norwich striker, who has scored  230 career goals, to just five starts during that spell but in the 2010/11 season though he hit 20 goals and won the Player of the Year award by a landslide.

14. Tommy Doherty

The former Bristol City and Wycombe man will add some experience in the centre of the park and will wear the number 14 that belonged to Chris Shephard last season.joined the club last ThursdayAnother new recruit, Tommy 

16. Kevin Amankwaah

As you can see, the former Swindon and Swansea right-back has lost the braids you may have remembered him sporting at Swindon. You'll see him this season in the number 16 shirt, previously worn by Marcus Stewart until his retirement in March 2011.

18. Elliott Frear

Elliott was another youngster to enjoy a breakthrough campaign last season and he has moved from number 24 to 18, replacing Danny Coles who has taken number six.

19. John O'Flynn

Has returned from his summer in Ireland with the blond hair he sported for a while last season! He remains City's number 19, having worn 29 during his first season with the Grecians.new deal with the club last weekJohn signed a 

20. Tom Nichols

The 19-year-old striker, who made 12 appearances last season and scored a memorable winner against Chesterfield, has been given squad number 20, previously worn by Richard Logan.

21. Guillem Bauza

The Spanish striker will be sporting the number 21 for the second successive season. Injury restricted the 25-year-old to just 14 starts last season so he will be looking to make up for lost time in League Two from August 18th.

22. Jimmy Keohane

The Irish midfielder, who arrived from Bristol City last summer, is one of just seven players to have kept the same squad number. Broke into the side at the start of last season and has improved rapidly since becoming a Grecian.

23. Aaron Dawson

One of seven youth team products in this squad to have already made their debut for the club, Dawson will be looking to build on his two appearances last season.

24. Rhys Evans

Paul Tisdale has not only put together an experienced back four this summer but he has also added an experienced keeper with plenty of knowledge of this level in Rhys Evans who will wear the number 24, previously sported by Elliott Frear.

31. Elliot Chamberlain 

On the 20th August Exeter City announced the signing of 20-year-old former Leicester striker Elliott Chamberlain after a successful trial. The versatile attacker, who featured in a number of the club’s pre-season friendlies, will be funded by a group of 60 Exeter City fans who contribute monthly payments to the Exeter Exiles administered 1931 Fund.