On this day in:- 

1950

Unlimited borrowing powers were given to the Exeter City directors when an emergency general meeting of shareholders was held and approved the alteration of one of the company's articles of association. Chairman, Sydney Thomas said that the club needed additional borrowing powers in the light of what had been spent in recent months. They had purchased three houses for players' accommodation and spent money on signing Ray Goddard from Plymouth Argyle, which in total came to £23,000. However, he pointed out that the value of the houses, St James' Park itself and the players, more than covered any borrowing powers that the club were now seeking.

1953

It was announced that a short remembrance service would be held before the start of the next game against Southend United, following the death earlier in the week of Queen Mary. One verse from 'Abide with Me' would be sung before a minute silence. Both teams were to wear black armbands.

1960

Rumours were spreading that Exeter City were about to lose their manager, Frank Broome. It was understood that Broome had himself asked to be released from his contract with the club, which still had 18 months to run, and that he was currently in discussions with the directors, with regards to paying up the arrangement. City could not afford to to do that and and were working with Broome to try and find a solution. It was believed that the City directors would only be willing to release the manager if he had another job to go to.

1962

The Express and Echo reported that there had been a poor response to Exeter City FC's appeal for loans and were surprised that there had not been a better response from the traders within the city. Money was still coming in and the amount loaned to date stood at £1,695, but the majority of donations had come from private individuals rather than tradespeople. This was difficult to understand for it was felt that many traders would find a difference if Exeter City FC were forced to withdraw from the Football League. The Express and Echo summed up by stating: "Local traders should look upon Exeter City FC as an investment. The club is not asking anyone to give the money. This is a loan, although it is interest free. There is no danger of the money being lost because it is obvious that the club's assets are far in excess of financial commitments.

1971

An Exeter City Junior Supporters Club was to be launched, and the aim behind the formation was to sell professional football to the younger generation who are the regular followers of tomorrow. It was to be open to boys and girls under the age of 16, with a membership fee of 40 penceA programme of events had been planned, including talks by players, referee's, quizzes and 5-a-side football tournaments. City director Walter Rice was to become chairman of the new club and would be contacting schools in the Exeter area asking them to co-operateHe was confident that the club would eventually have over 500 members, a target he had set for the first year of it's existence.

1973

Exeter City were expected to announce that they were to increase some of the admission prices at St James' Park with immediate effect because of Value Added Tax which was to start on 1st April. A board meeting had decided to increase grandstand tickets from 60p to 65p, and ground admission prices from 40p to 45p. OAP's and children would not be charged for the remainder of the current season. City director Walter Rice said: "We are sorry to have to do this, but the sum involved with the introduction of VAT is so great that we fell it is essential to increase prices as were expected to do."

1982

On transfer deadline day, Exeter City signed midfield duo Stuart Robertson from Burnley and Paul Giles from Cardiff City. Both players were given short term contracts until the end of the season. Robertson, 22, travelled down to Exeter from his Lancashire home to sign, and 21-year old Giles, who played for the Wales Under-21 side against Holland earlier in the week, was expected to train with the City squad later that day. Exeter City coach Malcolm Musgrove said that all the financial arrangements had been sorted out and no fees were involved.

1989

Exeter City were expecting a £10,000 cheque from Tottenham Hotspur as part of a further pay out for the transfer of winger Mark Robson to White Hart Lane. nearly two years ago. The money was due now that Robson had made five competitive first team appearances for Spurs, bringing City's profit on the deal to £62,000. They were due to receive another instalment when Robson played his 20th League and Cup game for the club. Meanwhile, Exeter City manager Terry Cooper had set his players a 70 point target for promotion. As he prepared for the match against Stockport County he reckoned that another 21 points would be enough to secure City a place in the play off zone.

1990

Goal ace Darran Rowbotham was due to enter hospital for an exploratory operation on his injured right knee. The 30-goal marksman was believed to have damaged a cartilage and was due to undergo microsurgery at the Mount Stuart Hospital in Torquay to ascertain the full extent of the damage. Rowbotham had been injured ten days earlier after a collision with Peterborough United goalkeeper Tony Godden.

1991

The future of Exeter City FC was hanging in the balance following the ongoing dispute at boardroom level However, deposed chairman Ivor Doble optimistically said: "I can see a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel." Mr Doble said he would withdraw his £50,000 investment in the club if there was no guarantee of a return to the board of directors. With Mr carter and Mr Holladay fighting to get Mr Doble reinstated, they issued a joint statement which said; "We have had further talks aimed at resolving the difficulties in which our club finds ourself. Taking into consideration that the interests of the club are paramount, we feel that some progress has been made towards an amicable solution." Mr Holliday added: "We must ensure that this club has a future. It is finely balanced at the moment and I feel that both sides have bent towards a compromise. If we can resolve this, I will be a very happy man."

1993

There was no last minute transfer activity from Exeter City boss Alan Ball on transfer deadline day. Ball insisted that he would not be seeking to bring in any further players to the club, having already signed Jason Minett, Chris White and Stuart Storer in the past six days. There was however, a rumour that Bristol City were considering a last minute move with an offer to buy City goalkeeper Kevin Miller. Ballthough, said: "I am not expecting any more business to be done. Obviously the phone could ring at any momentbut I won't be ringing out to chase anybody myself"

1994

Exeter City made two signings on transfer deadline day, bringing in striker David Mehew from Bristol Rovers, and goalkeeper Allen McKnight, who had been playing for Hong Kong club, South China FC. Mehew had impressed whilst playing for the City reserves on trial whilst McKnight had been signed in face of competition from other clubs for the Northern Ireland international amebee joined on loan, whilst McKnight was signed on a non-contract basis. One player who had already left the Grecians was Chris White, who had moved to Yeovil Town on a free transfer. Winger Martin Phillips was continuing to attract the attention of Premiership clubs. Everton manager Mike Walker and Aston Villa boss Ron Atkinson were both believed to be monitoring the progress of the 18- year old.



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