Hopes and Expectations 

After finishing two off the bottom of Division Four last season, and with money at a premium, new manager Terry Cooper was under no illusions as to the task that faced him at St. James Park. The rebuilding of the team was priority and the former City Manager has done well to recruit five experienced players during the close season. Of the five, only STEVE NEVILLE cost the Devon club a fee and they will be more than satisfied with the outcome of the recent League tribunal which ruled that Exeter should pay just £10,000 for the striker rated at £90,000 by City. Teaming up with Neville will be TOMMY LANGLEY. He was surprisingly released by Aldershot after finishing their top scorer with fourteen League goals. The former Chelsea, Q.P.R. and Crystal Palace striker is sure to trouble Fourth Division defences this term as is GRAHAM WITHEY. The 28 year old forward was given a late baptism to League football by Bristol Rovers following his prolific scoring feats with non-league Bath City. Graham had spells at Coventry and Cardiff and in fact had a short time at Ashton Gate during the 1986-87 season before moving back to Bath City. Spent part of last term on loan to Cheltenham and looks upon this as a last chance to break into League soccer. Terry Cooper was appointed manager at Exeter in May, just two months after his departure from Ashton Gate.

"Welcome to all our supporters on the opening day of the 88/89 season. We start the new season joint top of the league and I intend with a little. luck to be in the same position at the end of the campaign. Our pre-season build up has produced good results, and going unbeaten has instilled good morale throughout the club. You will obviously see a lot of new faces around this season, with your help and support they will respond, to come up to expectation, and help us on the way to success. Thanks once again for your support." TERRY COOPER

Squad 

Pre-Season Friendlies 

Watford (2nd August 1988)
Photo montage.

Yeovil (6th August 1988)

Exmouth (9th August 1988)

Bideford (10th August 1988)

Torrington (11th August 1988)

Cardiff City (13th August 1988)

Sheffield Wednesday (17th August 1988)