Nigel Parker – Board Room Host

"Exeter born and bred is where I start and the reason my life long support of Exeter City.

Watched my 1st City game whilst at Bradley Rowe school, then through my education at Heles High and Exeter College School.

My own football playing career was limited to the age 15 when playing in the Juventus league for Christian Endeavourers, I had to stop all physical contact support whilst I had required hip surgery.

In the year 2000 I became Chairman of Central Fc an Exeter based youth football club to which I had the honour to remain as Chairman for 20 years help turning Central into the largest youth football club in the city with over 400 members and 27 teams.

I recall sitting on the wall of the St James Road end watching the games, then walking around through the Cow shed to the Big bank to watch the 2nd half. Following ECFC was a real passion and of course the 1981 FA Cup run was a real highlight especially having travelled to the away legs at Newcastle, Leicester and Tottenham.

My association with Exeter City changed from being a supporter to a volunteer in 1998 where I then worked for the club’s shirt sponsor “Concept Incorporated” and had photographs with the then manager Peter Fox to publicise the sponsorship.

As part of the sponsorship I undertook the first building project at SJP which included the refit of the changing rooms and the creation of a new supporters lounge within the original wooden main grandstand. I have continued to work on contracts at SJP and this involved the interior design and fit out of the new current  home changing rooms.

Following by departure from Concept Incorporated during the season, I returned to work on the turnstiles for part of the season until the then Commercial manager “Keith Hartshorne” recognised me from earlier in the season and asked me to become the Boardroom Host which is a position I am proud to have held since 1998.

I know how holding this position is a privilege and I always endeavour to portray ECFC in a polite and professional manner – at the same time the supporter in me for approximately 50 years is always bubbling just under the surface."
by Nigel Parker October 2024. 

Up The City