Barry Sansom was a significant figure when Exeter City passed into supporter ownership in 2003 notably the work he did in ensuring St James’ Park continued to meet FA and league standards.

In the summer of 2003 Barry played a central, hands-on role in co-ordinating the volunteer work parties that brought St James Park up to Football Conference standards during the period after the trust took control but before ownership was officially acquired from Ivor Doble. Giving up his job at the time to concentrate his effort on the task in front of him, Barry also served on the club’s board of directors from November 2003 to December 2004. 

Barry died at the age of sixty-seven in January 2026 after a long illness.