A TESTING SEASON

Luck needed to avoid Injuries

By MAURICE GOLESWORTHY

The first home game of the season heralds the start of one of the most test ing campaigns the Exeter City Football Club has ever experienced at St. James Park.
This club has never had an easy time and various Chairmen in the past have had to make special appeals for support when the going has been rougher than usual, but when the present Chairman, Mr. Les Kerslake, recently declared that the club would have gone out of existence if we had continued to bear the burden of a reserve team then this really highlighted the dangerous situation into which Exeter City Football Club has fallen. Indeed, when I say that this is going to be a testing season I am thinking not only of the financial situation but also of the fact that the club is trying to get through with the minimum number of professionals. Injuries can upset the biggest clubs but we shall be really keeping our fingers crossed during the next eight months.
Manager Frank Broome has already made it known that he does not relish this one team set-up and really this is not at all surprising; the majority of football managers expect to have a reserve team in which they can bring on their younger players and try various tactical experiments as well as breaking in senior players after spells on the injured list.
Don't think that the club's directors are unaware of the need for a reserve team, but the fact that they have been forced to dispense with our Western League side emphasises the club's difficulties at the present time.

Is there any cure for the malady which affects the club at the present time? Yes, of course there is. The answer is to have a winning team. As we know Rome was not built in a day and although Exeter City have been going for a long time now new Manager Frank Broome has had to start from scratch after the disappointments of last season and the discarding of more than half the staff.

A VICIOUS CIRCLE
It is unfortunate that football is some thing of a vicious circle in so far as it is impossible for a club to obtain adequate support without a winning team and it is impossible to find money to strengthen the team without adequate support. Exeter City are very much caught in this not so merry-go-round. But from what we have seen of the newcomers in our practice matches there is no doubt that Frank Broome deserves congratulations for the players he has been able to secure for the club without spending a penny in transfer fees.
Of course, this doesn't mean that the City have not spent any money for, under the new signing-on regulations, everyone of these new players has meant an outlay of the minimum amount of £500-half to the Football League for their Provident Fund and half to the player. Knowing this the City were bold to make such a big clear-out at the end of last season for I know of at least one other West-Country manager who threatened to have a clear out but then changed his mind when the new regulations came into force. This regulation means that there are no longer any FREE transfers, at least, not for the club signing the player.
The worst aspect of last season was the lack of goals. This was general throughout the Fourth Division, but we were the poorest scorers of the lot and this is one title we must shake off during this campaign. In this respect it is unfortunate that we did not get the one more inside forward we wanted or the centre-forward we tried to sign this week, but we have high hopes of Micky Fudge, and Bruce Stuckey in the goalscoring department, and Stuckey has already shown signs of being one of the most improved footballers retained from last season.

Nine seasons have passed since last we saw one of our forwards score more than 20 League goals in a season (Ted Calland got 27 in 1958-59), but we hope that one of the 3 players just mentioned will be able to emulate Ted Calland this season. Of course, we won't complain if each of them gets 19 goals!
 
List of Professional Players
1967-68

Michael Balson
Jimmy Blain
Johnny Corr
Campbell Crawford
Dermot Curtis
Ben Embery
Michael Fudge
Stuart Hart
Keith Harvey
Cliff Huxford
John Smout
Cecil Smyth
Bruce Stuckey
Keith Whatling
Ernie Wilkinson

Apprentices:
David Broom,
Philip Richardson

The Pre-Season Diary

WEDNESDAY 14th JUNE 1967.
CITY MAY SIGN FORWARD.

Exeter City are expected to sign a First Division inside forward at the weekend, Manager Frank Broome said that negotiations for the player ware virtually complete, but he could not name him at this stage. City have ten players on their books for next season at present, Broome is to go on a trip to London and the Midlands tomorrow, where he hopes to check on some wingers and a forward,

TUESDAY 20th JUNE 1967.
MICKY FUDGE SIGNS.

Young Micky Fudge, the West Bromwich Albion inside forward who was involved in a car accident whilst on his way to St James' Park yesterday to meet officials of Exeter City, arrived in the City this afternoon by train and immediately went to the clubs H.Q, and signed for next season, Fudge,21,was born in Bristol, and joined First Division West Bromwich Albion as an apprentice having played for the Bristol Schools side. He turned professional three years ago and made his League debut against Sheffield United the day after he had signed. Although not a regular first team player, "he has had quite a lot of League experience and has made numerous appearances for West Bromwich Albion,

MONDAY 26th JUNE 1967.

BLOW FOR CITY.

A pre-season blow for Exeter City, is that utility player Jimmy Blain, and holder of the Player of the Year trophy has gone into appendicitis operation. It is doubtful whether Blain will be back at St James' Park for at least 10 weeks. If this forecast is correct he will miss the start of next season,

FRIDAY 30th JUNE 1967.

BROOME WANTS A SECOND STRING.

Manager Frank Broome is hoping that Exeter City have a successful season and begin to improve the club's financial position and then he will be able to run a reserve side in the Western League again in 1968-69, The City boss knew that he was taking on a club without a reserve side when he accepted the managership as the directors had already decided to withdraw from the Western League and cut the playing staff before appointing their new manager, it is not surprising though to find that the one team set up is not to Frank Broome's liking.

RYAN SIGNS FOR CHAMPIONS DOVER.

Jim Ryan, the former Welsh International forward who joined Exeter City from Hastings United in a £1,000 deal only four months ago, has signed for Southern League Dover, who were League Champions last season, Ryan is also to resume a flourishing and financially rewarding career as a male model, which he had to give up when signing for City as a full time professional,

ARSENAL LEFT WINGER JOINS CITY.

Exeter City have brought off another signing, their second this week. This afternoon they signed 21 year old Arsenal left winger Johnny Corr, to bring their playing staff up to 12.  Although not having Football League experience, Corr has had a lot of Football Combination games and has scored quite a few goals

THURSDAY 6th JULY 1967.
CITY SIGN TWO PLAYERS.

Exeter City have signed two players for next season, Keith Whatling, 19 year old left winger from Second Division Ipswich Town, and full back Campbell Crawford from First Division West Bromwich Albion, Whatling has been highly recommended to City manager Frank Broome, whilst Crawford has made 9 League appearances for West Bromwich Albion, Exeter who start the season with one of the smallest playing staff's in the Football League have a second player undergoing treatment, Jimmy Blain is absent recovering from appendicitis, now Keith Harvey has entered hospital for an ear operation which will keep him sidelined for about two weeks.

MONDAY 10th JULY 1967.

NEW TRAINER APPOINTED.
Exeter City's new trainer is Bert Edwards, He has given up a G.P.0, telephones engineering job after 11 years to join the club, which he was helping earlier this year when Keith Harvey returned to the game as a player, Bert, 41, a Londoner has lived in Exeter since the War. He signed foras for Torquay United in 1944 and stayed there several seasons playing in their Southern League side. He went to Bideford as a full back or wing half for two seasons and followed this with a spell in local football with Dawlish Town, He qualified as a F.A, Coach about six years ago and has just completed a physiotherapy course. Five years ago he was coaching the City colts side under Jack Edwards, later taking over the Western League team,

TUESDAY 11th JULY 1967.

EDWARDS TAKES OVER.

New trainer, Bert Edwards, officially takes over at St James' Park today and his first job was to get the playing and training kit ready for when Exeter City's staff report back for training next Monday. Ar Edwards, last seasons assistant trainer was appointed yesterday and manager Frank Broome describes him as having the qulaities and capabilities to make the lads train the way he wants them too.

CITY SHIRTS
Exeter City received many replies following manager Frank Broome's appeal for an emblem for the club's shirt for the coming season. The suggestions include a galleon, Dido the famous seagull, a Dartmoor pony, the falcon, and an owl.

Ray Keeley one of 'Exeter City's 12 released players at the end of last season, has signed for Southern League club, Crawley Town, Two players may be missing when Exeter City come back on Monday for trainingKeith Harvey went into hospital today for an operation on his ear and it is not known how long he will be detained, Jimmy Blain is now recovering from an appendicitis operation and although progressing well, it will be up to the club doctor whether he can resume training.

MONDAY 17th JULY 1967.

CITY REPORT FOR TRAINING.

Exeter City's players reported back to St JamesPark to begin training today. They were welcomed by the directors and chairman of the club by manager Frank Broome who told them that the next three weeks to a month was to be the most important part of their trainingThere was much hard work to be done without any short cuts, he added that he wanted everyone to enjoy training. A good atmosphere was essential for the success of the club,

TRIAL FOR WINGER.

Frank Broome announced today he had invited a young player who was with him in Australia to come to Exeter for trials. The player, 22 year old, Stuart Hart, has now returned to this country. He was at the same club, First Division, Corinthians, as Mr Broome, The City manager thinks that Hart can make the grade but explained that the Australian football is of a lower standrard than ours. It is hoped that he will have a run out in City's pre-season games,

MATCH BALLS WANTED BY CITY.
One way in which Exeter City supporters could help the club would be donating towards a new ball, Pointing out that a new ball was used for each match, the club chairman Les Kerslake said that many club hardly ever had to buy a matchball. Their spectators kept them supplied throughout the season, Contributions towards the cost of a ball would be very much appreciatedHe added that an offer to provide a ball for the seasons first match had already been received,

TUESDAY 25th JULY 1967.

A DAY OUT THEN DOWN TO WORK.

It was back to normal training for the Exeter City playing staff today, following their trip to Torquay yesterday as guests of keen City supporter, Keith Richards, of The Speedy Service Station, Exeter Manager Frank Broome, trainer Bert Edwards, and other members of staff joined the party who used the facilities of a Torquay Hotel including golf and swimming, Later in the day, the party were joined by Les Kerslake and two directors, Jack Cowley and John Rodgers. After dinner they all visited the Max Bygraves Show and went backstage to meet Mr Bygraves.

WEDNESDAY 26th JULY 1967.

CITY TEAM SWEAT IT OUT.

Exeter City's playing staff joined up today. They were in the Army for an hour, It was a break in normal training routines when the players went to Wyvern Barracks, Exeter and tackled the Wessex Brigade assault course. As the players sweated it out manager Frank Broome announced that they would go there again before the start of the season,

SATURDAY 29th JULY 1967.

CITY MAKE NO PROMISES.

No promises were made about the club's season in the Fourth Division at the annual meeting of the Exeter City Supporters Club at St James' Park, At last night's meeting City chairman Les Kerslake said that the return of Frank Broome made him think that the club are getting back some of the spirit that used to be there. He added that City now had a good bunch of lads and he was sure they were going to give everyone their best, Chairman of the Supporters Club, Mr W. Hawker, said that the suppoers club had instituted a two shillings and sixpence scheme under which the pensioners pay three shillings to get into the ground and the supporters made up the difference to Exeter City, Treasurer Mr B, West said that the club was on a substantial footing and he appealed to members to attend matches and the various social functions the club organised,

THURSDAY 3rd AUGUST 1967.

CORR HAS FRACTURED KNEECAP.

Another injury blow for Exeter City, John Corr who broke down in training last week has a fracture of the kneecap and will be in plaster for six weeks, The 21 year old former Arsenal winger was troubled by injury last week and then went to see a specialist on Tuesday. This brings City's casualty list up to four including Jimmy Blain, Keith Harvey, and Keith Whatling,

FRIDAY 4th AUGUST 1967.

SWANSEA TOWN TO AID EXETER CITY.

Exeter City may not have enough fit players for their first pre season match against Swansea Town tomorrow, After three weeks of hard training City had just ten fit players, one doubtful, and four out of action, Manager Frank Broome said he may take up the Swansea manager Bill Lucas's offer of borrowing a player so that the game can take place.

575,

SATURDAY 5th AUGUST 1967.

INJURIES HELP BEAT EXETER CITY.

FRIENDLY.

EXETER CITY 2.
Smout; Smyth, Crawford; Embery, Wilkinson, Huxford; Hart, Stuckey, Balson, Fudge, Grey(Swansea Town).

SWANSEA TOWN 5,
John; R, Evans, Gomersall; Thomas, Purcell, Jones; Humphries, Williams, Roberts, I,Allchurch, Evans,

Scorers:
Exeter Stuckey, Balson,
Swansea: Humphries 2, Coughlin 2, Allchurch

Attendance: 1,756

Pre season injuries and illness have already hit Exeter City hard, and for this friendly game bity had only ten fit men, including young trialist Stuart Hart, now living in Derby. They borrowed Swansea Town's 18 year old Brian Grey to play on the left wing., with Hart lining up on the opposite wing, his first game since returning from Australia. Before City had time to settle, Swansea were a goal in front and by half time they were 4-0 ahead, Humphries got the first, Coughlin scored two in as many minutes, and Allchurch still the maestro on the football field hit the fourth from 30 yards, City were completely overun with their makeshift team, After the interval City did show some improvement. Bruce Stuckey reduced the arrears after 60 minutes from the penalty spot, after a Swansea defender handled on the line, Mike Balson scored Exeter's second goal but in the closing minutes City's misery was complete when Humphries scored his second and Swansea's fifth, The answer to City's problems are obvious they need players. What will it be like when the season starts proper ?

FRIDAY 11th AUGUST 1967.

LOCAL DERBY IN THE CUP.

What a happy coincidence it is that Torquay United and Exeter City have drawn each other again in the Football League Cup for the second year running. Neither club has yet enjoyed much success in this competition and as a consequence interest in this cup has been lukewarm around South and East Devon, but there is nothing like a local derby to create excitement, Last season Torquay had to travel Exeter for the first round tie, but this season it's the other way around. The Plainmoor club supporters are hoping that there will also be a swop around in the result, for 12 months ago, United drew at Exeter, but were surprisingly beaten 2-1 in the replay back at Plainmoor. Although we are only looking back to last season's clash between these two local rivals it is impsossible to use that result as any sort of guide to the outcome this year, because both clubs have made a remarkable number of changes during the intervening period, A year is not a long time but Exeter City have only three of the players who faced Torquay last term, and United are unlikely to field more than five of the same players. Exeter are certainly not bothered about having to play at Torquay for apart from last season's victory they have only lost one of their previous League or Cup matches at Plainmoor.

SATURDAY 12th AUGUST 1967.

AGGRESSION AND SPIRIT.

FRIENDLY.

EXETER CITY 2.
Smout; Smyth, Crawford; Curtis, Wilkinson, Harford; Hart, Stuckey, Balson, Fudge, Whatling(Blain),

CARDIFF CITY 4
Wilson; Coldrick, Ferguson; Harris, Murray, Clark; Jones, Williams, Allen, Brown, King, Scorers:
Exeter Stuckey 2
Cardiff: Brown 2, Allen 2.

Attendance:

Although City have lost in successive weeks to Welsh opposition, this performance was a big improvement on the Swansea Town gameCity gave Cardiff far more trouble than they could have expected from a club two divisions lower than themselves, and City did not really deserve to be two goals worse off, Exeter showed plenty of aggression and spirit in an entertaining game which should have given their confidence a boost. Five of City's six close season signings played and one of these, Dermot Curtis, made a big difference with his experience to add to that of Cliff Huxford's. Trialist Stuart Hart improves all the time and could well be signed before Saturday's opening game at Bradford City. On the other wing, 19 year old Keith Whatling, who is only a little fellow, never stopped working as he chased and tackled tenaciously.

After two matches, City have found a new penalty taker. They have had one penalty kick awarded in each match and Bruce Stuckey has cooly and confidently scored from both, Stuckey also scored City's second goal, Exeter could still do with a little more bite in the middle to complement their good midfield work.

WEDNESDAY 16th AUGUST 1967.

EXETER CITY GRANT CECIL SMYTH A BENEFIT MATCH.

Exeter City's popular full back, Cecil Smyth, has been granted a benefit match at St James' Park on Tuesday 17th october, and he has gathered together a select eleven to play Exeter City. 26 year old Smyth is now starting his sixth season with the club since joining them from Distillery, When he came to St James' Park he became a star virtually overnight. He has made over 200 appearances in the first team and was a member of the 1964 promotion side.