Exeter City Faces Manchester City in FA Cup Showdown
“You always watch the draw every year hoping for a really big tie, and somehow it doesn’t quite work out, but this year we need it and we’ve got it,” says Exeter City’s general manager, Clive Harrison.
Harrison's role at the fan-owned club has become increasingly challenging as Exeter City fights for survival. Earlier this season, the club required approximately £600,000 in emergency funding from the Exeter City Supporters' Trust to remain operational after overspending in the previous season. Additionally, they accessed early payment of a sell-on fee from former striker Jay Stansfield's transfer from Fulham to Birmingham City.
Compounding these financial struggles, a fire at the club's St James Park ground last month necessitated a crowdfunding campaign that raised £100,000 to cover repair costs, enabling last week’s 4-0 FA Cup second-round victory against Wycombe Wanderers to take place.
“After the fire, it felt like another bump in the road and we were really up against it. The win on Saturday and this draw really gives everybody that boost that we need at the moment,” Harrison remarked.
“I think it’s important that we’ve been through this difficult period. Supporters and sponsors have rallied around the club. This is really no more than they deserve. We have a month of excitement leading up to this game, then the game itself, and everybody deserves this, I think.”
The disparity between Exeter City and their next opponent, Manchester City, could not be more pronounced. The amount of money star striker Erling Haaland reportedly earns in a fortnight surpasses the financial woes that threaten the League One club’s future. While Manchester City is backed by an oil-rich state, Exeter was saved from bankruptcy by a dedicated group of fans just over two decades ago.
“It’s two clubs with totally different ownership models, and it’ll be really interesting to see the difference in that,” said Exeter manager Gary Caldwell. “We have to sell our story because I think it’s unique. We have an incredible football club that 20 years ago we nearly lost, and the supporters were the group that rallied round to keep it going and have fought hard to build it back through the leagues over the years.”
Caldwell emphasized the need for continued support and innovative financial strategies as the club seeks to sustain itself at League One level. “Days like this are a huge help in adding some much-needed finances at this time,” he added.
A Repeat of 2005?
Twenty-one years ago, Exeter faced a similar crisis, having been taken over by fans while burdened with millions in debt, competing in what is now the National League. In January 2005, they secured a 0-0 draw against Manchester United, who were then forced to travel to Exeter for a replay, which they won 2-0. The revenue from Old Trafford, combined with TV money from the replay and a sold-out St James Park, significantly alleviated the club's nearly £5 million debt, paving the way for their ascent to League One.
Although there will be no replay this time, the financial impact of January’s match at the Etihad Stadium is expected to be similarly beneficial. “It’s quite amazing how it’s worked out, to be honest. They say these things go in cycles, and perhaps this is a 21-year cycle,” Harrison reflected. “We’ve done some quick calculations, and while we don’t know the gate price or attendance yet, I’d estimate it could be around £250,000 or more. This is crucial for us as we prepare for the rest of the season.”
Despite the challenges, Exeter is aware of the odds stacked against them. While they boast some international experience, including veteran Northern Ireland striker Josh Magennis and Finland winger Ilmari Niskanen, their squad pales in comparison to the star-studded team that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could field.
However, Caldwell, who has previously defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup during his playing days at Wigan, remains optimistic. “I know how to beat them in the FA Cup because we managed to do that back in 2013 in the final, and actually beat them the following year as well, so who knows, maybe it can strike again,” he said.
“They’re an incredible team. I’ve seen them win Premier Leagues and European Cups, FA Cups—just an incredible football team and an amazing club that has risen to prominence in recent years. So it will be a huge task when it comes around.”
‘A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience’
Long-serving captain Pierce Sweeney expressed his excitement about facing one of the best teams in the world. “It’s a little bit surreal,” he said regarding the draw. “Hopefully we get it on TV, we get it in primetime, and we can earn some good money while putting in a strong performance against one of the best sides in the last decade.”
As a defender accustomed to facing tough opponents in the third tier, Sweeney is preparing for the challenge ahead. “I don’t think my legs will be feeling good after half an hour in that game, and I don’t think my body will be feeling good,” he joked. “But I’m really excited for the occasion and for the football club to get the exposure, the financial boost, and for us to pull out Manchester City is unbelievable. It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
He added, “I’ve got friends and family who messaged me straight away looking to book flights and hotels in Manchester, so I reckon there could be a couple of thousand coming up from Exeter and probably a thousand of friends and family from players traveling.”