So, the season is over, and the non-stop football rollercoaster paused for a month or two, but the hard work continues across the club. The players do get a well-deserved break, but the SJP team will be working on improving the stadium and the training ground, which has still been a hive of activity.

Our fantastic new training facility is now complete; it’s going to bring huge benefits to our club, from the amenities available for our squad, as well as attracting new players. Something makes me think it’s going to be slightly more appealing to future signings than the former building which needed umbrellas inside when it was raining and was home to an unknown rodent that chewed the goalie’s kit!

Talking of future players, there’s work constantly going on behind the scenes, with Gary, Marcus and the team working to identify the best players that fit with our budget. It’s no easy task and I think patience will be required from all of us, but also faith in the process, as the weeks go on. We saw the pattern that emerged in the January window, and I expect we’ll see similar this summer.

We’re proud of our ownership model, and we will always operate within our means, but it means there’s not an endless budget to bring in and pay players, and to get value from our budget may be something of a waiting game. So, patience will be key – for us all!

And when those new signings start coming in, you’ll get a chance to see them at the pre-season games, which begin with Tiverton Town on July 7, followed swiftly by trips to Mousehole, Bath City, Taunton, Torquay, Bristol City and Weston-super-Mare, with the final pre-season match at home against Coventry City on Saturday, July 29. All the dates and details are on the website – www.exetercityfc.co.uk

We’ve welcomed some new sponsors and Adidas as our new kit supplier – which has been very well received. Keep your eye on the club’s social media for the kit launch, which should be at the beginning of July. Thanks to all of our sponsors who continue to back our club – every single one of them is appreciated. I’d like to say a special thank you to Carpetright, who’s contract with the club came to an end last month. They’ve been an incredible sponsor of the club, stepping in to support us when Flybe collapsed, and throughout the pandemic. Keep your eyes peeled for the announcement of our new front of shirt sponsor, they are one of hell of a good company and we’re looking forward to working with them…all will be revealed soon!

Hopefully you’ll get to meet some of them at the Party in the Park, a day of fun, music and games, which takes place from 11am on Sunday, July 2. It’s raising funds for the Team Evo Appeal, to support Exeter City Community Trust coach Pete Eveleigh who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease at the end of last year. Come along and join us, it should be a great day, and for a really good cause.

The women’s team have had an amazing season, although they were just pipped to promotion by goal difference, which was such a shame for them. They play their games at Exwick Sports Hub – and crowds are growing all the time, as the women’s game continues to gain popularity.

Work doesn’t stop, of course, for our partner charity, Exeter City Community Trust, who continue to do great work in the community. There was a fantastic turnout for the Exeter Live Better Marathon and five-mile event in May, which was opened by East Devon’s own Olympian Jo Pavey and saw 450 runners take to the paths beside the River Exe. It’s also the location for the 10k River Run which takes place on June 30. Take a look at their website to find out more – www.exetercct.org

So, see you at St James Park very soon and - don’t forget, the future’s bright, the future’s red and white!

Julian Tagg, Exeter City Club President