Exeter City’s Glorious Past in Pictures Are you or a loved one featured in the 100s of historic club photos?
Exeter City Football Club may not be a name that dominates the headlines, but its story is full of heart and character—qualities often found at the core of English football. Gerald Gosling’s “Exeter City Football Club (Archive Photographs: Images of England)” serves as a rich visual tapestry, weaving together moments both triumphant and bittersweet. The book is packed with more than 200 archive images, each one a window into a different era of the club’s history. From faded black-and-white team shots to candid moments on muddy pitches, these photographs capture the spirit of a club that has weathered its fair share of ups and downs.
Among the pages, supporters will find snapshots of some of Exeter’s most celebrated players. Names like Dick Pym, ‘Nobby’ Clark, Charlie Miller, and Fred Davey are given their due, each image a tribute to the men who have worn the Grecian shirt with pride. There are team photographs from the club’s earliest days, including the inaugural squad from 1904-05, as well as images charting their entry into the Football League in 1920. For those who cherish the club’s successes, there are reminders of promotion campaigns and the unforgettable Division Four championship win in 1989-90, when City defied expectations and climbed the ladder against all odds.
But the book does not merely dwell on the obvious achievements. Gosling’s collection delves into the quirks and oddities that make Exeter’s story unique. Among the more remarkable episodes is the 1914 tour of South America, during which the Grecians faced the Brazilian national side and emerged with a 3-3 draw, a result still met with a hint of disbelief in Devon. The FA Cup runs of 1930-31 and 1980-81 are also well-documented, their highs and lows preserved in crisp monochrome. These moments, both grand and peculiar, depict a club that consistently outperformed its expectations.
With a foreword by Peter Fox and meticulously written captions, this book offers something for every Exeter supporter. Lifelong fans are sure to feel a wave of nostalgia as they leaf through the pages, recalling matches and faces from decades past. Meanwhile, those newer to the terraces will find themselves drawn into the club’s rich heritage, gaining a deeper appreciation for what it means to be part of the Exeter City family. For anyone who holds the club dear, Gosling’s archive is more than a collection of photographs—it is a celebration of community, resilience, and the enduring romance of football in the English lower leagues.
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Publisher: Tempus Publishing Limited
Published: 1998
Price: £25.00
Softcover: 128 pages
Lavishly illustrated
This book is in excellent condition and would enhance any collection.