25 years since Exeter City crowned Fourth Division champions

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It was 25 years ago tonight that St James’ Park witnessed one of the most memorable occasions in the history of Exeter City.

The Grecians were playing their final home game of the season against Burnley. Incredibly, it was the 55th game of that memorable campaign and it was party time at the Park as 7,544 fans turned out to see the Grecians, recently crowned as Fourth Division champions, handed and parade their trophy.

It was the penultimate act in a wonderful two weeks for the club. Only eight days previously, City had seen off Southend United 2-1 to win promotion with goals from Steve Neville and Brian McDermott before 8,271.

Three days later and two Tom Kelly penalties helped the Grecians see off Scarborough 3-2; Richard Young scoring Exeter’s other goal with that win sealing their Championship triumph.

It remains their only title to date and Terry Cooper’s free-flowing, flamboyant and highly-entertaining side will forever be remembered as one of the best to represent Exeter.

The Burnley game saw Exeter fall behind, but determined to ensure they went the whole season without losing at home that campaign, the Grecians hit back. Clive Whitehead levelled things up before Young ensured the evening ended on a real high with the winning goal.

All that was left was for Exeter to bring the curtain down on the campaign, which they did in style by winning 5-1 at Lincoln City four days later. Whitehead and Young were again among the scorers with the other goals coming from McDermott, Ben Rowe and an own goal.

It was a great squad with a fine blend of youth and experience. The likes of Kevin Miller in goal (who at 46 announced he will be retiring from the game at the end of this season), Scott Hiley, Chris Vinnicombe, Shaun Taylor, Richard Dryden, and Darran Rowbotham were well complemented by seasoned campaigners like Jim McNichol, Clive Whitehead, Brian McDermott and Steve Neville. And that team attracted a generation of new supporters.

It is hard to believe it was 25 years ago, so fresh are the memories. Cooper’s Red and White Army really were so good, it was unbelievable!