Exeter City Fans Travel from US for FA Cup Clash Amid Financial Struggles
Published 8 January 2026
Highlights
- A father and son from San Diego are traveling over 6,000 km to watch Exeter City play Manchester City in the FA Cup.
- Exeter City requested additional gate receipts from Manchester City to aid their financial struggles but was denied.
- The match at Etihad Stadium will not be televised in the UK, limiting Exeter City's potential revenue.
- Exeter City, a fan-owned club, has faced financial difficulties, including redundancies and fire damage at their home ground.
- The game is expected to generate between £250,000 and £400,000 for Exeter City from ticket sales.
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Rewritten Article
Title: Exeter City Fans Travel from US for FA Cup Clash Amid Financial Struggles**
A father and son duo from San Diego, California, are embarking on a transatlantic journey to support Exeter City in their FA Cup third-round match against Manchester City. George, originally from Exeter, and his 11-year-old son Charlie, will traverse over 6,000 kilometers, taking three flights to reach Manchester by Friday afternoon. The match, scheduled for Saturday at the Etihad Stadium, marks a significant occasion for the League One club, which has never faced Manchester City before.
Charlie, an avid football player, expressed his excitement about witnessing his team play at such a prestigious venue. "I do hope we can keep it tight," George added, noting Exeter City's recent form. The family plans to meet friends from Exeter for a pre-match gathering, reminiscing about a similar trip in 2004.
Financial Challenges for Fan-Owned Exeter City
Meanwhile, Exeter City has been grappling with financial difficulties. The club, owned by its supporters' trust since 2003, recently appealed to Manchester City for a larger share of the gate receipts from the upcoming match. The plea, aimed at demonstrating solidarity with fan-owned clubs, was declined. Under current rules, each club receives 45% of the gate receipts, with the remaining 10% going to the Football Association.
Despite the setback, the match is expected to generate between £250,000 and £400,000 for Exeter City. However, the absence of TV coverage in the UK limits potential revenue streams. The club has faced financial strain, requiring loans from the supporters' trust and dealing with fire damage at their home ground, St James Park.
A Community United by Football
The Exeter City community remains hopeful and united in the face of adversity. George shared a heartwarming story about Charlie's connection to the club, highlighting the global reach of Exeter City's fan base. "Simon Hayward, our coach, was surprised to see an Exeter fan in California," George recalled.
As the match approaches, Exeter City fans, both local and international, are rallying behind their team, hoping for a memorable performance against the seven-time FA Cup winners.
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Scenario Analysis
The outcome of the FA Cup match could have significant implications for Exeter City. A victory or even a draw against Manchester City would not only boost morale but could also attract attention and potential financial support. The club's financial struggles underscore the challenges faced by fan-owned teams in maintaining sustainability. Should Exeter City secure additional funding or sponsorship, it could alleviate some of their financial burdens. The broader football community may also take note of the solidarity and resilience demonstrated by Exeter City's supporters, potentially influencing future policies regarding financial support for fan-owned clubs.
A father and son duo from San Diego, California, are embarking on a transatlantic journey to support Exeter City in their FA Cup third-round match against Manchester City. George, originally from Exeter, and his 11-year-old son Charlie, will traverse over 6,000 kilometers, taking three flights to reach Manchester by Friday afternoon. The match, scheduled for Saturday at the Etihad Stadium, marks a significant occasion for the League One club, which has never faced Manchester City before.
Charlie, an avid football player, expressed his excitement about witnessing his team play at such a prestigious venue. "I do hope we can keep it tight," George added, noting Exeter City's recent form. The family plans to meet friends from Exeter for a pre-match gathering, reminiscing about a similar trip in 2004.
Financial Challenges for Fan-Owned Exeter City
Meanwhile, Exeter City has been grappling with financial difficulties. The club, owned by its supporters' trust since 2003, recently appealed to Manchester City for a larger share of the gate receipts from the upcoming match. The plea, aimed at demonstrating solidarity with fan-owned clubs, was declined. Under current rules, each club receives 45% of the gate receipts, with the remaining 10% going to the Football Association.
Despite the setback, the match is expected to generate between £250,000 and £400,000 for Exeter City. However, the absence of TV coverage in the UK limits potential revenue streams. The club has faced financial strain, requiring loans from the supporters' trust and dealing with fire damage at their home ground, St James Park.
A Community United by Football
The Exeter City community remains hopeful and united in the face of adversity. George shared a heartwarming story about Charlie's connection to the club, highlighting the global reach of Exeter City's fan base. "Simon Hayward, our coach, was surprised to see an Exeter fan in California," George recalled.
As the match approaches, Exeter City fans, both local and international, are rallying behind their team, hoping for a memorable performance against the seven-time FA Cup winners.
What this might mean
The outcome of the FA Cup match could have significant implications for Exeter City. A victory or even a draw against Manchester City would not only boost morale but could also attract attention and potential financial support. The club's financial struggles underscore the challenges faced by fan-owned teams in maintaining sustainability. Should Exeter City secure additional funding or sponsorship, it could alleviate some of their financial burdens. The broader football community may also take note of the solidarity and resilience demonstrated by Exeter City's supporters, potentially influencing future policies regarding financial support for fan-owned clubs.
