In a newsletter to members, Exeter City Supporters' Trust chairman Nick Hawker thanked fans for their generosity and praised the work of chairman Julian Tagg as the club and players prepare for a return to football in the Sky Bet League Two play-offs.
Writing in the newsletter, Nick Hawker, said: "By the time that you read this you will know, I am sure, that the players will return to train on Monday (1st June 2020) in preparation for the League Two play-offs. This is a bitter-sweet moment. I know that Matt and the team believed that they could gain an automatic promotion spot. To have that belief snatched away by something so totally out of their control must have been crushing. Of course, much worse things were going on around us all, and indeed still are! No consolation perhaps, but at least a reason to not feel too aggrieved.
Throughout the period of uncertainty, I must express my admiration for Julian Tagg. At a national level he has steadfastly taken the view that Exeter City FC would ‘do the right thing for football’. It might not please everybody, I suppose, but when you consider the unseemly goings on elsewhere in the EFL, I think this is something we can justly be proud of. No ordinary football club are we.
As if proof were needed of that then look no further than the incredible response of our appeal for members and supporters to make donations, not to claim refunds on season tickets, advanced ticket sales, and even the Plymouth Argyle away tickets.
I am trying to write to every member who has been able to show their generosity but please, if I do miss you out, it is simply that the information has not filtered through. Feel free to let me know as it is unintentional. If you are reading this and you are not a Trust member my apologies, I am afraid the GDPR regulations prevent the Club from passing on your details. In the fullness of time I will try and establish exactly how much we raised through these efforts though actually, the amount is less important than the spirit of the gesture. Thank you all so much!
Whatever league we are playing in next season (and whenever that might be) we should all expect that some things will be different. The government furloughing scheme of course helps but missing out on the revenue from the remaining games of 2019/20 and the likelihood of playing games behind closed doors is bound to impact. Whatever happens though, I know that everybody at Exeter City, players, staff, volunteers, and supporters, will always get behind the team!
Take care of yourselves and stay safe.
Come on you reds!
Nick Hawker, Trust Chairman