Exeter City return to competitive action on Saturday when they face Bristol City in the first round of the Carabao Cup at Ashton Gate.
It’s been a while since we faced the Robins – 20 years in fact – so here is all you need to know about the side from just up the M5…
- Founded: 1894
- Nickname: The Robins
- Honours: Second Tier Champions (1905-06), Third Tier Champions (1922-23, 1926-27, 1954-55, 2014-15), Football League Trophy (1985-86, 2002-03, 2014-15).
Bristol City were formed in 1894 as Bristol South End and became a professional outfit three years later, at the same time as they adopted their current name. After joining the Football League in 1901 they won their inaugural title in 1906 after winning 30 games in a single season, including 14 in a row – a record not equallsed until 2018 by Manchester United.
A staple of the Football League, City saw a period of decline in the 1980’s as they suffered three relegations. In 1982 the club dropped to the fourth tier and become insolvent, with the new limited company leading a revival in the late 80’s. The club were promoted back to the second tier in 1990.
After floating between the second and third tiers, the club were relegated to League One in 2013 but bounced back after only two seasons after they amassed a club record 99 points and lost only five games, winning their final match of the season 8-2 against Walsall. That season they also won the EFL Trophy, also beating Walsall in the final. They finished their next season in 18th place.
Last season they finished 12th after failing to maintain their good run that saw them in contention for the play-offs for much of the season.
Last Time Out
Bristol City ended their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw against League One side Swindon Town at Ashton Gate. Andreas Weimann opened the scoring for the Robins but they were pegged back by Jack Payne’s deflected chip. Elsewhere in pre-season they have beaten Cheltenham Town 4-0 and drew 1-1 with Aston Villa. A Robins XI also lost 2-1 at Weston-super-Mare.
The Stadium
Ashton Gate is a 27,000 capacity stadium which they share with Rugby Premiership side Bristol Bears, It has been the club’s home since 1904. It consists of the main Lansdown Stand – the latest addition to the ground – which can hold 11,000 people, as well as the Atyeo Stand, Dolman Stand and South Stand. As well as hosting a number of England under-21 internationals it has also played host to a Rugby World Cup match between New Zealand and Tonga in 1999.
The Manager
Current manager is former assistant Dean Holden, who took over last month after the sacking of Lee Johnson in July. A former player with the likes of Shrewsbury, Bolton and Oldham, he also has manager experience at the Latics and Walsall, where he ended his playing career in 2014.
One To Watch
Striker Famara Diedhiou has been firing in the goals for the Robins since his 2017 move from French Ligue 1 side Angers. Finishing last season with 14 league goals he has consistently hit double figures for the Ashton Gate since his arrival. A Senegal international, the prolific 27-year-old is a versatile striker who will surely be trouble for the Grecians back line if he is played on Saturday.
Head To Head
- Bristol City wins: 26
- Draw: 17
- Exeter City wins: 12
Last Match
Bristol City 1-1 Exeter City | March 14, 2000
It has been over 20 years since the Grecians met Bristol City in competitive action. The match was a 1-1 draw in the Football League Trophy. The match was the second leg after City had been thrashed 4-0 at Ashton Gate and had three players sent off in the first leg!
How to Watch
Exeter City's season opening Carabao Cup fixture against Bristol City is available to stream live on the UK and Overseas on iFollow.
You can purchase a match pass for the 2pm kick-off at the cost of just £10. The stream includes the live BBC Radio Devon commentary, score overlay and replays.
To purchase a match pass please click here.
