The day has finally come as the League Two seasons kicks off with supporters in the ground as we welcome Bradford City to St James Park.
After 522 days since you've been back home without restrictions, a bumper crowd is expected for the visit of the Bantams, who are expected to be in the promotion mix this season.
In order to keep everyone safe, the club has adopted a five point plan, which you can read more about here.
Going into the game, City will be without midfielder Archie Collins and defender Alex Hartridge who both picked up injuries in the final week of pre-season, but Matt Jay is in line to start his first match as new club captain.
The Grecians had a positive first few weeks of pre-season, with wins over Tiverton, Taunton, Weymouth, and Bath City and a draw with Championship side Cardiff City.
Bradford have won six of their seven pre-season matches, which included victories over Doncaster Rovers and Blackburn.
Manager's Thoughts
"We are looking forward to the fans being back and being in full voice," Matt said.
"There will be a full away end and I know our fans always respond well to away fans. They've been away for so long but I know they'll get behind the team."
Bradford City are amongst the bookies favourites and have strengthened well in the transfer window, something which the manager believes this should make for an entertaining contest.
"Derek [Adams] has put together a really strong team, and the work he has done in the past with other clubs will bode well for them. They are a big club and deserve to be in a much higher league."
Hear Matt's interview here 👇
Ticket News
Please purchase tickets in advance for this fixture in order to minimise queues on match day. There is now an option to have an e-ticket sent to your mobile device. To purchase tickets, please click here.
Ticket collections are open from 12pm, so please arrive early to avoid disruption.
Pay on the gate entry for the Big Bank can ONLY be purchased from Stadium Way, therefore please make sure you have bought in advance if you intend to use the Jungle Path.
Tickets will be on sale for our first away game at Leyton Orient, however these sales will cease at 2pm until after the game in order to prioritise match day itself.
Match Day Guide
Many things may have changed since your last visit to SJP, so please take time to familiarise yourself with our new match day guide, which highlights everything you need to know for your return to the ground.
Grab a Grecian
The award winning Grecian returns for the new season at just £3.50.
In this edition, we talk to Matt Jay about his life in football and find out a little bit more about how our player of the year is taking to things as the new captain of our football club.
As always, there is plenty more for fans of all ages to enjoy, including our Academy Drills pull-out feature, which will again run throughout the season with the aim of providing useful and enjoyable sessions for young coaches and the players in the community.
Click here to order online or grab one at SJP on Saturday!
Park Life
Park Life has returned for the new season as the Grecians kick-off the EFL Sky Bet league Two 21/22 season against Bradford City on Saturday.
The show features an in-depth look at Saturday's match with interviews with Matt Taylor and Sam Nombe, a look at our summer signings, a preview on the Bantams and much more.
Take a watch below:
How to watch
In respect of domestic streaming, the EFL will return to the position as was prior to the pandemic. This means supporters in the UK will no longer be able to watch the match from home via iFollow.
Interntional iFollow subscribers will be able to watch the match as per standard pre-pandemic regulations. For more info on coverage of the EFL this season, read here.
We will of course be covering the match across our social media channels, with reaction from Matt Taylor and a player to follow after the game.
Previous Encounter
Exeter City 3-2 Bradford City | February 6, 2021 | St James Park
A second half resurgence from Exeter earned a valuable three points, with Matt Jay’s 79th minute penalty finishing off proceedings. Crankshaw had put Bradford in command on the stroke of half time after Pierce Sweeney cancelled out Vernam’s early strike. Ryan Bowman was also on the scoresheet for the Grecians.