City's No.3 and 'One of our Own' Jack Sparkes has given his final interview as he calls time on his Grecians career following 14 years with the club.
Sparkes will make his final run-out for the club in the final game of the League One season against Morecambe on Sunday, leaving with the best wishes of all at Exeter City, ending on 150 appearances and ten goals for the club.
Reflecting on the decision to leave the club, Jack said: "I'd like to start by saying how grateful I am to the club for the faith they have shown in me over the last 14 years. It is an emotional time for me, but speaking to the manager, it is time for new opportunity for me somewhere else which I am looking forward to. Having a newborn, it will difficult moving away, but you have to embrace it while she is young. It will be a different life for us and we're looking forward to it."
Looking back on his journey from academy to pro, Sparkes looks back with fond memories: "If you'd told me when I was 8 I'd be playing this many games for the first team, it is every lads dream. I wouldn't have thought that at all. I am immensely proud of where I have come from and what I have done for the club. Growing up at the academy, I had Simon Haywood as my first proper manager and he taught me what I needed to be a professional, and then Matt Taylor who had been a massive part. I am so grateful to everyone who has played a massive part in my journey."
Touching on the support from the City fans, Sparkes was keen to thank them: "Thank you for sticking by me. It's been tough at times. I've had some bad games, and i have some good games. I hope they see me as a good person more than anything else. I always gave my best for the club, and I always will."
The most memorable moment of Sparkes' time at City has been that famous promotion last season, and Jack was keen to reminisce, particularly about his stunning goal against Harrogate: "That was a highlight for me, and a lot of people, even though it was just one of many goals. That was a standout moment for me. The scenes at the end were brilliant."
Hear the full interview with Jack 👇