Life as a Grecian - a pre-season in Brazil and a cup tie with AFCB

Rival Lines
Capital One Cup
Exeter City v AFCB

Blogger Interview

Ahead of the Capital One Cup match I thought it would be helpful if we featured another Rival Lines as we don't get to keep an eye on everything that happens in all the leagues every day, and there have been some intriguing things going on at Exeter City. So who better to ask than Philip Sanders who is one of the founder members of North Devon Grecians. Philip wants to point out that these are his own thoughts only and do not necessary represent the views of Exeter City FC or NDGs.

CC: How did you feel about Exeter City playing in Brazil in pre-season friendlies?

PS: I feel the anniversary of the Centenary when ECFC first visited and played teams in Brazil had to be celebrated. I understand the tour exceeded all expect ions. If this was the best preparation for a new season I am not sure especially since many of the players have since gone down with a bug. However this could be a coincidence.

CC: Did you see the Exeter v Torquay game in pre-season and have any of your young players impressed?

PS: The result of the Torquay was disappointing . But many of our successful academy players are now coming through and gaining first team experience . Pym (goalkeeper), Grimes, Dawson, Nichols and Tillson are all looking they can more then hold their own in League Two.

CC: Your manager Paul Tisdale says he wants to bring in a centre forward but you still have a transfer embargo so who will play up front?

PS: We are looking for the loan to the PFA to be repaid shortly when the embargo will be lifted and understand a centre forward who has been training with the club will then be signed.

CC: Tisdale had to name himself as a player for your first league game, because of a bug in the squad so this game has probably not come at a great time for Exeter has it?

PS: The bug going through the club was obviously unwanted especially in view of our relatively small squad and inability at present to sign new players.

CC: What was good and bad about Saturday's performance against Portsmouth?

PS: The players showed plenty of enthusiasm and played well together as a team. The first goal was always going to be vital, which fortunately we got. Portsmouth had the majority of procession but we defended well. Would have settled for a point at 3.00 pm but disappointed to concede the equaliser is close to the end.

CC: Do you think former captain Danny Coles will be a big loss if he goes now, having been transfer listed?

PS: Danny Coles is now history. If view of his use of the Social Media it was difficult for him to have the respect of the supporters.

CC: What was Exeter City's best performance in the cup competitions last season?

PS: We don't talk about Cup competitions.

CC: Was AFC Bournemouth a good draw for you in the Capital One Cup or would you have liked a team not so high in the leagues?

PS: I think AFC Bournemouth is a good draw for us. Will give our young esters a chance to measure themselves against a team from a higher League.

CC: What can the Bournemouth fans look forward to when they visit St James Park and are talks still going on about possible ground improvements?

PS: Your fans will receive a warm reception. All attached to the club recognise the need for ground improvements. I suspect many hurdles have to be cleared before progress can be made including finance.

CC: I want to give a special thank you for Philip for sparing his time to come on Rival Lines. He had lots of things to do this week and at the last minute it looked like he would not be able to share his views, but he very kindly made time for us when he did not have to. So thank you Philip - a lot of AFCB fans will be pleased that you talked to us.

Please take a look at North Devon Grecians' site where you can learn how the website got started and recent posts on the site.

Kyle's Cups has an extra article that profiles Exeter City's captain Scott Bennett. Click on Kyle's Cups to find out more about the Grecian defender.