Exeter City are preparing for a monumental FA Cup third-round clash this weekend, with dreams of a giant-killing victory over Manchester City that could provide a vital financial lifeline for the League One club.
The Dream of a Cup Upset
Pete Ferlie, chairman of the Exeter City Supporters' Trust, has spoken of the transformative impact a win against Pep Guardiola's treble-winning side would have. The Grecians travel to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, January 10, 2026, as huge underdogs, but Ferlie believes the occasion embodies the true romance of the famous competition.
"It would be enormous, especially after the type of summer we've had," Ferlie told Mirror Football. "To get into the fourth round by beating a Premier League side, it would be magic. It would be all our wishes coming true for the club, the players and the fans."
Financial Battle for a Fan-Owned Club
The potential cup windfall comes at a critical time. As a fan-owned club, Exeter relies heavily on Trust donations and the strategic sale of academy talent. Recently, however, generating significant funds from player sales has become more challenging, making cup success even more crucial.
Ferlie explained the club's resilient ethos: "We took it in our stride, another bump in the road... it is not uncommon for us to have these financial hiccups. We're battling through it." This battle was compounded recently when a fire at St James Park caused damage and forced a league postponement against Burton Albion.
Overcoming TV Snub and Looking Ahead
Despite the David vs Goliath narrative, the fixture was not selected for live TV broadcast, a decision that denies Exeter a further valuable revenue stream. Matches like Tottenham vs Aston Villa and Manchester United vs Brighton were chosen instead.
"Yes it is a shame, obviously we want to be on TV to showcase what we're about," Ferlie admitted. The club has proactively written to Manchester City requesting a portion of the home side's share of the gate receipts, on top of the 45 per cent away allocation they are already due.
Regardless of the outcome at the Etihad, Ferlie is determined to use the platform to highlight the benefits of the fan-owned model. He vowed the club and its supporters would create an unforgettable atmosphere, saying they look forward to "show the football world what Exeter is going to sound like come 3pm on that matchday."
