Twenty Years of Trust Control at Exeter City Football Club

Community or supporter/fan-ownership of football (soccer) clubs is well-established at high levels in Germany (the Premier Division Bundesliga) and Spain (notably, FC Barcelona) but is unusual in the UK. Similarly, fan-owned US sports teams are unusual at high levels, with a few exceptions. Exeter City Football Club has been fan-owned since 2003, and as such has been much cited as a possible template for expanded fan governance. This book examines control by the Supporters Trust by means of critical analysis of key events. It draws on the recollections of those who have been involved at various times in its organisation over the 20 years of its existence. The book seeks to examine why, when other Clubs previously in fan ownership have failed, or changed their ownership/management methods, Exeter City Trust has achieved its relative longevity. It will be of interest to business and sports researchers, and sports club managers and owners, worldwide.