Old pic finds it's way home

Exeter City Football Club made a ceremonial handover of an old photograph to Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club during the Grecians’ recent home fixture against Stevenage.

The photograph, dated 1902, depicts ‘Exeter Football Team’ and found its way to Exeter City director Paul Farley under the assumption that it belonged to Exeter City FC.

However, on closer inspection, it transpired that it had come to the football club in error. The first clue was that it predated the formation of Exeter City FC (who became known as such in 1904), and secondly the number of players in the team was also a giveaway.

And if that wasn’t evidence enough, the ovular shape of the ball certainly gave the game up!

The rugby club which is now known as Exeter Chiefs was formed as ‘Exeter Football Club’ in 1872, later being retitled to the less-confusing ‘Exeter Rugby Club’ and then taking on the Chiefs moniker during the 1990s.

Exeter City FC were pleased to hand over this photo to the Chiefs, where it will take place in its rightful home at the rugby museum.

The handover was made by Exeter City director Paul Farley and fellow director and former ‘Exeter Football Club’ winger Steve Williams, and was received on behalf of Exeter Chiefs by President Bob Staddon and current winger and local lad Matt Jess.

Steve Williams said: “It is rumoured that this is the first time that I have passed anything to my former full-back colleague Bob Staddon on a pitch – it normally only worked the other way!

“It gives us great pleasure to be able to present this artefact to Exeter Chiefs – both of our clubs are steeped in history and we are glad that this memento of the rugby club’s roots has made its way home.”