PS Match Day Programme - Flipbook - Page 3
WELCOME
Good afternoon everyone, and
a very warm welcome back to St
James Park for the 昀椀rst time this
summer, as we host Swansea
City in our 昀椀nal pre-season
friendly before the new campaign
begins next weekend away at
Doncaster.
It’s great to see familiar faces
back in the stands, and to
welcome many of you returning
to the ground after the summer
break. I hope you’ve all had the
chance to recharge, because it
promises to be another exciting
and challenging season ahead.
A special welcome as well to
Alan Sheehan, his players, staff,
and the travelling supporters
from Swansea. We’re pleased to
host you today and thank you for
making the journey down from
South Wales. We wish you all the
very best for the season to come.
Today’s match holds particular
signi昀椀cance, as it also marks
the testimonial for our captain,
Pierce Sweeney. It’s rare in the
modern game for a player to
spend close to a decade at one
club – and even rarer for them
to leave the kind of mark that
Sweens has on Exeter City.
From the moment he joined,
Pierce has shown the kind of
leadership, resilience, and
commitment that fans, players,
and staff alike admire. He’s worn
the armband with pride, led by
example on and off the pitch,
and become a trusted 昀椀gure in
the dressing room. Through ten
years, he’s been part of some
unforgettable moments – and
some painful ones too. From the
heartache of play-off defeats to
the incredible promotion in 2022,
he’s lived every high and low with
the badge on his chest and a
deep understanding of what this
club means to its community.
It’s only right that we honour
that loyalty and contribution.
This testimonial is just one part
of a year-long celebration of
his service, with several events
planned – all raising funds for
important charities close to his
heart. If you’re able to support
these causes over the coming
months, it would mean a
great deal.
Of course, while today is a
celebration, it’s also a crucial
part of our footballing calendar.
This is our 昀椀nal 昀椀xture before the
serious business begins, and a
昀椀nal opportunity to put the work
of the last few weeks
into practice. I’ve been really
pleased with how the group has
come together over the summer.
Pre-season always brings its
challenges – especially with
the heatwaves we’ve had – but
the squad have shown real
determination and focus. That
mentality will serve us well.
Thank you again for being
here supporting the club and
supporting Sweens. Let’s enjoy
the afternoon and get behind
the lads.
Gary ll
Caldwe
