Residence | 'St James Park' Exeter City : Photography : Soccer Bible

The latest chapter from our Residence series comes straight out of the West Country. Hopping across the lower divisions of English football we visit League Two Exeter City who open the doors to their gloriously weathered and mismatched St James' Park, a place they've proudly called home for 111 years.

A rustic time capsule of beautiful British footballing gems St James' Park optimises the character and individual charm associated with lower league grounds up and down the country. Away from the modern bowl-like, out of city new-builds St James' Park presents a treasure hunt of throwback football where walking a lap of the pitch sees you wander through generations of architecture and design.

Wedged between houses, roads and railway lines just off the city centre St James' Park is what your old man would call 'a proper football ground'. An away terrace open to the elements, changing rooms the size sheds and one of the most geographically isolated locations in the country. If you're a player on four bookings, you try to pick the fifth up in time for Exeter away.



Seating on the sides, standing behind the goals - old school. At full capacity the Grecians can play in front of 8,800 with the majority of the noise coming from the 'Big Bank', a unique terrace rich in experience of promotions, relegations and atmospheric cup nights. Quirky features fill the eye from floodlight to floorboard, all spied upon by neighbouring households - each boasting their own view of the game. 



Corregated metal sheets, hand-numbered wooden seats and red paint hiding perfect imperfections. The main stand is on it's last legs but those legs have stood strong for almost 100 years and have played their part in holding up one of football's most original and loveable features - the humble grandstand.