THOUSANDS of Exeter City fans, including many from Crediton, turned out in the city centre on Monday, May 9, to congratulate the Grecians on their incredible promotion-winning season.

An open top bus parade through the High Street was followed by a Civic Reception hosted by past Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Yolanda Henson at the historic Guildhall.

The High Street was closed to traffic as open top buses containing the players and staff from Exeter City arrived at 6pm. Thousands of fans gathered in the High Street and lined the route to welcome the buses.

Stewards from the club escorted the vehicles as they slowly travelled towards Exeter’s historic Guildhall.

The players were met by Cllr Henson for a Civic Reception, and she praised their achievements on behalf of everyone in the city for gaining automatic promotion from League Two to League One after a fantastic season.

Players and manager Matt Taylor then appeared on the balcony at the Guildhall for photographs and to greet the large crowd gathered outside.

City Council Leader Phil Bialyk praised the club for its achievement and said the success of the Grecians had given everyone a boost in the city.

He said: “We are all very proud of what you have done this season. To gain automatic promotion into League One is absolutely fantastic.

“The club is owned by its supporters and this success means so much to so many people. I congratulate everyone at the club on this achievement and wish you continued success in League One next season.”

• See more images in the current issue of the Crediton Courier, on sale today!