In a surprising announcement this afternoon, Exeter City shared the news that their captain, Manfy Sharpe, will be leaving the club after nine years.
I’ll be honest, I did not see this news coming. If any Grecian deserved to walk out against MK Dons on the opening day of the season, making history in the third tier, it would be Manfy Sharpe.
Sharpe is synonymous with the club and is well-loved by supporters, always recognising their importance to the club’s growth. On the pitch, Sharpe is a fierce competitor, ready to go to war for her team and her teammates. These are just some of the characteristics that make her such a great leader.
Manfy has been an incredible servant to this football club for so many years and she leaves the club with our best wishes and sincere gratitude for everything she has done on and off the pitch over her time, especially as a fantastic captain.
Abbie Britton, First Team Manager
Exeter City won their final match of the 22/23 season with an impressive 4-0 victory over Swindon Town seeing them top of the division with all of their games played. However, they faced an agonising wait to learn the outcome of the Moneyfields vs Cardiff City match the following week. If Cardiff dropped points, Exeter City would secure the league championship and promotion to the FA Women’s Southern Premier. Unfortunately for Exeter, Cardiff City won 2-0, claiming the division’s title on goal difference.
Under Sharpe’s leadership, Exeter City regrouped the following season and achieved promotion after going undefeated. This time, it was AFC Bournemouth that experienced heartbreak. Despite also remaining unbeaten, a draw against Keynsham Town saw the Cherries finish second, just two points behind the Grecians.
The way the club stayed united and used their disappointment as motivation is commendable. Conversations with people at the club reveal that Sharpe was instrumental in keeping the team focused on their goal.
On her departure, Sharpe said, “It is with sadness that I have made this very difficult decision, but unfortunately and regretfully my time as a Grecian has come to an end. When I signed for Exeter City Women nine years ago, I would never have believed the journey we have been on would look quite how it has. I did not expect to buy in so deeply for this club and the ethos.
“The culture was something I became entirely invested in. From competing my first season at 20 years old and not winning a game that season and suffering relegation to eight years later competing in the same league, going unbeaten and winning promotion to the third tier for the first time in the club’s history. It all came down to trusting the process.
“Leading this team and wearing the badge so close to my heart every week has been a complete honour and I have made memories and friends I will cherish for a lifetime. I am eternally grateful and want to thank all the amazing people I have met along the way that have given me opportunity, guidance and support. You have all helped me grow as a player and a person.
“Inevitably all I’ve ever wanted to do when playing football is to enjoy it, make my family proud and inspire young girls to believe in themselves. All of which I feel I have achieved here. I have no idea what’s next for me, but If it’s something even a fraction close to how good this has been then I know I’ll be happy.”
I am not privy to Manfy Sharpe’s future plans but I do hope that she is staying in the women’s game and that any club that welcomes her into their ranks is very fortunate indeed.
