The Bantams are back at the Utilita Energy Stadium this weekend - as they welcome Exeter City for a first-round clash in the Emirates FA Cup.
The Grecians have started the season well, finding themselves fourth in Sky Bet League Two having lost only one game.
Exeter’s best finish in the FA Cup came in the 1930/31 season, and the 1980/81 season. The Grecians reached the quarter-final of the competition on both occasions - losing 4-2 to Sunderland in 1931 and 2-0 to Tottenham in 1981.
We have put together an Opposition Guide to give you all the information you need to know about our first FA Cup opponent this season.
TRANSFER ACTIVITY
The Grecians allowed 23 players to leave the club this summer, and replaced them with 14 fresh faces at St James’ Park.
INCOMINGS: Scott Brown (Port Vale), Cameron Dawson (Sheffield Wednesday, loan), Jonathan Grounds (Swindon Town), Pierce Sweeney (Swindon Town), George Ray (Tranmere Rovers), Callum Rowe (Aston Villa), Timothee Dieng (Southend United), Josh Coley (Maidenhead United), Sam Nombe (MK Dons), Jevani Brown (Colchester United), Colin Daniel (Burton), Owura Edwards (Bristol City, loan), Kyle Taylor (Bournemouth), Padraig Amond (Newport, loan).
OUTGOINGS: Jonny Maxted (Northampton Town), Lewis Ward (Swindon Town), Rory McArdle (Harrogate Town), Will Dean (Truro City), Cheik Diabate (Turo City, loan), Jack Arthur (Biedford AFC, loan), Noah Smerdon (Released), Tom Parkes (Livingston), Lewis Page (Harrogate Town), Louis Morison (Tiverton), Jake Taylor (Stevenage), Joel Randall (Peterborough United), Lewis Wilson (Biedford AFC), Alex Fisher (Released), Nick Ajose (Released), Ryan Bowman (Shrewsbury Town), Nelson Iseguan (Tiverton, loan), James Dodd (Weston-super-Mare, loan), Randell Williams (Hull), Ellis Johnson (Truro City), Jack Veale (Taunton Town), Jordan Dyer (Bath City, loan)
ONES TO WATCH
Matt Jay
Jay has scored nine goals in 16 games across all competitions, making him the Grecians' top scorer.
The 25-year-old is a product of Exeter’s academy and scored his first goal for the Devonshire-based outfit in 2016. Jay netted 20 goals in an impressive 2019/20 season, taking home the Player and Player’s Player of the Year awards.
Jay was included in the Sky Bet League Two team of the Year last season.
Josh Key
Josh Key has earned the most assists at the club this season, setting up five goals in 15 appearances.
Another product of Exeter’s academy, Key is the starlet of an impressive Grecians side - scoring his first goal for the club at 19.
Exeter’s No.12 joined the club as an under-16 and plies his trade on the right of Matt Taylor’s side, either at right-back or on the wing.
George Ray
Ray is a crucial part of a Grecians defence which has kept five clean sheets so far this season, including one against the Bantams on the opening day of the season.
The No.5 joined the club in the summer and has gone on to make 14 appearances for Exeter, starting 13 of them.
At 6ft 4ins, Ray’s commanding presence helps him win aerial duels at the back and poses a great goal threat from set pieces.
CAPTAIN
Matt Jay captains the side, having been awarded the armband after a prolific 2019/20 season.
The Grecian’s skipper is a firm fan favourite, due in no small part to his goal-scoring ability and graduation from their academy.
Jay’s leadership qualities are evident in his loyalty to the club, along with his willingness to play in a number of positions - including striker, winger or attacking midfield.
MANAGER
Matt Taylor was appointed manager at the start of the 2018/19 season, after Paul Tisdale’s departure.
Taylor made over 150 appearances as a defender for the Grecians, helping them achieve back-to-back promotions from the National League to Sky Bet League One.
The 39-year-old once donned the claret and amber of the Bantams - joining the club in 2013, but only making two appearances for the West Yorkshire outfit before joining Cheltenham.
LAST MATCH
Salford 1 (Tom Elliot 79’)
Exeter 2 (Matt Jay 53’, Connor Ripley OG 90+3’)
EXETER: Cameron Dawson; Pierce Sweeney, George Ray, Alex Hartridge, Josh Key (booked 29’); Timothee Dieng (booked 43’), Archie Collins, Jake Caprice, Matt Jay (Nigel Atangana 78’); Jevani Brown (Padraig Amond 84’), Sam Nombe. SUBS (not used): Colin Daniel, Jonathan Grounds, Harry Kite, Owura Edwards, Scott Brown.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Meetings: 45
City Wins: 16
Draws: 13
Exeter Wins: 16