Sweeney excited to be joining 'testimonial club'

WHEN Pierce Sweeney arrived at Exeter City on trial as a fresh faced 21-year-old in the summer of 2016, few could have expected the journey he was to go on. Now, as he enters a tenth season with the Grecians, his sterling service will be recognised with a testimonial.

- STUART JAMES

Having been released by Reading nine years ago, the next move was important for Sweeney as he sought to get his football career up and running. He impressed then Grecians manager, Paul Tisdale, and went on to establish himself as one of the most important players at St James Park over the last decade.

Sweeney's testimonial year starts this afternoon with a friendly against Championship side Swansea City (KO 1pm), where former teammate Josh Key will be in opposition. This evening, a testimonial gala dinner is being held at Sandy Park before further events later in the year, including a cocktail night, a golf day and a Bake Off in which raised funds will not just go to the Irishman, but his two chosen charities as well - the Adam Stansfield Foundation and Mind over MND.

“We picked these two charities purely because I know both families quite well,’ Sweeney said. “We are supporting the Adam Stansfield Foundation; the Stansfield family are still close to the football club and I have become friendly with Jay Stansfield, his partner and child and his family, so we will support that Foundation in whichever way we can.