FOOTBALL and music have long gone hand in hand and it seems there is a musical connection at Exeter City these days.

In years gone by, the Grecians have dabbled with songs of their own, of course. Who could forget the majestic 'Exeter City Celebrate' from 1990 when the Grecians won the Division Four championship, or the cringeworthy 'Oh Exeter' by Karaoke Bob in the late 1990s to commemorate, err, being rather rubbish, probably? Even Alex Sharland, the drummer from the Hoosiers, is a keen City fan.

Now though, as American singer/actress/football manager Paul "Ashley" Tisdale seeks to mould a team capable of competing in Coca-Cola League One, it seems he wants a musical theme to his side.

In goal is Paul "Tom" Jones, the husky-voiced Welsh crooner or Kent-born shot-stopper. "It's not Unusual" to see Jonesy out of the City side, but it is right now with Oscar "Benny" Jansson, the Swedish guitar sensation, between the sticks.

The defence though, is certainly blessed with musical talent. At right-back is Steve "Jethro" Tull(y) with Welsh diva Richard "Duffy" showing no "Mercy" at left-back in his battle for the role with Scott "Goldie" Bourne. In the middle, Tisdale has options with Matt "James" Taylor, Rob "Richie" Edwards, of Manic Street Preachers fame, and Scot "Tony" Bennett, the American jazz singer responsible for 'Because of You'. Even Danny "Sam" Seaborne isn't exempt and found fame for his mix of "inspirational" and "Christian" songs!

He's no "Cockney Rebel", but Ryan "Steve" Harley has the ability to "make us smile", while he seems placid in person, but can Neil "Angry Mike" Saunders be the guitarist from Californian punk band Angry Samoans?

My good friend Kirky always bangs on about "Plastic Bertrand" Cozic, a popular French band he likes, while Alex "Alice"' Russell was a female soul singer that performed the lead vocals on a cover of The White Stripes' hit 'Seven Nation Army' with Nostalgia 77. Seven Nation Army, of course, the tune behind popular terrace ditty's "Troy Archibald- Henville" and "We're the Red and White Army" which are regularly sung by the Exeter fans.

These may be a little tenuous, but how about Craig "Keith" Moon (Noone) from The Who and the Welsh tenor Liam "Harry" Secombe? Marcus "Dave" Stewart may have 250 career goals to his name, but he also found time to hook up with Annie Lennox and the Eurythmics.

Jeff Stelling's regular reference to Adam Stansfield being "Lisa Stansfield's brother" is well documented and I wonder if Barry "Corr" was the one family member not to be in the Celtic folk rock group by the same name, so instead turned his attentions to football?

Richard "Logan"' are an up and coming British rock band, "James" Dunne legends of the 1990s British Indie music scene with hits such as 'Sit Down' and 'She's a Star', while Ben "Russell" Watson needs no introduction to his musical capabilities, especially if you are female and over the age of 50!

Stuart Fleetwood "Mac" earned stardom with 'Everywhere' and the brilliant 'Albatross' and he could be partnered in attack by "Craig David" McAllister, who was surely 'Born To Do It!'

Even City's new number 31 has a tenuous link of his own. Think Beatles... Ladies and gentlemen, I give you: James Nor "Weigan" Wood! Let's just hope all of City's musical masters are all singing from the same song sheet in the coming months, though.