Crossword Genius

Citizen from central England or fellow from Exeter, say (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

oxonian

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'citizen from central england' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'fellow from exeter say' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'fellow' could be 'ian' (common masculine name) and 'ian' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'oxon' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'or' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for oxonian that I've seen before include "varsity type" , "Pertaining to Oxford" , "student of Jesus, say" , "Native or scholar of Oxford" , "Relating to a top British university" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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