Introduction to Exeter City Legendary Players
The Legacy of Exeter City
Exeter City Football Club, founded in 1901, has enjoyed a long and eventful history within the English Football League and the non-league pyramid. Based at St James Park, the club has developed a strong community identity and a reputation for nurturing talent, particularly through its successful academy.
While the Grecians have not competed in the top flight, they have produced and developed players who went on to achieve notable success at higher levels, such as Ollie Watkins, while also celebrating loyal club servants who made a lasting impact in Devon. Criteria for Ranking the Best Players
This list considers a combination of factors including appearances, goals, individual honours, leadership, influence during successful periods, and long-term legacy at the club. Players were evaluated based on their contribution to major promotions, performances in key matches, and longevity at Exeter City. Those who achieved success beyond the club were also considered if their time in Devon was impactful.
Top 10 Greatest Players in Exeter City History
10. Ryan Harley (2007–2011; 2014–2018)
Ryan Harley first joined Exeter City in November 2007 from Weston‑super‑Mare, making his debut in March 2008. He played a key role in their return to the Football League via the Conference Premier play-offs in May 2008, contributing a crucial goal in the semi-final comeback against Torquay United. Over his first spell, he made 108 league appearances and scored 21 goals. Harley’s 2009–10 season was especially outstanding: he finished as the club’s top League One scorer with 10 goals and netted the decisive strike in the final game, securing Exeter’s status in the division.
In January 2011 he left for Swansea but returned on loan immediately to finish the season. After brief spells elsewhere, Harley rejoined Exeter permanently in January 2015, staying through to 2018 and adding another 96 league appearances and 14 goals. In total, he amassed over 200 appearances and 35 league goals, his leadership and knack for decisive moments cementing his place in the club’s modern history.
9. Lammie Robertson (1974–1978)
Lammie Robertson joined Exeter City in 1974 after spells with Burnley, Bury, and Halifax Town. A composed and dependable midfielder, he quickly established himself as a regular at St James Park under manager John Newman. Robertson went on to make 129 league appearances for the Grecians, scoring 15 goals during a four-year stint in Devon. His calm presence in midfield and eye for a pass made him a fan favourite, and although the club did not secure promotion during his time, Robertson helped lay the foundations for the successful side that followed.
His performances earned him a move to Leicester City in 1978, where he was reunited with former manager Frank McLintock. Though his time at Exeter came before the club’s promotion under Bobby Saxton in 1977, Robertson’s influence during a transitional period was significant. His consistency and experience helped stabilise the side and prepared the groundwork for success that followed shortly after his departure.
8. Cliff Bastin (1928–1929)
Cliff Bastin made his senior debut for Exeter City in 1928 at just 16 years old, quickly establishing himself as a prodigious talent. In his single season with the Grecians, he played 17 matches in the Third Division South and scored six goals—an impressive return for a teenager. His composed finishing and tactical intelligence caught the attention of top clubs, and in 1929 he was signed by Arsenal. While his time at Exeter was brief, Bastin’s legacy at the club is significant.
He remains the most successful player ever produced by the Grecians, going on to win five First Division titles and two FA Cups with Arsenal, as well as earning 21 caps for England. For Exeter supporters, Bastin symbolises the potential of the club’s youth to thrive at the highest level. His meteoric rise from St James Park to footballing greatness secures his place in the club’s all-time top ten.
7. Tony Kellow (1976–1978; 1980–1984)
Tony Kellow remains one of Exeter City’s most prolific and celebrated goalscorers. Initially signed from Falmouth Town in 1976, he made an immediate impact, scoring 40 league goals in 107 appearances during his first spell and helping the club to promotion to the Third Division in 1976–77. His form earned him a move to Blackpool, but he returned to St James Park in 1980. Kellow continued to shine in his second spell, netting 61 goals in 143 league appearances.
He was the club’s top scorer in multiple seasons and became known for his instinctive finishing and aerial ability. Across both spells, he scored a total of 104 goals in all competitions for Exeter City, placing him among the club’s all-time leading scorers. Kellow’s consistency, influence in two separate eras, and popularity with the fans have made him a lasting icon at the club. His contributions on the pitch remain unmatched in the modern era.
6. Peter Hatch (1973–1982)
Peter Hatch joined Exeter City in 1973 from Oxford United and went on to become one of the club’s longest-serving and most dependable defenders. A left-back by trade, Hatch made over 300 league appearances during a nine-year spell at St James Park. He was a vital part of the side that achieved promotion to the Third Division in the 1976–77 season under Bobby Saxton, contributing both defensively and as a consistent presence in the starting XI.
Known for his tenacity and positional awareness, Hatch was a fan favourite throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. His commitment to the club was exemplified by his versatility—he occasionally filled in across the back line and even in midfield when needed. He remained a key player until his departure in 1982 to join Hamrun Spartans in Malta. Hatch’s loyalty and longevity firmly place him among Exeter’s greatest post-war defenders.
5. Alan Banks (1963–1966; 1967–1973)
Alan Banks is regarded as one of Exeter City’s most prolific and influential forwards. Initially joining from Cambridge City in 1963, he quickly established himself as a reliable goalscorer. After a three-year spell, Banks moved to Plymouth Argyle but returned to Exeter in 1967 and continued to make a significant impact. Across both spells, he made 258 league appearances and scored 83 league goals for the club. His sharp finishing and positional intelligence made him a constant threat in the lower divisions.
Banks was Exeter’s top scorer multiple times during his tenure and remained consistent even as the team fluctuated between mid-table finishes and promotion challenges. His second spell saw him become a central figure in the squad, contributing both experience and goals during a transitional era. Banks’ goal tally and long-term influence at the club ensure his place as one of the finest strikers to wear the Exeter City shirt.
4. Dermot Curtis (1963–1966; 1967–1969)
Dermot Curtis joined Exeter City in 1963 after spells with clubs including Bristol City and Ipswich Town, as well as a successful international career with the Republic of Ireland, where he earned 17 caps. He played for the Grecians across two spells: first from 1963 to 1966, and then again from 1967 to 1969. Across both periods, he made 157 league appearances and scored 33 goals. Curtis brought a calm, intelligent style of play to the forward line and was particularly effective at bringing others into the game.
His experience at higher levels of the Football League gave Exeter a valuable edge during competitive seasons in the Fourth Division. While the club didn’t achieve promotion during his time, Curtis remained a respected senior figure and contributed key goals throughout. He retired after his second stint in Devon, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and consistency that remains admired by supporters to this day.
3. Jimmy Giles (1971–1975; 1977–1981)
Jimmy Giles had two successful spells at Exeter City, becoming one of the club’s most reliable and long-serving defenders. He first joined the Grecians in 1971 from Aldershot and made 183 league appearances, scoring six goals across four seasons. After a two-year stint at Charlton Athletic, Giles returned to St James Park in 1977 and added another 130 league appearances and five goals to his Exeter record. In total, he played 313 league matches and scored 11 goals for the club.
A commanding centre-back known for his aerial strength and positional discipline, Giles was a key figure during a decade in which Exeter established themselves in the Third and Fourth Divisions. Although not part of a promotion-winning side, his leadership and consistency earned him the respect of both teammates and supporters. After leaving in 1981, Giles became player-manager at Yeovil Town, but his reputation at Exeter remains that of a dependable stalwart across two important eras.
2. Adam Stansfield (2006–2010)
Adam Stansfield joined Exeter City in 2006 from Hereford United and quickly became a fan favourite at St James Park. Over four seasons with the club, he made 160 league appearances and scored 37 goals. Stansfield played a crucial role in two successive promotions—first from the Conference Premier in 2007–08 and then from League Two in 2008–09—helping Exeter return to League One after a long absence. Known for his tireless work rate, intelligent movement, and selfless forward play, he was widely admired by teammates and supporters alike.
His energy and positivity embodied the spirit of the club during a period of major resurgence under Paul Tisdale. Tragically, Stansfield was diagnosed with bowel cancer and passed away in August 2010 at the age of 31. His legacy lives on at Exeter through the Adam Stansfield Foundation and the renaming of the St James Road Stand in his honour, ensuring he remains forever part of the club’s identity.
1. Arnold Mitchell (1952–1966)
Arnold Mitchell is Exeter City’s all-time leading appearance maker, having played 495 league matches for the club between 1952 and 1966. Signed from Derby County, he quickly became a fixture in the side and was known for his versatility—operating effectively across defence and midfield. Mitchell’s consistency and leadership helped stabilise the team during a period of constant change, and he served as club captain for a number of seasons.
Though Exeter largely competed in the lower divisions throughout his career, Mitchell’s commitment never wavered, and he remained a key figure regardless of managerial changes or league position. He was instrumental in the club’s promotion to the Third Division in 1963–64, one of the highlights of his long tenure. His reliability, durability, and quiet authority earned him immense respect, and he is widely regarded as the club’s greatest servant. Arnold Mitchell’s name is synonymous with loyalty, and his contribution to Exeter City remains unmatched.
Comparison of Exeter City Legends
Playing Styles and Contributions
The evolution of football across the decades is reflected in the diversity of styles among Exeter City’s greatest players. Arnold Mitchell, who played from the 1950s into the mid-60s, was a disciplined and versatile utility man, typical of an era where players often covered multiple roles with minimal rotation. In contrast, Adam Stansfield’s 2000s forward play was characterised by high-intensity pressing and mobility—hallmarks of the modern game.
Jimmy Giles and Peter Hatch offered stability and resilience in defence through the 1970s, while Cliff Bastin, in the late 1920s, stood out for his technical quality in an era of more rigid tactical systems. Bastin went on to thrive at the top level with Arsenal, showcasing the gap in opportunity and exposure between players of his time and those who remained at Fourth Division level throughout their careers, such as Alan Banks. These differences highlight how each player’s contribution was shaped by the demands and context of their era.
Impact on Club Success
Several of these players were instrumental during pivotal periods in the club’s history. Tony Kellow’s goals powered Exeter to promotion in 1976–77, while Adam Stansfield was central to the back-to-back promotions under Paul Tisdale in the late 2000s. Arnold Mitchell captained the side during their 1963–64 promotion to the Third Division, and Peter Hatch was a key part of the team that secured a similar achievement in 1976–77.
Players like Jimmy Giles and Dermot Curtis didn’t win promotion during their time but provided consistency and leadership across multiple seasons, laying solid foundations. Meanwhile, Cliff Bastin’s short spell produced limited team success, but his rise to international prominence brought lasting prestige to the club. Each player’s influence is measured not only in silverware but also in the lasting stability or identity they helped create.
Records and Achievements
Individual Honours and Awards
Arnold Mitchell holds the record for most league appearances for Exeter City, with 495 matches—a club benchmark unlikely to be surpassed. Tony Kellow remains one of the highest all-time goalscorers for the club, while Ryan Harley was frequently among the top scorers during his spells.
Adam Stansfield’s legacy extended beyond the pitch, with the club renaming a stand in his honour and the formation of a charitable foundation in his name. Cliff Bastin, although more famous for his time at Arsenal, remains the only player on the list to go on and earn England caps after beginning his career at St James Park.
Club Milestones and Championships
Multiple players on this list contributed directly to promotion-winning campaigns. Kellow, Hatch, and Mitchell were key figures in Exeter’s Third Division ascents in 1963–64 and 1976–77. Stansfield played a leading role in the Conference play-off win in 2008 and the League Two promotion in 2009.
Though Cliff Bastin, Alan Banks, and Dermot Curtis didn’t achieve promotion with Exeter, they contributed to crucial periods of stability and competitiveness. Each player’s success—whether measured in medals, appearances, goals, or influence—represents a chapter in Exeter City’s long-standing Football League story.
