Courtesy of Exeter City FC – The Grecian Archive

Frederick Davey - Birth Date - April 13, 1924, Birthplace - Crediton

Occupation - Half-Back

FREDERICK Davey was a one club man in every sense of the word, and not the only player born in the town of Crediton who has played for Exeter City.?Joining the Grecians on a professional contract in August 1947 after he had been demobbed by the Army, Davey had played for the City reserve side as an amateur during the 1946-47 season, being signed in April 1947.?He had been a member of the Combined Services team in Germany during the War and it was reported that Nottingham Forest were also keen to sign the player.?He made his Football League debut on Boxing Day 1947, when Exeter defeated Bristol City 3-1 at St James’ Park.?In the summer of 1948 he worked on a farm in the Exeter area along with playing colleagues, Arthur Coles and Bert Hoyle.?He only missed four matches in total during the 1950-51 and 1951-52 seasons, such was his consistency.

Davey had a joint benefit match along with Angus Mackay in April 1953 when Exeter City played a team made up of guest players.?The pair had another benefit game in April 1954 when the Grecians played Cardiff City.?He eventually left Exeter and signed for Western league side, Bridgwater Town in July 1956.?He subsequently played and captained his home town club, Crediton United, for a number of seasons, before retiring from playing in June 1965 and joining the club committee. Fred died in 2000 aged 78.

Appearances 276 Goals 3.

(For anyone not aware Exeter City has a brilliant online website with a fantastic record and photos of players and teams).

Open the Exeter City website – click on “Club” and then “The Grecian Archive”). Any City supporter present or past will get some great memories.

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After 21 weeks of writing articles I’m afraid I must sign off this week. The start of the football season is fast approaching with Crediton United’s first game on September 5 (away to Bovey Tracey). On the following Monday, September 7, we welcome Ilfracombe Town, 7.30pm k.o.

It has been great for myself to plod through old matchday programmes and minute books, Colin White’s History of Crediton Football and looking back through old photos.

I am lucky that my wife Mary is also very sports minded and hasn’t minded me creeping off to my computer in the spare room. I hope that you have enjoyed my weekly reminisces of by-gone days.

As Dave Blanchford has mentioned recently the current pandemic situation means that the backbone of our club, of largely senior people, has had to ease up on their commitments.

We are getting very anxious for more help. If you can assist in any way at the Club please have a word with Dave.

Now the Cricket season has finally got off to a start the Courier will be needing the space for more seasonal reports from Cricket sources – sharpen your pencil Michael Canning!

Chris Gillard