Having been an apprentice, Plymouth-born goalkeeper Steve Nute signed a full contract in April 1980 and made five first-team appearances for Exeter City towards the end of the 1980/81 season. He had a long and successful career in Cornwall and Devon football before refereeing into his sixties.  

He was Youth Player of the year in 1980, but he had to wait 12 months for his Football League debut playing against Reading in a 3-1 win at St James’ Park. Steve retained his place in the first team for the following three matches against Huddersfield Town, Newport County and Barnsley, and also played against Chesterfield in the final match of the season.

These were to be the only five appearances that Nute made and he was eventually released to join Bideford. In 1983 he joined Liskeard. He then worked as a builder whilst playing for St Blazey, but returned to Exeter City on non-contract forms in March 1991 as goalkeeping cover, but was not called upon for the first team.

After finishing playing Steve became a referee and was still officiating, in his early sixties, in the 2022/23 season