Ebdon, Richard
Birth Date
3rd May 1913
Birthplace
Ottery St Mary, England
Occupation
Forward
Biographical Text
A hugely popular player at St James’ Park, Dick ‘Digger’ Ebdon joined Exeter City permanently for the start of the 1935-36 season, having previously played for his home town club, Ottery St Mary.
Whilst at Ottery, Plymouth Argyle had wanted to sign him, however he joined Exeter on trial and played for the reserves against Torquay United Reserves on the 12th January 1935, he scored 10 goals for the reserves in the remainder of the season and 7 goals in 3 friendly games including netting 4 times against Truro City in March 1935.
His league debut for the Grecians came whilst he was still an amateur, lining up against Coventry City at St James’ Park in September 1935. It was another three months before he signed his first professional contract.
Playing for the City first team up to the outbreak of the Second World War - the 1938-39 season being his best thus far.
He continued to play for City in the 1944-45 and 1945-46 seasons, Ebdon returned to the side for the resumption of league football in 1946-47 and hit 16 goals in just 29 starts.
He had a joint benefit match with Jack Angus in March 1948 when Exeter City played Plymouth Argyle.
Richard was released at the end of the 1947-48 season, aged 35, and despite having an offer to join Yeovil Town, preferred to sign for Torquay United where he appeared in five games, scoring one goal in 1948-49. He then returned to playing with Ottery St Mary in 1950-51 and stayed with them until he was over 40-years of age.
Richard "Digger" Ebdon died in April 1987.
Whilst at Ottery, Plymouth Argyle had wanted to sign him, however he joined Exeter on trial and played for the reserves against Torquay United Reserves on the 12th January 1935, he scored 10 goals for the reserves in the remainder of the season and 7 goals in 3 friendly games including netting 4 times against Truro City in March 1935.
His league debut for the Grecians came whilst he was still an amateur, lining up against Coventry City at St James’ Park in September 1935. It was another three months before he signed his first professional contract.
Playing for the City first team up to the outbreak of the Second World War - the 1938-39 season being his best thus far.
He continued to play for City in the 1944-45 and 1945-46 seasons, Ebdon returned to the side for the resumption of league football in 1946-47 and hit 16 goals in just 29 starts.
He had a joint benefit match with Jack Angus in March 1948 when Exeter City played Plymouth Argyle.
Richard was released at the end of the 1947-48 season, aged 35, and despite having an offer to join Yeovil Town, preferred to sign for Torquay United where he appeared in five games, scoring one goal in 1948-49. He then returned to playing with Ottery St Mary in 1950-51 and stayed with them until he was over 40-years of age.
Richard "Digger" Ebdon died in April 1987.
Appearances
139
Goals
52
Collection
Files
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