Left-back Bob Wallace had been a professional with Bolton Wanderers, Swindon Town and Plymouth Argyle before arriving at St James’ Park in 1937. After playing 37 times for Exeter City during 1937/38 he had an operation after the opening game of the following season and, as complications set in, died just over a fortnight later aged twenty-eight. 

Having played Durham junior football until the age of twenty-three, Bob signed for Bolton Wanderers in 1933 but didn’t appear in the first-team and twelve months later moved to Swindon Town where he played in 12 league games. Signing for Plymouth Argyle in 1936, he made nine appearances before being released.

Joining Exeter City in the summer of 1937, Bob finally played regular first-team football and, after making his debut against Newport County on 28 August 1937, featured in 37 Third Division (South) games during 1937/38.

Remaining in the team at the start of 1938/39, Bob appeared in the opening game against Cardiff City at Ninian Park on 27 August 1938 before undergoing an operation to remove an abscess from his forehead. Complications set in and Bob died on 14 September 1938. A fund was subsequently set up by Exeter City to help his widow and five-year-old daughter.