Mike Simpkins, on loan from Cardiff City, played a handful of games in Exeter City’s ill-fated 2002/03 season. He later played for Rochdale prior to appearing for a number of non-league clubs in the Midlands and North of England.

Mike began his professional career at Sheffield Wednesday in July 1997 having been a trainee with the club. He signed for Chesterfield in March 1998 and, after making 26 league appearances, joined Cardiff City in May 2001. Featuring in 18 league and cup games during his first season in South Wales, he hadn’t yet appeared in the following season when he joined Exeter City on a month’s loan in September 2002. 

Making his debut against Leyton Orient on 21 September, Mike made five league appearances for the Grecians up to and including the Lincoln City game on 19 October. He then returned to Ninian Park and almost immediately reappeared in Cardiff’s first-team for a Football League Trophy tie at St James’ Park. 

After a further loan at Cheltenham Town, he eventually moved from Cardiff City to Rochdale in August 2003 where he played for a single season appearing in around half of the games. This proved to be the end of his Football League career and, after playing for Burton Albion in 2004/05, he later appeared for Alfreton Town (on loan), Leigh RMI, Worksop Town, Buxton, Grantham Town and Retford United. By 2010/11 Mike was back at Worksop Town prior to playing for Frickley Athletic and Belper Town.