Plymouth-born Alan Short made a handful of league appearances for Exeter City in the 1950s having signed from Tamerton Foliot. He later played for Yeovil Town and St Austell.

Having previously played for Tamerton Foliot near Plymouth, Alan was invited for a month's trial at Exeter City prior to the start of the 1950/51 season which resulted in him signing a one-year contract. Making his league debut against Port Vale in February 1951, Alan played in the following four matches scoring his only goal for the club in the 4-2 defeat at Reading.

Released at the end of his contract, Alan spent a season at Yeovil Town before joining St Austell in September 1952.