After making around sixty appearances for Birmingham City, Brian Sharples featured in around seventy league matches for Exeter City in an injury-hit three year stay between 1968 and 1971. Dogged by persistent knee trouble he was forced to retire at the age of 27.

Brian started his career as an apprentice with Birmingham City where, after signing a full contract in December 1961, he made 61 league appearances in a seven-year stay. 

Initially arriving on loan at Exeter City in December 1968, Brian made his debut at Notts County on 21 December before making 11 appearances up until late March when he suffered a knee injury. Returning to Birmingham for an operation, his move to St James’ Park was subsequently made permanent in June 1969. 

Missing the first two games of 1969/70, Brian only sat out three more games all season as he made the number five shirt his own with two goals (against Port Vale and Southend United) from his 41 league appearances. 

Seemingly clear of his knee injury, Brian started the first five games of the following season before a recurrence of his problems as his appearances became more spasmodic. Featuring sixteen times in the league (with a goal against Darlington) he didn’t play beyond the end of January 1972 and announced his retirement at the end of the campaign. 

Brian was awarded a testimonial match in October 1972, when Exeter City entertained Aston Villa at St. James’ Park.