Exeter-born Stan Rowe’s entry to professional football had been delayed by the war as he continued to play in local amateur football up until the age of twenty-six. Joining Exeter City in 1947 he made 139 league appearances before leaving St James’ Park in 1955. He was later with Bridgwater Town, Bideford and Exmouth. 

Educated at John Stocker in Exeter, a rugby playing school, Stan played his football with Friernhay and Buddle Lane before signing for Exeter City at the age of 26 in September 1947. 

Stan made his Exeter City debut against Ipswich Town in the same month but had to wait until the following February before having another chance as he went on to feature in a total of 16 games that season. He then enjoyed 17 league outings in 1948/49, 19 in 1949/50 and a season-best 34 in 1950/51. Thereafter Stan played in the league on 21 occasions in 1951/52, and another 25 times during the following campaign, but rarely featured after January 1953. Remaining with the club until July 1955, he signed for Bridgwater Town before quickly moving on to Bideford and Exmouth Town in June 1957.

Later coaching St Leonards - and spending many years managing the St Thomas Social Club on Cowick Street - Stan died on 27 July 1985 in the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital aged 63.