Having started with local side Whipton, David Robinson was with Exeter City for several seasons in the mid- and late-1950s before having a short spell with Oldham Athletic. He later joined Bideford.  

Spotted playing for local side Whipton, David - a former pupil of Ladysmith School - was signed as an amateur by Exeter City in July 1954 and on a professional contract in December 1954.  

Mainly a reserve team player, David made his league debut for against Brentford at St James’ Park in September 1957 and enjoyed a run of matches in the team as he totalled 15 league appearances for the season and scored four goals. Retained for the following season, he was to only add one more game to his tally before being released.

David then signed for Oldham Athletic and remained at Boundary Park until the end of the 1959/60 campaign without making a league appearance season. Returning to the Exeter area, he played for Bideford and became a dining car waiter with British Rail.