A St Luke’s College student from London, Alan Pinkney made little more than a handful of league appearances for Exeter City in the late 1960s but also played against Manchester United in the FA Cup in 1969. He later played for Crystal Palace and Fulham (loan).

Staying on to the sixth-form at school, Alan was an England Schools under-18 international who played for Corinthian Casuals before studying at St Luke’s College in Exeter. Playing for the college in the Western League and having guested for the Grecians in Cec Smyth’s testimonial match, Alan received a call to play for Exeter City’s first-team at Darlington in February 1968. Making five appearances in his first season, he scored against Lincoln City in April 1968.  

Alan subsequently appeared just twice more for City in league fixtures - against Notts County and Aldershot in late December - and, having also featured against Newport County in the FA Cup, was on hand to appear against European Cup holders Manchester United in the 3rd round tie on 4 January 1969. 

With this proving to be Alan’s final appearance for the Grecians, and his college studies heading for completion, he moved back to London and signed for Crystal Palace in July 1969 for whom he enjoyed 24 league outings. Switching to Fulham in January 1973, he briefly returned to Palace ahead of appearing for non-league Wimbledon and Cape Town City in South Africa.