Forbes Phillipson-Masters had two loan spells with Exeter City; the first in 1976/77 from Southampton; the second in 1984/85 from Bristol City. He played most of his football when making 119 league appearances for Plymouth Argyle.

Forbes originally signed for Southampton as an apprentice goalkeeper in August 1972 but, after being released and becoming a centre-half, returned to the club in 1974 and made nine league appearances.

Sent by Southampton for a loan spell with Exeter City in September 1976, he made his debut against Scunthorpe United on 29 September and went on to feature in the next five matches before returning to The Dell.

Following further loan periods at AFC Bournemouth and Luton Town, he was transferred to Plymouth Argyle for £50,000 in 1979 where he enjoyed a good spell making 119 league appearances. Switching to Bristol City in November 1982, he added a further 94 league matches and four goals.

Loaned again to St James’ Park in March 1985, Forbes made his return appearance against Chesterfield on 9 March and totalled seven appearances with a goal against Halifax Town. 

He subsequently spent 1985/86 with Yeovil Town before moving into non-league management in the Dorset area whilst working as a painter and decorator in Verwood.