Gabriel (Gabe) Billington, a midfielder/defender, started his two-year scholarship with Exeter City in August 2021 and signed professional in March 2023 before sustaining an injury in a pre-season friendly which halted his progress for over a year. 

During 2021/22 Gabe played in defence for the under-18s in the EFL Youth Alliance and FA Youth Cup and was also in the team that lost to Bideford on penalties in the final of the Devon St Luke’s Bowl in May 2022.

Making further FA Youth Cup appearances in 2022/23, he also made his first-team debut on 4 October 2022 as a second-half substitute in the EFL Trophy tie at home to Southampton under-21 which was followed by his first start a fortnight later against Forest Green Rovers in the same competition. Rather than play under-18 football, the club was keen for Gabe to experience the adult game and he spent loan periods at Poole Town and Plymouth Parkway during the second half of 2022/23 during which time he signed his first professional contract. 

About to settle into his first full season as a professional, Gabe suffered a serious injuty in a pre-season friendly at Exmouth in August 2023 and did not play again until a brief reappearance for the under-18s towards the end of the season. Continuing his rehabilitation into the subsequent campaign, Gabe next played for the under-21s in the Premier League Cup against Bristol City in November 2024.