David Mehew, who made over 220 league appearances for Bristol Rovers, played seven league matches on loan for the Grecians in 1994 towards the end of his time as a Gashead. Having started at Leeds, he finished his professional career at Walsall before continuing in non-league football in the Bristol area.

David joined Leeds United as a trainee in 1984 having represented England at under-16 level. Leaving Leeds as a seventeen-year-old, he was given an opportunity with Bristol Rovers and never looked back as he made 222 league appearances (63 goals) over a nine-year period.  

Still only aged twenty-six, but facing an uncertain future with the Bristol club, David arrived on loan at St James’ Park towards the end of the 1993/94 campaign and made his debut against Brighton and Hove Albion on 26 March 1994. Joining the club as it faced an end-of-season fixture backlog, David started five games - and twice appeared as a substitute - during his brief stay with the Grecians. 

Subsequently released by Bristol Rovers, David played a dozen or so league games for Walsall in 1994/95 before embarking on a non-league career at what was still a relatively young age. Starting with Yate Town, and always based in Bristol, David appeared for Bath City (at least two spells), Farnborough Town, Rushden & Diamonds, Forest Green Rovers (including a FA Trophy final appearance), Clevedon Town, Paulton Rovers, Brislington, Weston-Super-Mare, Bitton, Bristol Manor Farm and Gloucester City where he was to become manager between 2008 and 2014.

With two sons - Olly and Tom - now progressing through the Bristol Rovers academy before playing semi-professional football themselves - David later worked as manager of Mangotsfield United.