Ley, George

Birth Date

7th April 1946

Birthplace

Exminster, Devon

Occupation

Defender

Biographical Text

Appearing fourteen times in the club’s 1963/64 promotion campaign George Ley played for Exeter City between 1963 and 1967. Although locally-born, he joined the club from Hitchin Town having been on the books of Arsenal. He left St James’ Park in an £8,000 move to Portsmouth where he played in 184 league games before playing for Brighton and Gillingham. 

Trying his luck with his hometown club, he was signed by Exeter City in September 1963 after a successful trial period. Having previously played for Hitchin Town (following a spell on the books at Arsenal) he proved to be an astute signing as he made his league debut for the Grecians against Carlisle United at St James’ Park in the same month in a season when the Grecians went on to be promoted with George appearing in fourteen of.the games. A left-winger then he was converted to left-back in 1965/66 and was soon excelling in his new position.

Swansea enquired about his availability in June 1966 and seven months later he asked for a transfer. He was transferred to Portsmouth in May 1967 for a fee of £8,000 and went on to score ten goals in 184 league outings for the Fratton Park club. He then joined Brighton and Hove Albion in September 1972 where he added a further 47 league appearances. After spending some time playing for Dallas in Texas, he moved back to the Football League to sign for Gillingham in August 1974 and he stayed at the Priestfield Stadium for two years, during which time he scored three goals in 87 league appearances. After leaving the Gills, he played for St Patrick’s Athletic in the Republic of Ireland.

He later returned to the USA and joined Dallas Tornado, before moving to Wichita Wings. Returning to Britain he became head youth coach at Luton Town before moving to Austin, Texas to work unturn with Austin Socadillos, River City Rangers and Crossfire Soccer Club.

In 2014 he was inducted into the Pompey Hall of Fame and, in January 2019, he was a guest of Exeter City at a former players event.

Appearances

93

Goals

7

Files

Comments

dave wade

First team with George at Dawlish Sec. Firstly at no'7 then keeper for our Southampton Schools tour. A very quiet guy, except when he played.  Brilliant'

Allowed tags: <p>, <a>, <em>, <strong>, <ul>, <ol>, <li>