Northumbrian-born Graeme Kirkup joined Exeter City as an apprentice in 1981 and made over a hundred league appearances before his release in 1986. He subsequently joined the police and enjoyed a long career in Westcountry non-league football.  

Signed as an apprentice by Exeter City, Graeme progressed to earn a full contract with the club in May 1983. Having already made his league debut as a 16-year-old against Burnley at St James’ Park in March 1982, he played 8 league matches during the remainder of his first season and a further 17 in 1982/83 after featuring regularly at the start of the season. 

Becoming a regular in the 1983/84 season, Graeme appeared in 36 league matches and scored his only league goal for the club in the defeat against Newport County in October 1983. Totalling 38 league appearances the following campaign, he played in just eight league games during 1985/86 when he made his final league appearance for the club in the game against Colchester in October 1985. 

Released on a free transfer at the end of the season, Graeme signed for Torrington ahead of spells with  Truro City and MIllbrook in the early 1990s. Subsequently joining the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary in Plymouth, he appeared regularly for police teams before much later becoming involved with  Bovey Tracey.