Bill Ellaway played for Exeter City between 1954 and 1956. He joined the club from Barnstaple and later played for Bournemouth,

Bill Ellaway, then with Barnstaple Town, played in a trial match for Exeter City in August 1953, having had a trial with Arsenal the previous season. Signed from Barnstaple Town in November 1954, He made a memorable debut for Exeter City when he scored in the 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion the following February. He was to score once more in his first season with the club, during the eight league appearances made.

He started the 1954-55 season in the first team and netted twice in the opening four games, ending the campaign with six goals in 18 appearances. His first team chances were restricted to just four games and one goal in the following season.

Bill signed for Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic in June 1956 but only made four league appearances before moving to Poole Town.

Bill died on the 20th April 2022. 

A tribute to Bill Ellaway appeared in the Crediton Courier shortly after he died in 2022 and is also reproduced elsewhere in the archive.