Gary Hulmes, Manchester-born but then playing for Sligo Rovers, had a trial with Exeter City in 1978. He had previously appeared in the Football League wth Rochdale. 

Starting as a schoolboy with Manchester City, he had become a youth player with Rochdale where he eventually made ten league appearances scoring once. He then tried his luck in Ireland with Sligo Rovers for whom he was to make nearly a hundred appearances scoring in the region of fifty goals.

Midway through his time at the Showgrounds, his form was starting to attract the attention of English clubs and he had what proved to be an unsuccessful two-week trial with Exeter City. 

Returning to Ireland, he had another two seasons with Sligo before a further good spell with Limerick and a stint closer to home with Altrincham.