Harper, Vince
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Defender Vince Harper joined Exeter City in June 2023 from Eastleigh. Starting as a youth player with Bristol City and progressing to the professional ranks, he had briefly played for Chippenham Town before stepping up a notch to sign for Eastleigh.
Vince, who was born in Kenya before moving to Bristol as a child, came through Bristol City’s academy before becoming a scholar/trainee in 2017. Graduating to the Robins’ under-23 squad in 2019, he had loan spells at Gloucester City, Weston-super-Mare and Bath City before leaving Ashton Gate in 2021 without making the senior squad. Joining National League South Chippenham Town ahead of the 2021/22 season, Vince impressed immediately and soon moved to National League Eastleigh in September 2021. Going straight into the team he made his Eastleigh debut against Barnet and accumulated 36 National League appearances in his first season followed by another 33 during 2022/23, Scoring five league goals along the way, Vince also played in five cup games for Hampshire club and represented England C against Wales in March 2023.
Having expressed a desire to leave Eastleigh, Vince - at the age of twenty-two - agreed a two-year deal (with the option of a third year) with Exeter City in June 2023 on the basis that Eastleigh would be paid compensation. Taking the number 31 shirt of the 1931 Fund during his first season with the club, he was one of eight players to make his Grecians league debut when coming on as a substitute in the win at Wycombe Wanderers on the opening day of the 2023/24 season.
After featuring regularly during the early stages of the season, Vince was named in the Kenya squad for a friendly against Russia in Turkey in October 2023 although he did not play. Going on to play 31 league games during his first term with the club - 15 as a starter; 16 from the bench - he scored his first league goal against Fleetwood on 24 February 2024.
Appearances
League 31; Cups 6 (37)
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