15th July 1958

Canvey Island, Essex

Forward

Gary Heale played for Exeter City during 1977/78 when on loan from Luton Town. He later appeared for Reading and Sparta Rotterdam before enjoying a long career playing both outdoors and indoors in the United States.

He began his career with his local club, Canvey Island in 1975. He moved to Luton Town in December 1976 and scored one goal in seven league appearances. He was loaned to Exeter City in December 1977 making his debut in 2-4 defeat at home to Cambridge United. He retained his place for the three following matches, before returning to Luton.

Transferred to Reading in August 1979, he had the best spell of his career in the Football League as he netted 20 goals in 76 appearances for the Elm Park side. In the summer of 1982 Heale linked up with Sparta Rotterdam, staying there for one season. He then signed for San Diego Sockers of the North American Soccer League later moving on to Tacoma Stars (of the Major Indoor Soccer League), Los Angeles Lazers, St Louis Storm and 
Seattle Sounders in 1994. Continuing to live in Washington state, he coached locally for many years.

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