30th April 1954

Exeter, Devon

Winger

Bobby Hodge played for Exeter City between 1974 and 1978. He joined the club from local football and later played for Colchester United. He was a member of the team that won promotion in 1976/77.

Much was expected of Bobby when he made his Exeter City debut against Reading as a substitute in September 1974. A steady, hard working winger, he had been awarded a full contract by the Grecians three months earlier and, establshing himself quickly, featured in 32 league games during his debut season when he scored four times. Appearing 25 times (3 goals) in his second season, Bobby then played his part in the 1976/77 promotion winning team when he scored seven goals in 35 league starts.

With another 31 starts (4 goals) in the 1977/78 campaign, Bobby had now made over 120 league appearances for his hometown club scoring eighteen times along the way. Starting the season in the first-team as expected in August 1978, Bobby made just four more league appearances before City accepted a £15,000 bid for his services from Colchester United.

Soon settling at Layer Road, Bobby added a further 92 league and 14 goals to his Football League tally before a brief stint with Torquay United in August 1981. Keen to take up an offer play in Norway the following summer, he kept himself fit playing for Chelmsford City before spending two seasons with Fredrikstad.

On his return to England, and then based in Essex, Bobby became player-manager of Clacton Town before moving to West Hill near Ottery St Mary where he ran a carpentry business.

120

8

18