Lancastrian Frank Houghton joined Exeter City from Newcastle United in 1954 after suffering illness and injury. He later became assistant trainer before settling in the area. 

Joining Newcastle United from Ballymena United in December 1947 for £5000, Frank’s career was blighted with injury and illness including being sidelined with tuberculosis. In four seasons on Tyneside he scored ten goals in 55 league matches and was chiefly remembered for netting twice against Sheffield Wednesday when the Magpies secured promotion from the Second division in 1948. Having broken his arm scoring the second goal - and also suffering three broken legs and TB - Frank didn't play for Newcastle beyond November 1950.  

Sent to a sanatorium in Switzerland, Frank returned to health and joined Exeter in 1954. Undeterred and determined, he made his debut in the opening game of the season scoring in the 2-0 home win over Crystal Palace. Netting six goals in 18 league outings in 1954/55, Frank followed that up with one goal in four league appearances in 1955/56 and and a further five league outings and three goals in 1956/57. He subsequently became assistant trainer at Exeter City in 1957 and remained in post until July 1958.

Frank, who ran a team in Exeter known as ‘Houghton’s Old Stars’ and was a cousin of trumpet player Eddie Calvert, later worked as a bookmaker and coached Ottery St Mary. 

Frank died in Exeter in 1994.