8th March 1936

Crediton, Devon

Winger

Crediton-born Ian Grinney played twice for Exeter City in the mid-1950s. Having played for Crediton United, he joined City as an amateur before a brief spell as a professional ahead of National Service. After later playing for Bridgwater Town, he played again for Crediton and eventually became chairman of the club.   

Playing for his local club, Crediton, he signed as an amateur for Exeter City in July 1954, and professional forms in September 1954. He had to bid his time for call up into the first team to make his Football League debut until January 1956, when he lined up against Coventry City at St James’ Park. Grinney was to feature just once more at league level in a game at Brentford. Leaving Exeter for his National Service with the Royal Air Force, he underwent a cartilage operation, and when he returned to the Grecians, he didn’t feature again.

He then spent one season with Bridgwater Town, before rejoining his home town club where he later became chairman and proudly looked after the ground for ten years. Ian had a surprise 75th birthday presentation made by his family on the St James’ Park pitch in March 2011.

A tribute to Ian, reproduced from the Credition United prgtamme by the Crediton Courier, can also be found  elsewhere on the archive.

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