Norman Kendall played a pivotal role in promoting football in Exeter and who went on to have a key position as an Exeter City Director. Kendall had been brought up in Southampton and taken note of the development of the local club there. After moving to Exeter as a Lay Clerk in the Cathedral he became an Exeter United Committee member and was heavily involved in setting up the Exeter Schools’ League in the late 1890s. He also championed an exhibition game between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at the County Ground in 1902. This helped put football on the map in the city. It is no surprise that Kendall was central to City joining the Southern League and turning professional in 1908. He became a Director, a role he carried out for many years. When a new supporters group, the Grecians Association, was set up after the Second World War, Kendall was appointed as President. In 1951 a new entrance was built on Old Tiverton Road and named the Norman Kendall Gate. A fitting tribute to someone who had played such an active and influential role in the history of football and Exeter City.

He died in 1955 aged 91.