Neil McCreery was a first-year student at Exeter University when he made his debut for Exeter City reserves against Swansea City in November 1980 in a game when he scored twice against opponents who included former Liverpool players John Toshack (then the Swans’ manager) and Ian Callaghan.

Settling in the Plymouth area, Neil taught maths and computing at several schools in the city and also appeared for a number of clubs in the South Western League including Launceston. His son Jon later played in the South West Peninsula League for the likes of Ivybridge Town and Torpoint Athletic.