Joe Burke, a half-back previously with Gateshead and Wigan Athletic, had a brief spell with Exeter City at the start of the 1936/37 season. He did not play for the first-team in a competitive fixture.

Born in South Shields in 1913, Joe Burke was twenty-three when he arrived at St James’ Park having previously been on the books of Jarrow St Bede's, Sunderland, Gateshead, New Brighton, Jarrow, Blyth Spartans and Wigan Athletic.

Playing in the pre-season practice matches in August 1936, he made a handful of reserve appearances in the Southern and Exeter & District leagues before later trying his luck with Belfast Celtic.

Remaining in football until the outbreak of war he subsequently had spells with Cork City, North Shields, Scarborough, Consett and Torquay Utd where, once again, he did not feature for the first-team.

Joe Burke died in South Shields in 1988 aged seventy-five.