Ken Gadsby appeared as a guest for Exeter City during 1945/46 when two interim league competitions - Division Three South (South of Thames) [played until Christmas] and the Division Three South Cup (Southern Section) [played from January] - were organised ahead of a return to ‘normal’ league football in 1946/47. Missing the best years of his football career because of the war, he played for Leeds United either side of the conflict.   

Signed by Leeds United from Middlecliffe Rovers in October 1934, Ken made his first-team debut in a 7-1 defeat at Everton in March 1937. Undaunted by such a start, he recovered to only miss five games during 1938/39 and won a place on the 1939 FA tour to South Africa. Remaining with Leeds during the war he played as often as his Royal Army Service Corps duties would allow although, like many a wartime player, he often found it easier to play for other clubs. Guesting for both Sheffield clubs Ken also turned out for Aldershot, Yeovil Town and Bristol City as well appearing eight times for Exeter City during 1945/46 with his Grecians debut coming against Brighton and Hove Albion in February 1946.

After playing his final game for Exeter against Aldershot on 22 April, Ken picked up the thread of his career back at Leeds although he was now past his best. Leaving Elland Road in 1948 he signed for King’s Lynn and later played for March Town whilst becoming a PE teacher in Hunstanton.

Ken died in June 2003 in a nursing home in Downham Market.