Bond, Len

Birth Date

2nd December 1954

Birthplace

Ilminster, Somerset

Occupation

Goalkeeper

Biographical Text

First-choice goalkeeper during the 1981 FA Cup run Ilminster-born Len Bond had two spells with Exeter City, firstly on loan from Bristol City in 1974/75 and then a four-year stay in the early 1980s. He joined the club from Bristol City and later played for Weymouth and Bath. Kept busy playing for struggling sides, he became a firm favourite at St James’ Park and eventually returned to the club as a goalkeeping coach..

Len began his career as an apprentice with Bristol City turning professional in September 1971. He found himself mainly as a back-up keeper and accordingly only featured in 30 league matches whilst having a string of loan moves.

The first temporary transfer was to Exeter City when, after making his debut against Crewe Alexandra on 6 November 1974, he played in every subsequent match during 1974/75 totalling 30 appearances.

Len subsequently went on loan to Torquay United (October 1975), Scunthorpe United and Colchester United before spending a summer playing for St Louis Stars in the North American Soccer League. His ties with Bristol City ended upon signing for Brentford in August 1977 where he made 122 league appearances before signing permanently for Exeter City in October 1980.

Dislodging Ian Main from the team, Len played in seven of the eight games in City's run to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in 1981 during a season in which he only figured in 17 league games. He then appeared 31 times in the following season followed by 45 appearances in each of his third and fourth campaigns with the club.

Leaving for Yeovil Town in 1984 he later moved on to Bath City in 1987 before returning to St James' Park as a goalkeeping coach in the early 1990s. At times running a newsagency and a sportswear business Len also worked as a goalkeeping coach with Yeovil Town and Bristol Rovers.