23rd May 1943

Birmingham

Goalkeeper

Not to be confused with the Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper of the same name and similar era, Birmingham-born Bob Wilson played for Exeter City during the first half of the 1970s. Playing in 205 league matches over six seasons he took over from Peter Shearing, lost his place to Len Bond, returned and eventually gave way to Richard Key.

He began his career with Aston Villa as a youth player, signing a full contract in September 1961. He went on to make nine league appearances for the club before he was sold for £2,000 to Cardiff City in August 1964. In his first season at Ninian Park he helped the side to win the Welsh Cup and reach the quarter-finals of the European Cup Winners Cup. The following season the club reached the semi-finals of the European Cup Winners Cup and the Football League Cup. Wilson made 115 league appearances for Cardiff before being loaned to Bristol City in November 1969 (one appearance) and then Exeter City in January 1970. The deal was then made a permanent one for a fee of £4,000. 

After making his debut against Hartlepool United, he became the first choice keeper for the next four seasons, only missing a handful of matches. He then lost his place initially to Len Bond, and later to Richard Key, and at the end of the 1975-76 season was released on a free transfer.

He continued to live in the Exeter area and worked for the Royal Mail. Last seen watching football at St James' Park shortly before COVID-19, Bob Wilson died in October 2020 at the age of 77.

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