Ian Johnson, a centre-half who had been released by Northampton Town, had a trial with Exeter City during 1988/89. After returning to his native North East, he briefly resurfaced in the Football League with Torquay United several years afterwards.

Nineteen-years-old at the time of his brief stay with the Grecians - when he played against Plymouth Argyle’s reserves in January 1989 - he had made three league appearances for Northampton earlier in the season after moving south from Gateshead, 

Later having a short spell with Weymouth, he had been back on Tyneside for a while with Whitley Bay when he made nine appearances for Torquay United on a non-contract basis United during 1992/93. 

At various times he played in Dorset and Hampshire for Dorchester and Bashley; in the Midlands for Nuneaton and in the North East for Durham City and Chester-le-Street.