Full-back Paul Smythe was an Exeter City apprentice between 1977 and 1978 when he featured for the club's youth and reserve teams. Early in the 1978/79 season the local press reported that he was about to be offered a professional deal on the completion of his apprenticeship with in October 1978 manager Bobby Saxton saying "The lad has done quite well. He has plenty to learn, but he is im proving and has good assets. "We will offer him a contract. and if he wants to work hard, listen and learn, he has a chance."

There is no apparent subsequent mention of the offer being made or the player accepting,