King, one of St Sidwell’s earliest players, appeared during the 1901/02 season several years before the club became Exeter City in 1904. 

Previously with St James, another Exeter club, he joined the new St Sidwell’s United club that had been formed largely by a group of 16- and 17-year olds who had attended St Sidwell’s school and lived close to the current St James’ Park.

He is first recorded as playing in the friendly against Exeter United on 11 January 1902 although, with records not being complete for that season, he may have played before then. A further appearance is on the records for the following week against Newton Abbot GWR Students. 

He is known to have played on several more occasions during St Sidwell's first season.