Mark Whitlock trialled for Gerry Francis in 1983 in a pre season 0-0 draw at Swindon.
The Express and Echo reported as follows, 

WHITLOCK ON WEEK'S TRIAL

"EXETER CITY may have found the answer to their central defensive prob lems. Player-manager Gerry Francis has Southampton's Mark Whitlock down for a week's trial.

The big defender, in his mid-20s, played for City in the 0-0 draw at Swindon on Saturday.

Southampton manager, Laurie McMenemy gave him permission to play in the match and train with City this week.

Francis will take a close look at him before deciding whether to make a bid.

Whitlock, who has played in Southampton's first team, was not the only strange face in City's side on Saturday. Pat Kruse, the former Torquay United, Leicester City, and Brentford player, guested to help out his old friend, City coach Malcolm Musgrove.