Ray Baverstock, who had Football League experience with Swindon Town, played for Exeter City in a friendly at Bideford in October 1983 at a time when manager Gerry Francis was desperately seeking new players. He later enjoyed a long stint in the Southern League with Cheltenham Town.  

Joining Swindon as a trainee in 1981, and turning professional on his 17th birthday a few months later, he made a total of seventeen Football League appearances for the Wiltshire club before leaving the County Ground in May 1983. 

Keen to return to the professional ranks, his stay at St James’ Park did not result in a deal being struck and he went on to play over 250 times for (the then) non-league Cheltenham Town.

Thereafter Ray also playied for Gloucester City, Trowbridge Town, Forest Green Rovers and Cirencester Town prior to going into management with Cirencester, Devizes Town and Swindon Supermarine.