Peter Heppell was eighteen, and playing for Friernhay, when he had a trial with Exeter City in 1970. But with City only running one side at the time, manager John Newman had no immediate need for Peter's services and matters were put on hiold until City re-constituted the reserve team in 1972. With City now back in the Western League after a five-year break, he duiy helped the side to a 12th place finish in 1972/73.