Tommy Townsend, who had played alongside one-time Exeter player Fred Bailey (later to be killed at the Somme in 1916) for Babbacombe, had been playing for the newly-formed Torquay United when he appeared in seven Football League games for Exeter City during 1921/22. He later returned to Plainmoor.. 

Tommy was a popular inside-left at the newly-professionalised Torquay United before transferring to Exeter City on 11 February 1922. He was said to be a player of great promise with whom Torquay were loath to part but City claimed the transfer under an agreement that was apparently signed earlier in the season.

Tommy went straight into the Third Division South side to make his debut in a 2-2 draw at Queens Park Rangers on 18 February 1922. Although he was to play in the following six matches he returned to Torquay United without re-appearing for the Grecians. 

Further information supplied by Jon Gibbes, Torquay United historian (October 2021):

"Tommy Townsend born 15/11/1894 at Penge, London. Family moved to Torquay when he was young and he starred for Babbacombe both before (in a strike partnership with Fred Bailey) and after the War. Brother Arthur also played for Babbacombe and Torquay United. Signed amateur forms with City at the start of 1921/22 season, but played regularly for the new professional Torquay United instead. When Exeter decided they needed him for first team duty, Torquay could not stand in his way. Returned to Torquay at the end of the season and stayed for two years before moving to Dartmouth United. Worked all his adult life at Grant's Marble Works - even when professional with United and City."