Scottish-born Alex Anderson played half-a-dozen times for Exeter City during 1952/53 as a deputy for Dick Walton. He signed from Southampton and later played for East Fife and Dundee United. 

On signing for Exeter City in June 1952, Alex was described as a "wholehearted and rugged defender” who was “strong in the tackle”. Starting with junior side East Craigie, Alex had played Scottish League football with St Johnstone and Forfar Athletic prior to moving to Southampton in November 1949 where he featured in 20 Second Division matches. 

Alex made his Exeter City debut against Walsall in an emphatic 6-1 home win on 6 September 1952 and, although he went on to play in the next five matches for City, that was his sum total for the club as Dick Walton regained the right-back slot. Released at the end of the season, he declined an offer to join Rochdale and returned to Scotland to play for East Fife followed by, during 1954/55, Dundee United. 

A talented golfer, Alex entered the Professional Footballers Golf Championship on a number of occasions including during his stay at St James’ Park.

Alex died on 18 January 1999 in Monifieth, Angus where he had been born.