Mike Barrett, a well-known goalkeeper in Devon non-league circles who had also played for Gloucester City and Cheltenham Town, was in his early thirties when he made four first-team appearances for the Grecians as emergency cover during the 1994/95 season. 

Having played for the Exeter City youth team in 1980/81, Mike spent much of his career in the Western League and was a key member of the successful Exmouth Town side of the mid to late-1980s. Then, after the teams had met in the FA Cup during 1990/91, Mike (along with two other Exmouth players) signed for Cheltenham Town then in the Conference. Also  appearing in the Southern League for Gloucester City, he later returned to the Western League with Crediton United and Liskeard Athletic whilst being registered to play for Exeter City in an emergency.

Such a situation arose in December 1994 with Peter Fox injured, Andy Woodman suspended and Ross Bellotti considered too inexperienced. Mike, now thirty-one, was called upon to make his Football League debut in the game against Darlington on 17 December 1994 and retained his place for the following three matches against Torquay United, Hereford United and Scunthorpe United.

With Peter Fox fit to resume Mike went back to the Western League again and, soon afterwards, became assistant manager to Graham Weeks at Crediton United.