Brian Sharples06/09/1944Bradford-born centre-half who played in the Football League for Birmingham City and Exeter City. In 1965 he made history when he became Birmingham's first ever Football League substitute in a match against Preston North End, and during his three years at Exeter he played alongside a number of future Tivvy players including John Mitten and Alan Banks. Having retired from the full-time game in 1971 he was appointed manager of Tiverton for the club's inaugural season in the Western League in 1973 and stayed at the helm for 18 months, helping guide the club through what was a difficult transition into more competitive football. | |