WARRINGTON Town and their FA Cup opponents Exeter City may never have played each other before, but there is a player who links two clubs that play their home matches 232 miles apart.

Warrington-born John Rutter, who joined Town at the age of 15, signed for Exeter City via Bournemouth 41 years ago.

He played 31 games for the Grecians in the 1973-74 season before returning north for 10 years in Stockport County’s first team.

Also, City have revealed this week that full back Sammy Strettle, who was born in Warrington in 1885, signed for the Grecians in 1913.

And, during the club’s South America tour 12 months later, Strettle played in defence in what was Brazil’s first ever match – the future five-time world champions won 2-0 in Rio.

Strettle returned to Warrington in 1920 to play local football.