HERE he is, Sam Strettle, the Warrington man who signed for Exeter City 101 years ago.
His great nephew, Den Hastings, of Latchford, sent in these pictures on the historic day that Warrington Town play Exeter City for the first time – in the Yellows’ inaugural appearance in the first round of the FA Cup while making their debut in front of the BBC’s live cameras.
Strettle, born in Warrington in 1885, signed for the Grecians in 1913 having already spent time on the books of Everton and Chesterfield.
During Exeter’s South America tour in 1914, Strettle played in defence in what was Brazil’s first ever match – the future five-time world champions won 2-0 in Rio.
Strettle, who lived in Longford Street and is buried in Warrington Cemetary, served with the Engineers 58th Division Signal Company in France and Flanders from 1915.
He returned to Warrington in 1920 to play local football.
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