Jennings was with the Grecians for four seasons and played an instrumental role in the club's second ever promotion in 1977
ALL AT Exeter City Football Club were sad to hear of the passing of former Grecians winger Nicky Jennings, who died last weekend at the age of 70.A tricky left-winger, Jennings began his professional career with Plymouth Argyle in June 1963, who had signed him from his home town club of Wellington in Somerset. He was to score 11 goals in 98 appearances for Argyle before moving to Portsmouth in January 1967 for a fee of £25,000.
Jennings was an immediate hit at Fratton Park, scooping the Player of the Year title in his maiden campaign. He would go on to net 44 goals in 207 league appearances during his time on the south-coast.
After a one-month stint with Aldershot, and a short spell stateside with National American Soccer League side Dallas Tornado, Jennings returned to the West Country to sign for Exeter City. He proved to be a huge success at St James Park, appearing in the City team that won the club’s second ever promotion in 1977 alongside the likes of Tony Kellow, Peter Hatch and Bobby Saxton. Jennings stayed with City for four seasons, during which time he scored 15 goals in 124 league matches.
He was rewarded for his efforts in the red and white with a testimonial match between Exeter City and Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest in February 1979, a game which marked the debut of England’s first £1million player, Trevor Francis.
After a spell as player-manager of Western League side, Wellington Town, Jennings took his leave from football to become a full-time Probation Officer. He then retired to live in Wimborne Minster, Dorset, before moving to Bournemouth.
Our thoughts are with Nicky’s friends and family.
Photo: Nicky Jennings looks on after striking from distance.