 In March 1985 he joined Torquay United on loan and in July that year moved to Exeter City on a free transfer.He made 58 league appearances for the Grecians before a £3,000 move back to his native north-east, joining Hartlepool United in February 1987.He was released after only six games and was playing for Whitley Bay when he was appointed youth coach at Carlisle United in January 1988.