Fred Binney’s footballing journey is one of perseverance, adaptability, and goal-scoring prowess. Born Frederick Edward Binney on August 12, 1946, in Plymouth, England, his career was characterized by his ability to find the back of the net consistently, even when facing setbacks and transitions between clubs. From his beginnings at Torquay United to his later years in coaching and administration, Binney’s story exemplifies the determination and passion that define a successful footballer.
Fred Binney’s footballing career began at Torquay United, where he joined as an amateur before turning professional in October 1966. Although he quickly established himself as a reliable scorer for the club’s reserve side in the Western League, breaking into the first team was a different challenge altogether. The presence of the prolific Robin Stubbs in Torquay’s attack meant opportunities were scarce for the young Binney, and his debut did not come until September 1967. That day, he played in a 1–1 draw against Grimsby Town, but it was clear he would need to wait longer to secure regular first-team football.
However, even sporadic opportunities can serve as stepping stones. While he struggled to hold down a place in Torquay’s starting lineup, his time at the club provided him with invaluable experience. Yet, his career was at a crossroads. As he patiently waited for his chance, a temporary move would soon set him on a path toward a more prominent role in football.
In February 1969, Binney joined Exeter City on loan. It was here that his natural goal-scoring instincts came to the fore, with an impressive return of 11 goals in 17 league games. His form at Exeter made it evident that he could excel with regular playing time, and this loan spell became the catalyst for a permanent move. In March 1970, Binney transferred to Exeter City for a fee of £35,000, closing the chapter on his Torquay career, which saw him score 10 goals in 34 league appearances.
At Exeter, Binney truly thrived. The 1972–73 season was a standout moment in his career, as he notched 28 league goals to become joint-top scorer in the Football League alongside Pop Robson of West Ham United. This remarkable achievement underlined his credentials as one of the most lethal strikers outside the top tiers. Furthermore, his consistent performances continued into the following season, earning him the prestigious PFA Division Four Player of the Year award after another 25-goal campaign. Undoubtedly, these exploits did not go unnoticed. Clubs from higher divisions began circling, and it was only a matter of time before Binney’s talents would be called upon at a higher level.
In May 1974, Fred Binney made the step up to Brighton & Hove Albion. Managed by the legendary Brian Clough, the club acquired Binney in a deal worth £25,000, with John Templeman and Lammie Robertson heading to Exeter as part of the exchange. For Brighton fans, this was a moment of excitement, as Binney brought with him a proven track record of scoring goals.
His time at Brighton was fruitful. During his second season at the Goldstone Ground, Binney scored 23 league goals, nearly propelling the club to promotion to Division Two. His ability to deliver consistently in front of goal made him a key player, and by the time he left the club, he had amassed 35 league goals in just 70 appearances.
In addition to his domestic performances, Binney’s career took on an international dimension when he moved to the United States in 1977. Playing for the St. Louis Stars in the North American Soccer League (NASL), he experienced a different style of football, even sharing the pitch with icons like Pelé. A particular highlight came when he scored with a powerful header in front of 68,000 fans in New York, a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion on the grandest of stages.
October 1977 marked a return to familiar surroundings as Binney joined his hometown club, Plymouth Argyle, on a free transfer. However, his initial season with Argyle was fraught with difficulties. The team struggled to avoid a second successive relegation, and Binney himself found it challenging to establish a regular starting role. Nevertheless, his fortunes turned around dramatically the following season. Binney’s 28 goals not only spearheaded Plymouth’s campaign but also earned him the Plymouth Player of the Year award.
Despite this personal success, Binney’s time at Argyle was abruptly curtailed. New manager Bobby Saxton had different plans, and in January 1980, Binney was transferred to Hereford United for £37,000. Though his departure was sudden, it highlighted the unpredictable nature of football, where even established players can find themselves on the move due to managerial preferences.
At Hereford United, Binney continued to contribute both on and off the pitch. While playing for the club, he also began preparing for a post-playing career, qualifying as a coach and eventually becoming assistant manager to Frank Lord. This transition marked the beginning of a new chapter in Binney’s footballing life as his career took another intriguing turn when he followed Lord to Malaysia, where he worked as a coach for the Malaysian national team. This international experience broadened his horizons and allowed him to develop his skills in a completely different environment.
By 1985, Binney was back in Devon, this time as assistant manager to Colin Appleton at Exeter City. Although his managerial stint was relatively short-lived—ending when Appleton was dismissed in 1987—Binney remained connected to football through his role at Plymouth University. There, he became the Recreation Officer and later served as the president and coach of the university’s football club, demonstrating his enduring commitment to the sport.