Roy Jennings was born in Swindon in 1931. Roy initially played for Swindon Town as an amateur. While at Swindon he represented Wiltshire and also England youth. Whilst studying accountancy he was spotted by a scout for Southampton, playing for them as an amateur.
Roy signed for Brighton & Hove Albion in May 1952. Initially a full back, he primarily played for Brighton as a centre half. He scored 22 goals in 276 League appearances, and 22 goals in 297 appearances for the club in all competitions. 13 of his goals were penalties. At Brighton he was known for as “a firm fans’ favourite due to his strong aerial presence and physical style of play.”
Roy joined Crawley Town on a free transfer in 1964, after being released by Brighton. He scored 38 goals for Crawley, all penalties, in 220 appearances in all competitions. 156 of his appearances were in the league. He made his last appearance for Crawley in 1969. He also managed the club between 1968 and 1970. He was the club’s third ever manager, and won promotion to the Southern League Premier Division in 1969.