[1][2] After playing as an amateur for Hull City reserves, he started his league career with Huddersfield Town and then moved to York City, first playing for them in 1947–48.
During the war, John was in the Army Physical Training Corps and guested for Plymouth Argyle, Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic, Portsmouth, Southampton, Leyton Orient, Aldershot and Leeds United.
In summer 1977, he was appointed physiotherapist at York City.
He retired in May 1983 after a testimonial game against Leeds United.
This biographical article related to association football in England, about a defender born in the 1910s, is a stub.