A full Scotland international, John had a long and distinguished career, notably north of the border, as both a player and a manager.

Starting his career with Hibernian, the North Lanarkshire lad would play over 200 games for the Edinburgh club in an eight year spell that would see him lift the League Cup.

An accomplished right back he would be as effective going forward and in his defensive role and he would enjoy a four year spell on Tyneside before eventually being sold to nearby Middlesbrough at the age of 30.

He would manage a number of clubs in Scotland and Berwick, whilst his son (Paul) would also play professional football in Scotland but would never reach the heights his father managed to achieve.