Another example of the Norwich City - West Ham connection. John began his career as an apprentice with West Ham and went on to make 249 appearances for the Hammers between October 1970 and August 1979. Powerful in the tackle, he formed a central defensive partnership with Frank Lampard until John suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss most of the 1976-77 season. Failure to secure a first team spot after his injury led to a £20,000 transfer to Norwich for whom he made 45 appearances, scoring once. He became reserve team coach in August 1981 but left to become player-coach at Bristol Rovers in May 1982.