The Colchester United match programme for the clash with Wigan on 12th February 1999, provided details of two young U's who had signed four year School of Excellence contracts that would keep them at Colchester until 2002. Both Richard Springett and John White played for the Colchester Under-13s at the time of the article.

John started playing football for Great Totham's Under-9s at the age of 6. He joined Sid Wells and Andy Aubin's Maldon Saints at the age of 7. Joined Norwich in 1997 but was not happy with the Canaries so returned to Maldon Saints until the end of 1997/98 season. During this time, he also played for Colchester & North East Essex District. He started training with Colchester in 1998.

He made his first team debut on 24 August 2004 in the English League Cup against Cheltenham Town. He plays as a left-back

John was loaned to Stevenage in November 2007 and to Southend in July 2009.

He rejected a new contract in the summer of 2013 and joined Southend on a two year contract.

Southend were relegated to the National League on 1st May 2021

White was released by Southend at the end of 2021/22 season having made 288 appearances.

He then signed for National League South side Braintree on 24th May 2022. He became Assistant Manager during the 2023/24 season.

On 16th May 2024 he announced his retirement having played over 600 games.