Even when he wasn’t at Gayfield he still had a passion for the club. He recommended the club to sign Simon Murray from his days as Tayport Manager, as he believed Simon was a player that was worth of a chance in senior Football.

He first arrived at Gayfield on loan from Dundee and made an instant impact on the field in the heart of midfield scoring 3 goals in 14 appearances.

The following season John left Dens Park to move to Dingwall where he played for Ross County for 2 seasons before returning to Gayfield in 2000 where he remained until 2005 making 132 appearances and scoring 31 goals before becoming manager of Dundee Violet in the summer of 2005.

John was to return to Gayfield in September to become our player / Manager taking over from Harry Cairney who resigned. Arbroath were going through a tough period at that time but John turned around our fortunes and sealed promotion from Division Three in 2008.

John spent a lot of time in the community when he wasn’t at Gayfield and made a huge impact on an off the pitch during his time at Arbroath. John would often be seen at events happening in and around Arbroath and was heavily involved with the Cafe Project.

John played for several clubs in his career – Montrose, Millwall, Fulham, Cambridge United, Peterborough United, Rotherham United, Dundee, Ross County and Dundee Violet and also managed Millwall Lionesses, Tayport, Dundee Youths and most recently Dundee Violet.

Our thoughts and sympathy go out to John’s family at this sad very sad time.

John will always be remembered by all Lichties as a real Lichtie Legend.

Rest in Peace John – You are in our hearts and thoughts.