Senior Captain: 1981

Senior Captain/Coach 1981

So many football fans just loved this man for what he had produced as a player with the Magpies prior to his career being cut short by one of the most publicised and brutal behind-play acts in the game’s history.
His recruitment to the Seagulls was an outstanding achievement and, he arrived complete with that marvellous physical prowess still intact.
Recruited from Port Melbourne mid-season 1980, John brought an air of excitement with him. His status as a player was unparalleled. His recruitment was big news throughout the area and when he was appointed as coach, the club attracted several big name players who simply wanted to play alongside the their hero.
History tells us that John, despite the best efforts of the entire Chelsea FC community, was unable to succeed in landing that most elusive seventh flag.
Crestfallen after the loss, John moved back to Tasmania in a coaching role and left the Chelsea club with enduring memories of an exciting  but brief period in the its history.