In what has been a quite remarkable stint playing for “Ribb” for forty years. To still be playing at tight head at the age of 57 is truly remarkable and a measure the man. It has been my privilege to know John for most of my 60 years of life and I can honestly say that a more principled honest man I have never met.
His commitment to the club has involved many 5 day “weeks” skiing so he could play on both Saturdays on his departure and get back for the next game. Rarely in these times does any club get the commitment that John has given to Ribb.
I vividly remember him getting run over in Shipley on the way home from Barnsley in 1998 after a few pints. I was the first to see him prostrate in the middle of the road. I said to him” are you OK John” to which he replied (rubbing his head) “F------- hell that hurt”
John is a unique character of whom we should all be incredibly proud to be associated with. People of his stature do we rarely get the chance to be associated with in life and we are all extremely lucky to have had the opportunity for him to be a “Ribb” man. What a marvellous achievement in playing for the “Mighty Ribb” for so long
So to you “Thwaity” a massive thank you from all of us at Ribb.
Words by Gavin Davidson
