He joined the Barnet Press newspaper as a junior reporter aged 18.
His father was a Methodist minister.
Is an avid supporter of Boston United football club.
He was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2001 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to Sports Broadcasting.
Hertfordshire, England (May 2009)
When not commentating on football, John was a keen supporter of horse racing. He bought a gelding which he called Motty's Gift, as a present for his wife.