John McCulloch made a single league appearance for Exeter City in 1921 before leaving the club for disciplinary reasons. He had previously played for a number of clubs, including Dumbarton, and later played in America. 

John was with Dumbarton in 1917/18 and, after having trials with bigger clubs, signed for Dykehead where he played in the Scottish Cup. 

Heading south to join Exeter City in November 1921, John made his debut in a 1-0 home win over Millwall three days after signing. Several days later John was reported to have returned to Scotland for reasons of a “private nature” and, on 6t December, it was announced he would not play for the club again having been brought before the board of directors on a “question of discipline”

John subsequently turned out for Airdrieonians before playing in the United States with New Bedford Whalers and J & P Coats (Rhode Island).