John Long appeared as a guest for Exeter City during 1945/46 when two interim league competitions - Division Three South (South of Thames) [played until Christmas] and the Division Three South Cup (Southern Section) [played from January] - were organised ahead of a return to ‘normal’ league football in 1946/47. Playing twice in these games, he stayed on to appear once in the Football League in September 1946. 

 Lancashire-born full-back John, who had been on amateur forms with Chester, served in the Hampshire Regiment during the Second World War and attained the rank of Captain. 

He first played for Exeter City during the 1945/46 season when he appeared in two matches in the Division Three South Cup (Southern Section) against Crystal Palace (home) and Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic (away). 

Signed on for the first season of ‘normal’ football after the war, John made one Football League for City in the 4-1 home win over Aldershot in September 1946. 

He later played for Boston United.