Goalkeeper John Lobbett, for long understudy to George Hunter, made over forty league appearances for Exeter City during the second half of the 1950s. A local product, he also played for Bath City and Barnstaple Town.

After appearing for the club in two floodlit friendlies, and a number of reserve games, John signed professionally for Exeter City at the age of eighteen in March 1956. 

With George Hunter in possession of the goalkeeper’s jersey, John did not make his league debut until facing Millwall on 30 March 1959. Covering for Hunter, who had broken a leg, John appeared in the final ten league games of the season and kept his place for the opening seven games of the following campaign. He then gave way to Alan Jones and played in just seven more games during the remainder of 1959/60 prior to the initial decision to give him a free transfer at the end of the season.

Given a reprieve, he signed another contract with the Grecians in July 1960 and - with Alan Jones appearing in the first three league games - John took over between the sticks again and appeared in 20 of the next 21 league games up to the match at home to Crystal Palace on Boxing Day 1960. Not appearing for the first-team again, John finally left St James’ Park to join Bath City in June 1961 where he remained for two seasons before joining Barnstaple Town.