John Garratt made ten appearances for Exeter City during the mid-1920s. He joined the club from Torquay United and later played for Aldershot. Not turning professional until he was thirty soon after the Great War, he had previously been with Everton and Chesterfield.

After playing mainly in West Midlands non-league football, most notably with Halesowen and Cradley Heath, John  was a latecomer to the Football League when signing for Everton in 1920 at the age of 30. After one season at Goodison Park without making the first-team, he moved to Chesterfield where he featured in 25 games.

He then played for Torquay United in the Southern League before signing for Exeter City in March 1926. Making his debut in the 3-1 defeat at Norwich City, John was retained for the 1926/27 season and started the new campaign in the first-team. Appearing in each of the first six league games, he then faded from the scene and - after just two more appearances - was given a free transfer.

Now aged thirty-six, John signed for Aldershot in 1927 before later playing for Sheppey United and Worcester City.