John 'Jack' Hinton, formerly with Southampton, played a handful of games for Exeter City in the early 1920s after featuring for Hampshire side Thorneycrofts in the FA Cup against Burnley. 

Jack was playing for Sholing Athletic, when Southampton signed him in 1912. Making two league appearances for the Saints, he served in the RAF at Farnborough during the Great War and played football for his squadron. After the cessation of hostilities he worked for Thorneycrofts shipbuilders at Woolston near Southampton and was captain of the works team that reached the FA Cup 1st Round in 1919/20. Drawn against Burnley, Thorneycrofts fought out a goalless draw at The Dell before Burnley won the replay 5–0.

Briefly rejoining the professional ranks Jack signed for Exeter City in March 1921 and, going straight into the team towards the end of City’s first season in the Football League, made a goalscoring debut at St James’ Park against Swansea Town on 12 March 1921. Absent for the next five matches, he then played in three consecutive games before leaving the club at the end of the season. 

Before returning to Thorneycrofts, and later Sholing Social, it is believed Jack also played for Barnstaple.