John Gurkin, who had played in the Football League for Durham City, played twice for Exeter City in 1929/30. He joined the club from Stalybridge Celtic and later played for Hyde United before returning to the North East. He also appeared for West Ham and Norwich.

Starting in junior football in County Durham, John turned out for Dean Bank Villa and South Hetton Royal Rovers before joining West Ham United in 1921. Making one league appearance for the East London club, he moved to Norwich City in time for the 1922/23 season where he had ten league outings. He then had spells with Stalybridge Celtic and Spennymoor United prior to a longer stint with Third Division (North) Durham City for whom he made 161 league appearances.

After briefly returning to Stalybridge Celtic, John signed for the Grecians in 1929. Making his debut at centre-half in the seventh league game of the season at Queen’s Park Rangers on 21 September 1929, he had to wait until the final game of the season - away at Torquay United - to make his second and final appearance for the club. 

Released by City shortly after the game, he had spells with Hyde United, Jarrow and Murton and died in 1976.