19th December 1948

Budliegh Salterton, Devon

Midfielder

With a season away at Bournemouth in 1974/75 - when he scored just three times in thirty-three league games - Budleigh Salterton-born John Wingate claimed 34 goals in his two spells in Exeter City’s first-team between 1969 and 1976. Playing each season in Division Four, he appeared at an unremarkable stage of the club’s history with his best season coming in 1971/72 when he scored nine times.     

He had played for Exeter City’s colts team in 1967/68 and was appearing for Dawlish Town when Plymouth Argyle signed him on amateur forms in December 1968. He played one league game for the Pilgrims against Gillingham before returning to Dawlish.

Exeter City signed John on a professional deal in February 1969 and it proved to be a good move as he served the club in two separate spells as a full professional. His debut came against Chesterfield at Saltergate in March 1969 and he featured in the majority of games thereafter with his best season coming in 1971/72 when he scored on nine occasions with most of his strikes coming in an early-season flurry.

Having refused a £4,000 bid for John from Scunthorpe United in December 1970, City eventually allowed him to join A.F.C. Bournemouth in July 1974. Enjoying little success at Dean Court, he was back at St James’ Park on a free transfer in July 1975.

Remaining with Grecians until the end of the 1975/76 season, he joined Bideford and later owned a fudge-making business.

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