John Quinn, a centre-forward from Motherwell, joined Exeter City from Third Lanark in 1925. Playing for the reserves in the Southern and Western leagues, he failed to make a first-team appearance. 

Playing for Broxburn he was transferred to Motherwell, his home town club, for a substantial sum but would only make 12 league appearances scoring just once even though he managed five goals in a friendly. Initially loaned to Hamilton Academical, he moved to Third Lanark where he was scarcely more successful then he had been at Motherwell.    

Arriving at St James’ Park, he was first seen in the practice game on 26 August 1925 when he scored a hat-trick. With the reserves doubling-up in two competitions, John made his Southern League debut against Ebbw Vale on 29 August 1925 followed by his Western League bow against Plymouth Argyle on 12 September when he scored the Grecians’ goal in a 1-1 draw.

Yet there were no more goals for John and, after a promising start, things fizzled out just as at Motherwell. It is not entirely clear as to how long he remained with City and, certainly by 1928 at the latest, he was back in Scotland with Shieldmuir Celtic.