Belfast-born Johnny Cochrane briefly played for Exeter City in 1963. He joined the club from Brighton and Hove Albion and later played for Ards. His career in professional football ended because of poor vision although, having successfully adapted to contact lenses, he played on in the Irish League.

Hailing from Belfast he signed professionally with Brighton and Hove Albion in October 1961 and went on to make 14 league appearances for the Sussex club scoring three goals.

Moving to Exeter City on a free transfer in the summer of 1963, Johnny only played two league games for the Grecians the first of which was against Lincoln City on 31 August 1963. Retaining his place in the side for the next match against Gillingham, he soon departed St James’ Park and returned to Northern Ireland to sign for Ards in September 1963.

It later emeged that Johnny had poor vision and, after failing to grapple with contact lenses, had decided to quit professional football. Returning to Northern Ireland, and experimenting with a new set of lenses, he subsequently enjoyed a successful Irish League career with Distillery and Ards.