IT takes a brave man to cross the City divide, and John did just that in the summer of 1999 as he swapped Port Vale for Stoke City in a move which sent shockwaves through North Staffordshire.

A hugely successful manager, John took charge of 843 matches at Vale Park helping them climb from the lower echelons of the football league's basement division all the way to the upper reaches of the Championship during his 16 year spell in charge.

John has been the Director of Football at the Britannia Stadium for the past twelve years serving as a valuable ally to no fewer than five different managers.

His current duties at the club include playing a key role in all transfer and contract negotiations, helping expand the club's scouting network and dealing with player issues.