John Butler, one of Chester’s unsung heroes from the much loved 1964/65 team, died recently at the age of 73. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

Birmingham born John started his career as an amateur centre half with Bestwood Colliery before signing for Notts County in 1957. He made his Football League debut, against Norwich City, in November 1958 and went on to make more than 100 appearances at Meadow Lane over the next four years. In the 1959/60 season John was an ever present at right back for the County side that won promotion from Division Four as runners up to Walsall.

In summer 1962 Bill Lambton brought John to Sealand Road and restored him back to his original position as a centre half. For the next four seasons John was a consistent performer for the club where his no-nonsense style saw him play 121 consecutive games between 1963 and 1966.

A traditional, solidly-built centre half John revelled in his role as the anchor at the heart of the Chester defence. In the 1964/65 season he had the unenviable task of defending behind the much-feted forward line of Humes, Metcalf, Talbot, Morris and Ryden that scored a total of 119 league goals. Playing alongside Dave Durie and player-manager Peter Hauser, two half backs who also liked to push forward, John was often an isolated figure in defence as Chester went all out for goals.

John made his final appearance for Chester on Boxing Day 1967 but was awarded a well deserved joint testimonial with Elfed Morris, against Sheffield United, at the end of the season. After leaving Sealand Road John played local football in the area and then worked for the Milk Marketing Board in Birmingham before retiring in Sussex. He is survived by his wife Jenny and two children.

Former goalkeeper Dennis Reeves, who played behind John in the 1964/65 team said “John was a very good positional centre half who read the game well and was excellent in the air. We kept in touch after he left Chester and he was always interested to hear about former players and how the club was getting on. In recent weeks he had been delighted to hear that the club’s fortunes were picking up and I was very sorry to hear of his death.”

Football League record

Oct 1957 – May 1962 Notts County 109 apps 0 goals
May 1962 – June 1967 Chester 220+2 apps 0 goals

First Chester game – v Gillingham (a) August 18 1962
Last Chester game – v Lincoln City (a) December 26 1967

Chas Sumner [1/12/10]