John Groves (footballer)

John Groves (16 September 1933 – 26 June 2017) was an English professional footballer best known as a player for Luton Town.

John Groves
Personal information
Full name John Groves[1]
Date of birth (1933-09-16)16 September 1933
Place of birth Langwith, Derbyshire, England
Date of death 26 June 2017(2017-06-26) (aged 83)
Position(s) Wing half, inside forward
Youth career
1950–1953 Luton Town
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1953–1963 Luton Town 218 (16)
1963–1965 Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic 54 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Personal life

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He was the son of former Halifax Town, Blackburn Rovers, Derby County and Portsmouth forward, Arthur Groves and uncle of darts player Laurence Ryder.[citation needed]

Career

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Born in Langwith, Derbyshire, Groves signed for Luton Town in 1949 and turned professional on his 17th birthday. After making his debut during the 1953–54 season, Groves made 251 appearances for the club over ten seasons, including an appearance in the 1959 FA Cup Final, before signing for Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic in 1963. Groves ended his career with 54 league matches for Bournemouth & Boscombe.[2]

Honours

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Luton Town

References

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  1. ^ "John Groves". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  2. ^ Rippon, Anton (30 June 2017). "John Groves was 'destined to become a professional footballer'". Derby Telegraph. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  3. ^ Vernon, Leslie; Rollin, Jack (1977). Rothmans Football Yearbook 1977–78. London: Brickfield Publications Ltd. p. 490. ISBN 0354 09018 6.