Sad news has filtered through from over the Pennines that former PNE wing half, John Wylie died in Doncaster Royal Infirmary on Wednesday 18th September, aged 76.
John signed for Huddersfield Town in 1954 more or less straight from school, but he never made a first team appearance for The Terriers.
Preston North End signed the blond haired half back during May 1957 on a free transfer.
He had to patiently wait until September 1958 before making his North End league debut, standing in at left half for the injured Frank O’Farrell.
John only managed five appearances that season and the following season, 1959-1960 he did not figure in the team at all.
However, he came good the first season North End had without the services of Tom Finney, albeit a relegation season.
Coming into the team at the end of August he kept his place throughout, half his games being played on the left and half on the right hand side of midfield.
On Boxing Day 1960 he actually captained the team when George Ross and Dave Wilson made their league debuts.
After 110 league and cup games for Preston, John was transferred to Stockport County for £3,500.
After a couple of seasons at Edgeley Park he moved back across the Pennines to play for Doncaster Rovers, where he settled after his football career was over.
Our condolences go out to his family and friends.