Quick Facts
Biography
John Edward South (born 8 April 1948) is an English retired professional football centre forward who made one appearance in the Football League for Brentford. In his subsequent career in non-league football, South spent nearly 10 years with Metropolitan Police.
Playing career
Brentford
South began his career in the youth system at Fulham, before moving to West London rivals Brentford in 1966. He made his professional debut in a 3–1 FA Cup second round replay win over Orient on 10 January 1967. His league debut came 11 days later in a match versus Southend United, which was drawn 1–1. He suffered a severe knee injury in training shortly afterwards. In a period of financial uncertainty for the Griffin Park club, South was released as a cost-cutting measure at the end of the 1966–67 season.
Non-league football
South dropped into non-league football to sign for Southern League Premier Division side Guildford City in 1967. After suffering further injury woes, he joined Metropolitan Police, staying with the club for nearly a decade.
Personal life
South's brother Ernie also played football and was a goalkeeper for the Brentford junior team.
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Brentford | 1966–67 | Fourth Division | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Career total | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ||