John Sims (footballer)

John Sims (born 14 August 1952 in Belper, Derbyshire) is an English former professional footballer, playing as a forward, and football manager.

Sims began his career as an apprentice with Derby County, turning professional in August 1970. His league debut came as a substitute on 16 December 1972 when he replace David Nish with 4 minutes remaining in a 1-1 home draw with Newcastle United. He made only two further appearances for Derby, although one of those was as a substitute in a European Cup semi-final against Juventus.

He had loan spells with Luton Town in November 1973, Oxford United in September 1974 and Colchester United in January 1975, before moving to Notts County in December 1975 for a fee of £10,000.

He moved to Exeter City, managed by Bobby Saxton in December 1978 for £12,000, but stayed less than a year, moving to local rivals Plymouth Argyle, where Saxton was now manager, in October 1979, costing the Pilgrims £22,500. He quickly established himself at Home Park, making 183 appearances, scoring 48 goals and was voted Player of the Season in 1982 by the Plymouth fans.

He left Plymouth in August 1983, joining the third Devon professional team, Torquay United. His initial stay at Torquay was a short one, re-joining Exeter City in February 1984, Sims being one of the players moved on as a cost-cutting measure by new Torquay manager David Webb. He returned to Torquay in November 1984, this time as player-coach under Webb and in August 1985 was appointed manager when Webb's position changed to general manager. However, his spell in charge at Plainmoor lasted just 33 days and later that year he joined non-league Saltash United. He was later player-manager of non-league Waldon Athletic and ran a pub in Torquay

References

• John Sims, Post War English & Scottish Football League A - Z Player's Database